Lucian Bute uses the ring alias - Le Tombeur. By our reckoning that translates to 'The heartthrob'.

Image source, Lawrence Lustig

Anyway, dodgy names aside, he is some fighter and defended the IBF super-middleweight title nine times between 2008 and 2012. A record of 32 wins - 25 by stoppage - from 34 fights ain't half bad either and he's feeling confident ahead of meeting DeGale.

"It's a great opportunity to fight for my old belt in front of my hometown fans. I think they'll push me toward the victory," he said.

"I think he's the best super middleweight in the world right now, but I'm very confident in myself. I'm healthy, I feel great physically."

We are closing in on fight time ladies and gents as the final fight on the undercard enters round 12. Surely that means James DeGale and Lucian Bute will be in this ring in around 20 minutes time?

Lucian Bute is a well known sporting celebrity back in his native Romania. 

Originally born in Galati before moving to Quebec as he embarked on a professional career in 2007, Bute has received many honours from Romanian President Traian Basescu. 

Image source, Getty Images

He joins the likes of footballer Gheorghe Hagi, gymnast Nadia Comaneci and Ilie Nastase of the tennis world, who have been rewarded for their services by their homeland. 

Bute was also named Romania's athlete of the year for four consecutive years from 2008 to 2011. 

Mark Hemmings on Facebook:, external "I hope this fight isn't forgotten by the tyson hype. It should be a better fight anyway."

James DeGale's trainer Jim McDonell: "Confidence comes from your preparation and James' has been absolutely fantastic. James has trained like a challenger.

"Bute is a smart fighter, a southpaw so James has to do what he is good at and dissect his weaknesses. Once his concentration is good, he's the best fighter at this weight in the world."

So Klitschko wants a rematch but still, we can hype up and question Tyson Fury's future right?

He of course now owns the WBO, IBF and WBA titles, so what about a unification contest against WBC champion Deontay Wilder?

The American has already tweeted to warn Fury he is coming for him and this tweet followed.

Image source, Getty Images

Wladimir Klitschko has already told the media he intends on taking up a rematch option with the new IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

But the last Briton to hold all four titles in the division - Lennox Lewis - thinks the Ukrainian missed the late Emmanuel Steward - who died in 2012 - in his corner.

Former world heavyweight champion George Foreman adds:, external "Didn't see Klitschko losing, I can see a rematch. I'm excited about Fury though. Wilder v Fury."

Image source, Getty Images

If you've been on a big night out or locked away in a dark room, you may have missed Tyson Fury making history earlier as he claimed three world heavyweight titles by beating Wladimir Klitschko - who is now sporting a shiner below his left eye (pictured).

It is Sunday after all, so Fury has given his first tweet since the fight a religious theme.  To look back on the momentous match, click here.

Image source, Matchroom boxing

Getting the hands wrapped is almost a spiritual process for a boxer. A moment of quiet, some time to think as the wraps go round and round the knuckles.

James DeGale looked focused as he watched on under the glare of the cameras.

"Bute's good - but I'm the best 168lb'er and I'll prove it tonight," he tells reporters.

This is Lucian Bute getting his face pummeled by Carl Froch in 2012...

Image source, Getty Images

The Cobra was just too good that night - inflicting the first of Bute's two career defeats and taking the same IBF title on the line tonight away from the Romanian-born Canadian.

Image source, James DeGale

Such is the rampant speed of the roll out of social media gizmos, James DeGale has just uploaded a live Periscope.

In it we see him warming up from the dressing room with promoter Eddie Hearn watching on. Loosening exercises, shadow boxing and sips of water are all on show. Business time.

Image source, Getty Images

"They think it's going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction," said James DeGale, 29, ahead of his first world title defence.

"I feel like a beast. I'm going to start fast and throw loads of punches. Once he feels my power that will be it. Place your bets, trust me."

But DeGale is 189 days without a fight - that's the longest he's gone without a contest in his career.

You're a lucky guy Gaz. You may have time for dessert. My guess is around 5am UK time give or take 15 minutes.

The final fight on the undercard to this one is underway, to we are probably 45 minutes - less if this contest ends in a knockout - before DeGale gets in the ring.

Plenty of time for a coffee, maybe even a bacon sandwich. 

James DeGale weighed in at 167.4 lbs, fractionally heavier than Lucian Bute at 167.2.

Interestingly, both men weighed over 177 lbs 24 hours later - showing you can indeed put 10 lbs on in a day if you try hard enough. Keep that in mind on Christmas Day folks.

So former world champion Barry McGuigan thinks a DeGale stoppage is on the cards. But what do you think? Let us know on #bbcboxing.

Image source, Google

Anyway, you loyal bunch, thanks for being with us at this crazy hour. If you're just in from a night out, make sure you eat something to soak up your sins. 

If you've rolled out of bed, get a warm drink. Well done on getting up - that's proper commitment.

For those of you wondering why boxing is taking place at such a time, blame geography and time zones.

Quebec City - close to the Canada-America border - is our focus and they are some five hours behind us. 

Anyway, time won't stop us from bringing you the best stats, tweets and every blow - get in touch with us on #bbcboxing.

So how do you follow the historic way Saturday ended? 

It's fair to say James DeGale will have to produce some serious magic if he is to take any of the limelight from Tyson Fury's sensational points win over Wladimir Klitschko.

One can only try. And facing a man with just two defeats to his name in 12 years, DeGale will have to go some to not only win but to cause a tremor across the world of boxing this morning.

Image source, AP