DeGale rediscovers his love for the fight game

DeGale, fighting for the first time this year under new promoter Mick Hennessy, took some heavy punishment from his French opponent but the 2008 Olympic middleweight champion upped the tempo in the closing stages.

The 26-year-old improved his record to 13 wins with one defeat thanks to scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112.

DeGale admitted he had contemplated retiring but has re-discovered his love for the sport after splitting from former promoter Frank Warren and aligning himself with Hennessy.

He started well, landing some crisp combinations against Mohoumadi in the first round and then showing his versatility with a range of shots in the next.

“I knew he was going to be tough and durable but I didn’t think he’d be as tough as that,” said DeGale.

“That’s why I’ve got to train hard.”

DeGale acknowledged his lack of urgency could have returned to haunt him.

“We’ve been working at it in the gym because sometimes I get lazy and stay on the ropes and I don’t bend my knees or I don’t bob and weave,” he added.

“I just stand up straight like a soldier.

“I had to have a round off in there because he was very, very tough.

“But I live and I learn and we go back and the gym next week and we work on it.”

On the undercard, Chris Eubank Jr, son of the former two-weight world champion, maintained his unbeaten start to his professional career with an eight-round points win over Ruslans Pojonisevs to improve his record to seven wins from as many fights.