James DeGale must travel to Boston for his long-awaited world title challenge when he faces Andre Dirrell on May 23 . The London super-middleweight will take on Dirrell for the IBF belt vacated by Carl Froch earlier this year . DeGale is bidding to become the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a world title , seven years after the Beijing Games . James DeGale will fight Andre Dirrell in Boston on May 23 for the IBF super-middleweight title . The 29-year-old had hoped for home advantage but his promoter Eddie Hearn lost out when the fight went to purse bids earlier this month . DeGale will , however , earn a minimum of $ 1.5million ( £1m ) from the bout . DeGale will fight for the IBF belt which was vacated by Carl Froch . Andre Dirrell has lost one professional fight in his career - to Carl Froch back in 2009 . 'Andre Dirrell is a very , very good opponent , 'he told Sky Sports News . 'He 's tall , a tricky southpaw and he 's a bit like me . People say our styles will clash but I think we 'll gell . We 're both ambitious , there 's a lot on the line . ' Dirrell is no stranger to British fans after losing a split decision to Froch in Nottingham in 2009 , his only professional defeat to date . The 31-year-old has fought just six times since , but enjoyed three routine victories last year .
James DeGale will face Andre Dirrell on earlier this year in Boston . The IBF belt was vacated by Carl Froch May 23 . DeGale is bidding to become the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a world title . CLICK HERE for all the latest news from the world of boxing .