James DeGale claims a lot about the use of drugs in professional boxing

James DeGale claimed that performance-enhancing drug use was "commonplace" in boxing and called for a lifetime ban on people being caught.

The double world champion is preparing for a 100% British grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr at the O2 Arena on February 23rd.

It will only be the second time that DeGale will participate in his last eight fights on the British shores after being thrown on American soil many times.

In astounding claims, he named the United States as a home for drug use and urged the authorities to take a tougher stance on those who have been discovered.

"Believe it or not, performance-enhancing drugs are common in sports," he told talkSPORT.

"There are so many people that have been done in the last two years.

"Trust me, it's very common in America, it's crazy, it's crazy.

"I'm talking to Paulie Malignaggi, he's now part of my team. When I sit down and talk to him, it 's bewildering, some things he knows, some things he tells you and some stories he knows about. It's so interesting.

"You should be banned for life," DeGale added, "if you are discovered, you should be banned for life.

"He's a dangerous man, boxing is already a dangerous sport.

"So when you put in your body things that make you stronger, more powerful, hit harder, train harder, that's a crazy thing."