• Boxing

DeGale sets sights on Groves

ESPN staff
August 18, 2010
James DeGale has been impressive in his professional bouts

James DeGale is convinced he will get the chance to fight arch rival George Groves inside the next 18 months.

Olympic champion DeGale is champing at the bit to get a crack at a world title after seven straight victories, but his promoter Frank Warren is keeping things low key for the time being.

DeGale faces Carl Dilks on September 18 and an impressive performance will only heighten calls for a step up in class, but Groves is still on his radar.

Both fighters are unbeaten and have traded insults, with Groves claiming a win over his rival in their amateur days, and DeGale is eager to settle their differences in the ring.

"Me and ugly kid? I wouldn't mind him," De Gale said in response to a question about whether he fancied taking on Groves. "I want to fight him sooner rather than later. But boxing ain't just a sport sometimes, it is a business. That fight will definitely come off in the next 18 months."

De Gale has made it clear to Warren than he wants to secure a step up in class.

He said "I am an Olympic gold medallist and feel I can be fast-tracked. Frank is telling me to hold it. I am ambitious and can't wait for the big fights."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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