Our interview with James DeGale By Hibba and Evi School Reporters, Holland Park School, London

Hibba and Evi meet Olympic champion James DeGale

It is in this club that we interviewed the champion boxer about his blossoming career and support for the BBC Unsung Hero 2008 Awards.

The club turns out an impressive number of budding boxers year after year, supported by volunteer coaches like Steve Newland who is James' Unsung Hero.

Could all this have happened without the work and support of unsung heroes like Steve? James DeGale certainly doesn't think so.

I have heard about your career dilemma. Have you decided whether or not you are going pro?

No, not yet. Although the majority of me is wanting to go pro because what else is there to do as an amateur? I've gone and won a gold medal in the Olympics, which is what I've always wanted to do. I've competed in the European and World championships.

Why do you believe it is so important to be an ambassador for the Unsung Hero Award?

It encourages people to give recognition to those who deserve it. Steve has helped me so much; given up his weekends for me. He's helped me to the gold.

What do you think of this club, and boxing in general, as a facility for young people in the local area?

I think it's fantastic. I mean, if I didn't have this club I don't know what I'd do. It's made me a better man - really. I would definitely recommend it!

If you could fight any boxing hero, of any weight, who would it be?

Probably Muhammad Ali, my favourite. But he would beat me up!

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