The IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, James DeGale (25-1-1) recently caught up with the Daily Star, the topic that was central to the conversation was the man who is making his bow in the World Boxing Super Series against Jamie Cox this Saturday in London, that man is indeed ‘The Saint’ George Groves.
DeGale has twice come up against Groves, once in the amateur ranks and the other higher profile meeting ended with Groves inflicting the sole defeat of DeGale’s professional career. A Gold Medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, DeGale has to divert his attention elsewhere at least until March where the World Boxing Super Series will be concluded. But DeGale has revealed it is a fight he has thought about, “I would like that fight” before he expanded on his plans to unify the super middleweight division before he contemplates retirement.
DeGale went on to explain that the defeats to Groves do linger on his mind and has stated it is an intention of his to avenge that loss, saying “To revenge my only loss would be good”. But on the other hand, DeGale did stress that he will by no means ever beg Groves for another chance “But I don’t need George Groves. I would like to fight him, of course I would, but I don’t need him thinking that I need him”.
Ahead of any potential matchup though, DeGale was quick to credit his longtime rival as a worthy opponent, who will make the fight a very tricky opposition “Groves would be a difficult fight to make because he’s hard to deal with, but I will fight anyone.”
DeGale has been inactive since the start of this year, when he battled to a draw against Badou Jack in January. He is expected back in the ring before the years’ end after having to deal with a torn rotator cuff. However both the WBC champion David Benavidez and WBO title holder Gilberto Ramirez have been mooted as possible opponents in 2018.