DeGale vs Truax: James DeGale wants to stay and box in the United Kingdom next year

James DeGale wants to stay on home soil in 2018 and prove he is one of Britain's, not just London's, biggest boxing stars.

The IBF super-middleweight world champion fights on home soil for the first time in two-and-a-half years when he defends against Caleb Truax at the Copper Box, on December 9.

DeGale is looking for three big fights next year and while adviser Al Hayman is already planning a unification fight with the current WBC holder, Arizona's David Benavidez, he would like to re-establish his standing in British boxing first.

"It's been a while and my last four fights have been in America and Canada, so I'm really looking forward to this fight," DeGale exclusively told Sky Sports.

"Let's be honest, it is my homecoming. The last couple of years with me have been exciting and people have wanted me to come home and I am, so of course it will sell out.

"Obviously Anthony Joshua is a one-off - he's a bit like Ricky Hatton was when it comes to his following, and winning the Olympics obviously helped and he comes across well, of course. But apart from AJ, I would say I am second (in London). But I still have to be in big fights to draw everybody in.

"The plan is to have three fights next year and the plan is to box in London. I am a Londoner, I am proud to be one and I love my city, so this is where I want to stay.

"If there is an opportunity where I have to go to fight in America - which is where everything seems to work out that way - it's not a problem. But ideally, I'd like to stay in London and defend my world titles."

DeGale has already declared his support for rival George Groves in his World Boxing Super Series fight with Chris Eubank Jr, to set up a rematch in 2018.

'Chunky' admits Truax is not on the same level as the likes of Badou Jack and Lucian Bute but after a serious shoulder operation in the summer, he knows he cannot look past his fourth world title challenger.

"I was just happy when it got done because when I went in to get it fixed, my shoulder was finished," he said.

"I've had two groin operations a couple of years ago and now my shoulder and a nose operation I had as well, so for the past three or four years, I've been a walking mess.

"But I am healthy now, I am injury-free and I think you're going to see the difference.

"I am not saying Truax is a world-beater, but he is a perfect opponent for me. He's challenged for a world title before. This is his chance and these are the dangerous ones, if I am honest.

"They've got nothing to lose and will give it their all and he is going to try and take my world title away. He is the underdog so I will have to be switched on.

"I've got to perform as well, if I am honest, because it feels like I am due a stand-out dominant performance."