DeGale hungry for domestic honour

DeGale is already talking of moving into championship class

Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale says he is focused on lifting a major professional title within the next 12 months.

The 23-year-old has won his first three fights since quitting the amateur game in increasingly assured style.

"Honestly, on a serious note, this time next year I want to be a British champion," the now super middleweight DeGale told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"By 2012 I want to maybe be a World champion or close to a world title."

DeGale is due to fight for a fourth time in the paid ranks at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on 30 October.

He admits his performances have dramatically improved since a difficult debut against Vepkhia Tchilaia in Birmingham in February.

"Look at my last two fights - they haven't lasted a round.

"My first fight I took too lightly but I couldn't have people booing me, so I had to just go back to the gym and in my second fight I came with something different.

"I came out and knocked him [Jindrich Kubin] out in two and a half minutes," he said.

DeGale is aware his amateur pedigree means he will always be talked off in terms of challenging for major titles. Rather than be disturbed by this, the Londoner says he is embracing the added pressure that comes with Olympic gold.

"I want people to keep asking [about titles] so [promoter] Frank Warren can maybe push me a bit more.

I know where I'm going and if anything I'm wishing away my life because I can't wait until my next fight

James DeGale

"I've got a bright, bright future. I know where I'm going and if anything I'm wishing away my life because I can't wait until my next fight," he added.

DeGale's next outing will see him in action on the undercard of Tony Quigley's British super-middleweight title defence against Paul Smith Jr.

The focus on the night will be on the two Liverpudlians topping the bill and DeGale says this will help him focus on getting his own job done.

"I'm still going to get all the pressure because I'm an Olympic gold medallist but I thrive on pressure and I can't wait."