DeGale nothing but a boy - Groves
Challenger George Groves has vowed to unmask James DeGale as "a child in a man's game" in Saturday's British super-middleweight title clash.The pair are bitter rivals from their amateur days, with Groves holding a win over the Olympic gold medallist.
"I think he's decided I'm going to come and have it with him, and I might just do that," Groves told BBC Sport.
"He's obviously not a man mentally, and I might go out and show he can't deal with a man physically either."
The pair were gym-mates at Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club in west London but their relationship took a turn for the worse when Groves - who is two years younger than his opponent - beat DeGale on the way to winning the first of two ABA titles in 2006.
However, and to Groves' chagrin, DeGale was picked for the 2008 Olympics, where he won gold in the middleweight division.
Once DeGale is taken out of his comfort zone, once he has to rely on his instincts, he's got no Plan B George Groves The ill-tempered build-up to Saturday's fight at London's O2 Arena means it has effectively stolen top billing from Nathan Cleverly's world title tilt against Juergen Braehmer.
And Commonwealth champion Groves, 23, is confident he will have the lion's share of support on the night.
"He claims he's sold 900 tickets personally, and I'm chuffed to hear that," said Groves, who is unbeaten in 12 professional fights, with 10 knockouts.
"First because I find it slightly difficult to believe. But even if it is true, I'm pretty sure those 900 will be drowned out by the support I'll have at the O2.
"People are just so excited about this fight, it's a grudge match, a massive rivalry between Londoners.
"I've got people I don't know coming up to me and saying how they want me to shut James DeGale up.
"There are even people saying 'I fancy DeGale to win, but I hope you knock him out,' which at least is honest.
"No-one really likes him and once you finish in boxing, once that final bell goes, that's the rest of your life - and it's not nice when people dislike you."
Groves also responded to DeGale's claims he has no defence, suggesting the champion is a one-dimensional fighter.
Date published :
16 May 2011 - 11:24:51
