2. DeGale was a mischievous child and would get into all kinds of trouble especially at school. His grandfather suggested to his parents to let him take up boxing to channel his energy.
3. At the age of nine, DeGale walked into his first boxing club (Trojan in Harlesden), took up boxing and he has never looked back.
4. He was given his nickname “Chunky” from day one when one of the trainers looked at him (as he was a bit overweight) and said “alright Chunky” and the name has stuck ever since. Everyone in amateur boxing only knew him as “Chunky.” If someone asked about James DeGale, people would look strangely as everyone in amateur boxing only knew him as “Chunky.”
5. DeGale was a student at the renowned Barbara Speake Stage School in London and showed promise in singing and dancing, but his bad behavior got him expelled.
6. DeGale had a tough stretch at about the age of 13-14 when he went off the rails and did not go to the gym for months. This all changed when his parents had enough of his wayward behavior and told him if he didn’t change his ways and go back to boxing he would go to Social Services.
7. Since that day he has gone from strength to strength. He was chosen for Young England at 14-years-old, won major amateur tournaments and after the NABCs DeGale was chosen from the England Podium Squad. He traveled the world competing in major competitions winning bronze in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and in 2006 was chosen for GB Podium squad to represent his country at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.