By Jake Donovan

The working theory heading into the super middleweight title fight Saturday evening in Quebec City was that Lucian Bute was brought in for one last payday before sailing off into the sunset.

James DeGale knew better than to believe that, put still put that logic to the test, forcing a frenetic pace in scoring a 12-round decision in his challenger's backyard. Scores of 117-111 (twice) and 116-112 were accurate, yet still not entirely indicaive of the two-way action to be found throughout their Showtime-televised headliner.

It wasn't enough for Bute to become a two-time champion, but still provided a turn-back-the-clock moment for the 35-year old southpaw.

"I think it was a great fight. I think it was a close fight," Bute (32-3, 24KOs) said after the fight. "He's a world champion, The judges gave him the decision and I respect that."

DeGale (22-1, 12KOs) made the first successful defense of the super middleweight title he claimed in a narrow points win over Andre Dirrell this past May in Boston, Mass.

The setback suffered by Bute marked his third loss in the span of five fights, yet his stock still soars in defeat. If nothing else, it was enough to earn at least one more major payday.

"It was a very close fight. The people are happy, I'm happy. Back to the gym for one more time," Bute confirmed afterward.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox