James DeGale wants to avenge an old loss or call it quits
In a recent interview, former IBF Champion James DeGale spoke on his rival, George Groves. In particular, he expressed wanting to avenge the first loss of his career.
It’s no secret that the two men have a genuine disdain for each other. Their classic tale of good friend turned bitter rivals goes all the way back to the amateurs.
Both men fought out of the same gym in the same division until they had to compete against each other. Groves would pick up the victory, but their fight was far from over.
DeGale would be chosen for the 2008 Olympics. He went on to win a gold medal that jump started his professional career. As for Groves, he signed with little known Hayemaker promotions the same year.
Fast forward to 2011. They would meet again with bigger stakes with both the BBBoC and Commonwealth super middleweight titles on the line.
Groves would win again in a fight many felt could have gone either way. This would lead to a series of high profile fights with Carl Froch.
Where We Are Now
DeGale is currently trying to secure a fight with former IBO champion and son of boxing of a legend, Chris Eubank Jr. A bout that is expected to be announced very soon as the introduction to a PBC/ITV deal.
Also, by present day accounts, the rivalry has lost some luster. However, it is still a very good domestic fight. Both men have suffered some significant defeats, yet they still remain top commodities in the division.
Groves (28-4, 20KOs) recently lost the WBA title in the World Boxing Super Series finals against Callum Smith.
DeGale (25-2-1, 15KOs) won back the IBF title defeating the second man to hand him a defeat in Caleb Truax before later dropping the belt to look for more lucrative fights.
Hopefully, things will be finalized soon. But, again, let’s not look too far ahead. It’s also worth noting that DeGale hinted that after this fight, “I may be wanting to calling it a day.”
How does Grove feel about this? Well, we didn’t have to wait long as the response came via Twitter.
It’s safe to say the rivalry is still there, and 2019 could finally see it end.
By: Garrisson Bland
