• Boxing

'Silly' offer shows Groves is scared - DeGale

James DeGale has accused long-time rival George Groves of being scared to face him ahead of a potential bout for the British super-middleweight title, which he insists would be a "mismatch".

The duo have maintained a simmering feud ever since they both learned the trade in the same gym, with Groves emerging triumphant when the two met in the amateur days.

Now they are set for a professional battle in the near future - Groves is first in line for a shot at the British title that DeGale will attempt to prise from Paul Smith on December 11.

But DeGale, who has already seen one potential bout with Groves disintegrate at the negotiating table, is not confident that the clash will ever materialise. "To be honest, I don't think he really wants the fight deep down," DeGale told ESPN. "When I beat up Paul and get my belt, hopefully we can get a massive domestic showdown next year.

"Me and Frank [Warren] called it, he came in with a counter offer and it all just fizzled out. Him and his promoter came back with an offer and it was silly, basically. It was an easy way of saying no."

DeGale poured scorn on suggestions that Groves could repeat his amateur victory by insisting that he was "robbed" when they fought for the ABA title in 2006. "When I boxed him as an amateur I messed with him - I was tip-tapping, playing with him - I couldn't believe it when they said the decision. If that didn't happen as an amateur I may even not be here. I owe it all to him, if anything."

If he can overcome Smith, DeGale is likely to enter the fight as clear favourite after Groves laboured to victory over Kevin Anderson on the undercard of the David Haye-Audley Harrison clash. The Commonwealth title holder was down in the third, before recovering to seal a sixth-round stoppage - but DeGale does not expect any bout to last that long if he fights Groves.

"When we do meet it's going to be explosive, exciting," he said. "It definitely won't go the distance - within four, if he shows a lot of heart then maybe five or six. But please believe me, this fight will not go 12 rounds. It is a mismatch."

James DeGale trains using Lonsdale boxing equipment and apparel. Lonsdale are celebrating 50 years. For more information go to www.lonsdale.com

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