Groves and DeGale in new war of words

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Rivals George Groves and James DeGale have renewed their war of words ahead of Groves’ clash with former world champion Glen Johnson this weekend.

The unbeaten Groves defends his Commonwealth super-middleweight title at the ExCel London – seven days after European champion DeGale had to grind out a points win against Fulgencio Zuniga in Hull.


Courtesy of iFilm London

Both fighters are on course for world title shots next year and DeGale has made it clear he is keen to take on the likes of IBF champion Carl Froch.

But Groves insists he is making better progress than his fellow West Londoner.

“He’s putting in poor performances so he’s going to have to try to chase names, whereas I plan to put in a good performance on Saturday and then people will really know what I’m all about,” said Groves.

Francis Warren, part of Groves’ promotional team – which previously promoted DeGale – added: “Look at the difference between George’s fight on Saturday – where he’s fighting and the crowd that’s going to be there – and [DeGale] on Saturday. There’s no comparison.”

Since losing a close points decision against Groves when they met in May last year, DeGale has fought in Denmark and twice in the north of England.

Groves, on the other hand, is preparing for another appearance at a major venue in the capital, having beaten Paul Smith at Wembley Arena 13 months ago.

But DeGale told West London Sport: “Sure I’d like to fight in London and I will do in the future, but I also want to fight all over England and let people see me in action.

“At the end of the day I’m fighting in front of millions of people on terrestrial television. Groves isn’t. Simple as that.”

West London Sport will have live updates from Groves v Johnson on Saturday, as well as Steve O’Meara’s Commonwealth light-middleweight title fight against Liam Smith.

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