LOUGHTON-based boxer James DeGale has set his sights on a world title fight in 2011 after being crowned British super-middleweight champion earlier this month.

DeGale, 24, stopped Paul Smith in the ninth round to capture the belt in Liverpool, and is now planning international domination.

“My plan would be to defend the British title, then move on to the European, and try and get a world title shot by the end of the year,” said DeGale.

The Olympic gold medalist, who has been training at Loughton's Academy gym, has now won all nine of his professional fights, and is eager to take his talent to the next level.

“It's nice to get praise, but I always knew I was capable of the win (against Smith),” he added.

“However it's made me realise that I can compete with the best in the world right now.

“My target has previously been to be a world champion in 2012, but there's no reason why that can't be brought forward a year or so.”