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 May 23 in Boston . The IBF belt was vacated by Carl Froch earlier this year . 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 .