• George Groves v James DeGale

DeGale rematch years away - Groves

ESPN staff
November 4, 2011
George Groves beat James DeGale on points in May © Getty Images
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British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves feels James DeGale has regressed since their meeting - and for that reason, he has no interest in a rematch for at least a few years.

Groves took DeGale's titles when they met in London during May, snatching a narrow points decision in a scrap as good as any on British soil this year. Given the genuine bad blood between the pair - who have been rivals since childhood - and the close outcome of their first fight, there were instant calls for another bout.

Hopes of a rematch were boosted when Groves joined DeGale at Frank Warren Promotions, shortly before DeGale claimed the European title from Piotr Wilczewski in October.

But Groves stresses he has other things on his mind: a bout with Kenny Anderson and a shot at a world title. And he was unequivocal when telling Warren he is in no rush to battle DeGale again.

"We made our point clear to Frank when we signed [and said] what we want from the next couple of years, he totally understands and we said that James DeGale is not on our immediate radar," Groves told skysports.com. "I beat him, there's no need to beat him again anytime soon. It doesn't serve any purpose, it doesn't make me a better fighter.

"In a few years' time if there's something more prestigious on the line, or if we've both made improvements then we'll do it again. But at this time, there's no point. Neither of us has improved enough for there to be a rematch. I've not fought - and he's gone backwards."

Groves meets Paul Smith, who DeGale beat last year, on November 5.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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