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DeGale felt 'betrayed' when Warren signed Groves

James DeGale has now cleared the air with Frank Warren © PA Photos

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James DeGale admits he was stunned when promoter Frank Warren added George Groves, the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion, to his stable during August.

DeGale and Groves have been at loggerheads with each other since youth, and Groves came out on top when the pair clashed in London during May - a defeat that marked the end of DeGale's unbeaten professional record.

The Brits are set to meet again next year, providing they come through their forthcoming assignments. Groves' next test will be against Paul Smith, who DeGale beat last year, on November 5, while DeGale will attempt to win the European title against Piotr Wilczewski on October 15.

"When Frank rang and said he had signed Groves I felt … betrayed," DeGale told the Independent. "So the next day I went and met [Warren]. He sat me down and I digested it properly.

"It makes sense, it's a great move. If Groves beats Paul Smith in his next fight, and I win this European title, in the early part of next year we'll meet again and the winner will go on for a world title.

"You never know what Frank's got up his sleeve. I am thankful he has given me the opportunity to fight for the European title, which is actually more important than the one I lost. That will get me a world ranking.

"This setback has done me good, [it's] a blessing in disguise. I can sit here and talk about it and I am happy with myself. Last time someone beat me domestically, in the amateurs [against Groves], I was Olympic champion a year and a half later.

"This time round he's got a dodgy decision over me again and believe me, I'll be a world champion by next year's Olympics. What do they call it, déjà vu?"

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