Badou Jack plans to destroy James DeGale and be more popular in Sweden than Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic
BADOU JACK wants to destroy James DeGale — and become more popular than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The US-based Swede and WBC super-middleweight champ knows just what the Manchester United ace means back home.
Badou Jack is sure he can end the march of British superstar James DeGaleAP:Associated Press
And with Londoner DeGale’s IBF crown also on the line here on Saturday night, Jack is out to create history and become a smash hit like goal king Ibra.
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Jack, 33, said: “Zlatan is my boy. I like him a lot.
“I’ve met him before I moved from Sweden seven years ago but I still know he’s the biggest star there. He’s a legend and the greatest athlete to ever come out of my country.
“Could I be more popular than him if I win? You never know.”
Man Utd star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has long been the most popular sportsperson in Sweden – but Badou Jack hopes that reign is coming to an endPA:Press AssociationJames DeGale believes he is in the best shape of his life for his biggest fightAP:Associated PressSwede Badou Jack hopes to upset the hype surrounding James DeGaleAP:Associated PressDeGale will need to be at his best to topple arguably the best fighter he has facedAP:Associated Press
The Floyd Mayweather-backed fighter has become big news in Sweden — despite boxing being banned in the past for fears it was too dangerous.
And The Ripper added: “I have loads of fans in Sweden and after this, I will have even more.
“Winning will see me make history in Sweden. Nobody has ever unified titles so it’s huge for my family, my fans and my legacy.”
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But DeGale, 30, has vowed to be razor-sharp — especially after flying in his barber from London for a pre-fight trim.
Chunky cut a similar path as Jack to get to the top.
They both fought at the 2008 Olympics, with DeGale scooping gold, and won their world titles against the Dirrell brothers in 2015 — Jack beating Anthony and Chunky toppling Andre.
Jack also outpointed Brit George Groves, the man behind DeGale’s only defeat.
James DeGale knows he is one victory away from legendary status in the pantheon of British boxersReutersBadou Jack is hoping to match the popularity and status of footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their home countryAP:Associated Press
And he insists that is where the similarities will end.
Jack, set to move up to light-heavyweight after this fight, said: “Floyd has really helped me, he believes in me.
“In people’s eyes this is a 50:50 fight but in my eyes it’s not, because I’m the better fighter and I will prove that on Saturday.”
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