The long awaited domestic showdown between arch rivals George Groves and James DeGale is officially ON.
An excited press gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel for the official announcement from Promoter Frank Warren that the two West London rivals will finally meet in a British & Commonwealth title fight at the 02 Arena on May 21st.
Despite losing the purse bids to Hayemaker earlier in the year, Frank Warren will stage the fight alongside Nathan Cleverly’s WBO World title shot. Warren admitted to being delighted at making the fight: “To get this fight on is fantastic”, said Warren.
“The super-middleweight division has always had a special place in the hearts of the British public.
“I promoted some great champions in Joe Calzaghe, Chris Eubank, Steve Collins and Nigel Benn, but I believe DeGale can be better than all of them.
“Adam [Booth] has confidence in his man, and I’ve got confidence in my man”, added Warren.
“But for me I think styles make fights and George’s style is made for James.
“This fight against Groves will be an absolute war though, and it’s a massive test. It reminds me of all those great fights we had between Benn, Eubank, Collins and Calzaghe.”
“This is personal”, said DeGale.
“He’s lived in my shadow half his life and he’s always been the ugly kid behind James DeGale”.
Talking of DeGale’s insults, Groves joked “Yeah, I’ve cried a few times”.
“Cried with laughter. Especially last week after his post-fight interview.”
The two Super-middleweights have been rivals ever since their amateur days, when they were both clubmates at Dale Youth ABC. At two years younger, Groves saw DeGale win back to back ABA titles but achieved the same feat himself – beating DeGale on route in 2006. Talking of the rivalry, Groves said: “The fact that James DeGale was Olympic champion, but number 2 in his own gym. That’s where the rivalry comes from.”
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Groves v DeGale 