by David P. Greisman

James DeGale won on the scorecards against Rogelio “Porky” Medina, but the boos that came in from the crowd in Washington, D.C., were because the bout was much closer than the judges had it.

The initial announcement was that two judges had it 117-111 for DeGale while the third had it 115-113. Later, the official scoresheet revealed an incorrect tally, making the final scores 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.

DeGale believed he’d won clearly, but he also felt he hadn’t performed to the best of his ability.

 “I’m a bit disappointed — I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him,” DeGale said afterward, according to quotes provided by the event’s publicists.

“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale also said. “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills. I watched this guy years ago and this guy didn’t have the engine like that. He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.”

Medina had lost four of six in a 15-month span in 2013 and 2014, dropping decisions to Jose Uzcategui and Marcos Reyes, being stopped by Badou Jack and then edged by Jonathan Gonzalez. But then he scored a surprising third-round knockout of J’Leon Love and continued on for a four-fight win streak.

DeGale made the second defense of the world title he won over Andre Dirrell last year. Both have been tougher than expected, including his decision over Lucian Bute in November. He knows he’ll need to continue to improve.

“I’m always learning in the gym,” DeGale said. “My inside work, my defense, my concentration. I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.”

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