DeGale and Groves set for Liverpool

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Super-middleweight rivals James DeGale and George Groves will both be in action at the Liverpool Echo Arena on 9 December after plans to stage their fights at the London Excel fell through.

DeGale will defend his WBO inter-continental title against 34-year-old Spaniard Jose Maria Guerrero, who has a record of 29-2-1 and will be fighting in Britain for the first time.

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

Hammersmith prospect Groves will also feature on next month’s bill, but his opponent has yet to be confirmed.

Groves is unbeaten in 14 fights

DeGale will be returning to Liverpool almost exactly a year after beating Paul Smith in the same arena to win the British title, which he subsequently lost to Groves on a majority points decision in May.

Groves will be fighting only five weeks after stopping Smith in the second round of their recent clash at Wembley Arena.

Guerrero’s previous opponents include German Mario Veit, who once challenged Joe Calzaghe for the world title.

He lost on points to Veit in one of Guerrero’s two fights outside his native Spain. The other was also in Germany.

DeGale and Groves will fight on Merseyside the night before QPR’s match against Liverpool at Anfield.

O'Meara was also scheduled to fight at the Excel

Also on 10 December, Kilburn’s Ashley Theophane fights in Sunderland, where he will defend his British light-welterweight title against English champion Nigel Wright.

Light-middleweight Steve O’Meara was due to appear at the Excel to make the first defence of the southern-area title he won with a first-round knockout of fellow West Londoner Ryan Toms.

O’Meara is now expected to fight on a different December show in the capital, with details to be announced soon.