George Groves, who has suffered all three of his losses in world title bouts, still believes he would beat newly crowned IBF champ James DeGale should they meet again. As you probably know, the boxing rivals have a deep and hostile history which began on the Amateur circuit many moons ago.
“I said it when we were kids – although not many were listening – and for the last fight, I told a lot of people: I’ve got his number,” Groves told Sky Sports. “He can go on to be the greatest British fighter we’ve ever had, but he will still never beat me. I’ve got his number.”
Groves, who gave Carl Froch fits in both of their 2013/14 encounters, believes that despite clocking up a recent Split Decision loss to Badou Jack, he is not far behind his rival.
I for one actually agree with Groves; I had him ahead by one point against Jack, and actually had DeGale losing his fight with Andre Dirrell (which saw DeGale officially win to capture the IBF title).
“I’ve just dropped a split decision in Vegas for the world championship, he’s just won a [close] decision in Boston, against an American for the belt … there’s a whisker between us right now.”
Will they meet again? And does Groves really possess the style to beat DeGale once more, like he did way back in 2011. What it will likely come down to is money. (OK, that was a given.) DeGale has one up on Groves right now by doing the thing his rival has failed to do three times over: capture a world title.
Unless Groves can claim one of his own, or raise his profile by thrashing a marquee name, Groves will have no interest in the guy. Personally, I think DeGale vs Groves II would quickly appeal to fans, certainly those in the UK, without the need for much marketing fuel. Both boxers are well known, and given their increased maturity since their first encounter, the sequel could well be a classic.
What do you think, fight fans? Who would you pick in a rematch? George Groves or James DeGale? Have your say below.
