Groves looks to DeGale title bout
George Groves says he will fight Olympic Champion James DeGale for a world title in the future.Groves inflicted the first defeat of DeGale's professional career to win the British super-middleweight title in a tense bout at London's 02 Arena.
"We will fight one day for the world title but it wont be this year," the 23-year-old Commonwealth Champion told BBC London 94.9.
"I'm not ready for a world title but in 18 months time I will be."
Unbeaten Groves earned a majority decision, one judge scoring it 115-115 while the other two had it at 115-114.
"Everyone got behind the DeGale bandwagon and I wasn't given a chance," Groves said.
I'm hoping to be at the elite level of world class with Carl Froch, and Andre Ward and those names George Groves The decision was contentious with Groves earning his 13th straight victory while DeGale, who disputed the outcome, suffered his first defeat in 11 professional fights.
"He's saying we nicked it. We didn't nick it, I out-boxed him," Groves said.
"I could have done it much better."
Groves, who also beat his opponent as an amateur, believes he had the better tactics.
"The truth of the matter is I took away anything he could do, simply by adjusting my front foot and out-jabbing him because I have always been better than him at jabbing," he said.
There had been animosity between the pair leading up to the bout and Groves said they did not shake hands after the fight.
"James looked away as I touched his glove, but that's fine because we're going to box again someday," he added.
Over the next 18 months Groves says he will be ready to fight for a world title.
"I'm hoping to be at the elite level of world class with Carl Froch, and Andre Ward and those names," he said.
"I want to be there and I want to stay there, I don't just want to challenge and be forgotten about."
Date published :
26 May 2011 - 18:28:53
