By Edward Chaykovsky

IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale (23-1, 14KOs) has revealed that a deal is nearly complete for a unification showdown with WBC super middleweight beltholder Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12KOs).

The fight will take place in Jack's hometown of Las Vegas. The date will land in October or November.

The two boxers were showcased in a Showtime televised doubleheader back in March. DeGale won a tough twelve round decision over Rogelio Medina, while Jack fought to a controversial twelve round draw with Lucian Bute. The draw verdict will likely change to a no-contest with Bute testing positive for a banned substance in his post-fight drug test.

To prepare for this fight, DeGale is planning to spar former light heavyweight world champion Nathan Cleverly, who himself is preparing for an upcoming world title fight with Juergen Braehmer.

Last year, DeGale viewed Jack as a lackluster champion with weak skills. He no longer sees him in that light. After watching Jack's performances against George Groves and Bute, DeGale is expected a very tough contest that could see him lose if he's not 100% prepared to win.

"It's nearly there," DeGale exclusively told Sky Sports. "It feels like I haven't really been around, but don't worry, I'm working quietly, I'm still training hard. Everything hasn't been confirmed fully yet, but it's nearly there. I was just having a bit of banter with Badou Jack, saying make sure my belt is shiny and ready for when I beat you.

"All I want to do is have my unification fight and win that WBC title. I'm willing to go anywhere. It's every boxer's dream to go to Las Vegas. I've agreed to do that. I'm a prizefighter, but this isn't all about money. The belts mean so much more. When I leave the sport and people talk about my name and put me up there with great fighters, that means so much more than the money.

"I've heard people talk about my money demands. I would box Badou Jack for free. The money is nothing to me, but obviously it helps. This is a very, very tough fight. A lot of people think it's a foregone conclusion and basically I'm going to batter him, but this is a tough fight. If I'm not 100 per cent on point, I could lose. I've got to train hard, I've got to be focused and I've got to be at my best to beat Badou Jack."