DeGale & Groves set for December fights

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Super-middleweight rivals James DeGale and George Groves will both be in action at the Excel London on 9 December.

Their respective opponents are expected to be confirmed on Monday, with Groves set to defend his British and Commonwealth titles and DeGale his WBO inter-continental belt.

DeGale’s European crown will not be on the line as he is pencilled in for a February defence of that title against mandatory challenger – and former world champion – Cristian Sanavia, who is not yet ready to fight.

The Harlesden man, who lost a majority points decision against Groves in May, bounced back to become European champion by beating tough Pole Piotr Wilczewski last month.

Hammersmith’s Groves will make a swift return to the ring after making short work of Paul Smith, who he stopped in the second round of their fight at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.

Steve O’Meara will also be on the bill at the Excel.

O’Meara is set to make the first defence of the southern-area light-middleweight title he won with a first-round knockout of fellow West Londoner Ryan Toms in September.

The following evening Kilburn’s Ashley Theophane fights in Sunderland, where he will defend his British light-welterweight title against English champion Nigel Wright.