• George Groves v Paul Smith

Rematch a huge risk for DeGale - Groves

ESPN staff
October 21, 2011
George Groves fights Paul Smith on November 5 © PA Photos
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British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves insists James DeGale is not on his radar as clamour for a rematch grows.

Groves beat DeGale on a narrow points decision in May, defying the odds to overcome a heavily-backed opponent. It was a particularly satisfying success for Groves given the animosity between the pair, which first surfaced when they operated in the same gym during childhood.

Given how close their first meeting was, DeGale's camp instantly demanded a rematch - an offer that was rebuffed by Groves, who looked destined to leave his rival in the dust. However his career stagnated in the subsequent months as his stable, Hayemaker, focused on David Haye v Wladimir Klitschko; while Groves was inactive, DeGale went on to claim the European title.

Both are now promoted by Frank Warren, who is keen to put them back in the ring together - but first Groves has to get past Paul Smith at Wembley Arena on November 5.

"I am fully focused on Smith, DeGale is not in my plans just yet," Groves told worldboxingnews.net. "After my signing [to Frank Warren] and the nature of the outcome of our fight I think it is inevitable for rematch calls to be made.

"But he would be running the risk if he faces me again and gets beaten. A narrow loss favours him [because] he can hold his head high and still claim he beat me."

DeGale has already beaten Smith - stopping him in the ninth round during 2010 - which adds an intriguing sub-plot to the bout.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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