By James Slater: So much for James “Chunky” DeGale’s pre-fight promise of knocking out “ugly kid” George Groves inside four-rounds. As fans know, last night’s bitter grudge-match ended with Commonwealth super-middleweight champ Groves winning via close, controversial decision. A good fight, with plenty of action that saw both men cut and marked up, the 12-round majority verdict that went to Groves has resulted in plenty of debate.
Though any complaints the trash-talking DeGale has can be put down to nothing but sour grapes (the fight was close, but Groves was in no way handed a gift), his promoter Frank Warren has issued on his official website a statement that says he will call on the BBB of C to order an immediate rematch. The fans may or may not get excited over the prospect of the two former amateur rivals hooking up for a third time (Groves also out-pointed DeGale in the unpaid ranks), but Groves himself doesn’t seem too keen on another fight with “Chunky.”
“How many times do I have to beat this man,” Groves asked. “After this fight I’ll go on to bigger and better things. He has no titles, he’s just come off a loss, I’m pretty sure I can find a better opponent that James DeGale.”
Doubtless Groves’ fans will agree with him. Now the holder of the British and Commonwealth titles, the 13-0(10) 23-year-old will almost certainly look towards the European crown. However, Warren seems insistent that their will be an immediate rematch. Warren is adamant his man won last night.
“The general consensus seem to be that James won the fight, so they [the BBB of C] should order a rematch,” Warren stated. “One way or another that fight will happen again. If it doesn’t happen, George Groves should be ashamed of himself.”
Ashamed of himself? Groves, far from feeling ashamed of anything, is rightly celebrating the biggest win of his still-young pro career. Happy also at silencing a sometimes classless trash-talker – a man who has bugged him for many months now – Groves should be in the position to be able to call the shots.
Bottom line: if Groves doesn’t want to fight DeGale next he doesn’t have to. Ask yourself, would Frank Warren be demanding a rematch if the admittedly close verdict had gone to his fighter last night?
In losing his perfect pro record, the still-promising DeGale is now 10-1(8).