By Martin ‘The Brain’ Potter of the Boxing Clever Podcast – Following what can only be described as a lively press conference at the O2 arena ahead of his fight with nemesis James ‘Chunky’ DeGale, I grabbed a few words with ‘The Saint’ George Groves and was left slightly surprised when he gave the bold prediction “I will knock James DeGale out in one round.” The question is, can Groves live up to his words or has his mouth written a cheque his fists can’t cash?
The impression I got from seeing both DeGale and Groves up close, just two days removed from their blockbuster British showdown, is that it was in fact James DeGale who looked the more relaxed – despite Groves’ prediction (which he didn’t make in front of the Sky cameras, but can be heard on the Boxing Clever Podcast). As always Groves was in a suit, shirt and tie and seemed pensive and slightly awkward, whilst DeGale was far less formal in a tracksuit and seemed all the more relaxed for it, cracking jokes with his entourage. But is DeGale perhaps taking his former amateur conqueror too lightly and will it cost him?
My view is that DeGale does deserve to be the favourite based on his superb British tile winning performance against Paul Smith and that he will have a little too much for Groves. Yet I don’t think it will be the cakewalk that many predict as George Groves, although lacking DeGale’s Olympic medal, was an extremely accomplished performer in the unpaid ranks, is unbeaten as a pro and possesses potent power, as ten out of twelve ko’d victims will attest. If he can cut off the ring and draw DeGale into a brawl – something James has stated he wouldn’t be adverse to – then he does have a chance of landing the big right hand. If James DeGale is wise then he will keep the fight at range and use his boxing skills, speed and accuracy to pick Groves apart.
I see Groves laying it all on the line in rounds one to three (hence his prediction) and looking to blow DeGale away and whilst he may hurt ‘Chunky’ early, class will tell in the end and DeGale will prevail by late stoppage after a great fight. Hopefully a Benn – Eubank style rivalry will ensue and these two will meet again in a world title fight. And I think George may need the money after James writes off his British title hopes and bags his wages! Good luck to both fighters.
To hear the full conversation with George Groves, plus the opinion of Sky’s Johnny Nelson and Frankie Gavin, as well as lots more from ‘The Brain’ listen to episode 31 of the 5 star rated Boxing Clever Podcast, available now on iTunes or at www.boxingcleverpodcast.libsyn.com or you can email me at boxingcleverpodcast@gmail.com.