5 Potential Opponents for James DeGale Following Lucian Bute Win

James DeGale's first defence of his IBF super middleweight world title was a success on all fronts. Not only did he beat Lucian Bute on points, he also entertained an American audience.

The two fighters put on a show at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada. According to Showtime Sports on Twitter, they combined to throw over 1,000 punches.

DeGale ended up getting the nod from all three judges at ringside, with two scoring it 117-111 in his favour and the other's card reading 116-112.

So, what is the next move for the man nicknamed "Chunky"?

After winning on the road, the Londoner—who became the first British boxer to win a world title in the paid ranks after also striking gold at the Olympics—has plenty of options.

He is willing to take on anyone in the division—for the right price—but not until he has enjoyed a holiday first.

DeGale told Matchroom Boxing: "I don’t want to waste any time, so in the next three and four years I want the big fights. I go to Jamaica on a family holiday on December 28, but when I get back, I am right back on it and I would like to be back out in April."

Here, Bleacher Report picks out five potential candidates for the 29-year-old's next fight. First, though, a few honourable mentions to those who missed out on the list.

Andre Ward's decision to move up to light heavyweight removes the major name from the 168-pound division.

However, there are a couple of fellow Englishmen that DeGale could consider.

Martin Murray's brave bid to dethrone current WBO champion Arthur Abraham fell short, making it four unsuccessful attempts by the St. Helens fighter to win a major belt.

Still, it should not be forgotten that Murray took Sergio Martinez the distance in 2013, while in February, he managed to last 11 rounds with Gennady Golovkin.

Another potential rival is Callum Smith. The current British champion is unbeaten in 18 fights and considered a future world champion.

"Mundo" has yet to be tested at world level, but BoxRec already ranks him third in the division.

Other names worth a mention are Russian Fedor Chudinov—who is the WBA champion—and Anthony Dirrell, who is a former holder of the WBC belt.

Record: 33-2 (24 KOs)

Last fight: Defeated George Groves by TKO (May 31, 2015)

Yes, Carl Froch has retired from boxing.

However, he teased everybody recently when he suggested there was a possibility he could make a return to the ring.

The Cobra told Press Association Sport (h/t the Guardian), "I always said, ‘Once I’ve retired, I won’t come back,’ but just lately now, 18 months on from my last fight, I’m starting to think to myself, ‘You know what? I’m fit, I’m strong, I’m in good shape."

He stated it would only be a one-fight comeback, adding: "I’d beat DeGale, it’s an easy job for me, and he’s world champion."

However, it seems the man himself has had second thoughts.

Froch has since told David Anderson of the Mirror:"It would need to be the right challenge and I have no interest in fighting James DeGale or Martin Murray."

It should be remembered, though, that money talks in the sport of boxing. With Froch keeping himself in good shape, there's still a slight chance we could see him make a comeback.

Record: 21-3 (16 KOs)

Last fight: Lost to Badou Jack on points (September 12, 2015) 

George Groves inflicted the one and only defeat on James DeGale's professional record. That blip has to rankle with the current IBF champion, even if it was back in 2011. 

Had Saint George defeated Badou Jack in September to claim the WBC belt, a rematch between the longtime rivals seemed a certainty.

With both holding world titles, a large venue (Wembley Stadium, possibly?), plus the added bonus of pay-per-view television, would have made it a lucrative fight for all concerned.

However, Groves fell short in his bid to beat Jack.

It was a third failed attempt by the Englishman to become a world champion at 168 pounds, having previously lost two fights against Carl Froch.

He is now set to return on January 30, 2016. Per Sky Sports, his opponent is yet to be confirmed.

While DeGale-Groves II may not seem close right now, the earning potential of the bout means it is never completely off the table.

Record: 32-2 (25 KOs)

Last fight: Lost to James DeGale on points (November 28, 2015)

Seeing as the first fight was so good, why not do it all over again?

Rematches are not always popular in boxing (hands up if you want to see Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury meet again? No, me neither), but DeGale and Lucian Bute's styles gelled together nicely.

Defeat was disappointing for Bute, yet he proved there was still plenty left in the tank with his display.

"Le Tombeur" looked back to something like the fighter who had previously held the IBF title before his reign was emphatically ended by Carl Froch in 2012.

He also showed there were no issues with his chin, as he took some seriously solid hits from the champion.

The final scores from the judges were wider than many expected. Anthony Dirrell certainly thought so, as he tweeted, "Hell of a fight I couldn't tell you who won that fight good fight by both guys."

The issue over a rematch is that the result—and in particular the margin of the defeat on the scorecards—doesn't provide evidence to suggest Bute deserves another immediate shot.

Record: 44-4 (29 KOs)

Last fight: Defeated Martin Murray on points (November 21, 2015)

If DeGale wants to add to his collection of belts by unifying the division, Arthur Abraham has to be a target in 2016.

"King Arthur" currently holds the WBO strap. His last defence was against an Englishman, as he defeated Martin Murray on points in Germany on November 21.

Per Dan Rafael of ESPN, Abraham is next due to face Mexican Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in a mandatory defence.

The 35-year-old—who was born in Armenia but is now based in Germany—has not fought outside of his adopted homeland since losing to Andre Ward in the United States in 2011.

DeGale has shown a willingness to travel—he won his title in Boston with a points victory over Andre Dirrell, then headed to Canada for his maiden defence.

He hinted on a return to North America after the win over Bute, per Matchroom Boxing: "I think the US networks like me and want me back in the US."

However, Abraham has a strong following in Germany that could help make the financial numbers add up.

Record: 20-1-1 (12 KOs)

Last fight: Defeated George Groves on points (September 12, 2015)

DeGale has made it quite clear that he wants to face Badou Jack next.

Jack currently holds the WBC title, and a unification bout on American soil looks the priority for DeGale at some stage in the early months of 2016.

On the potential fight, Chunky said, per Nick Parkinson of ESPN: "I've beaten two elite fighters in my last two fights, and I've gone overseas to do it, and I want to do it all again by going to Las Vegas and unifying titles against Badou Jack."

Born in Sweden but now living in Vegas, Jack would have home advantage for a clash with the Englishman.

He became the WBC champion by upsetting Anthony Dirrell, and he then proceeded to prove that result was no flash in the pan by beating George Groves in his first defence.

It would be particularly sweet for DeGale if he were to get the better of an opponent his rival, Groves, has lost to.

Does DeGale-Jack make the most sense? Should Chunky head home to defend the title next? 

Share your opinion by using the comments section.