• Boxing

DeGale hands Groves a deadline

ESPN staff
January 31, 2011
James DeGale defeated Paul Smith in December to win the British super-middleweight strap © Getty Images
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British super-middleweight champion James DeGale has warned George Groves that their fight must happen within the next 12 months.

DeGale and Groves have maintained a bitter rivalry ever since they learned the trade in the same gym, with Groves emerging victorious when the two met as amateurs.

They are currently two of the hottest prospects in the division - Groves holds the Commonwealth belt - but negotiations between the camps have yet to produce a bout.

While Groves looked less than convincing in his latest encounter, picking himself off the canvas to defeat Kenny Anderson, DeGale clinched the British title by dominating respected veteran Paul Smith.

Now DeGale has told his rival that he will not wait around for anyone as he prepares to turn his attentions toward securing a world title shot. "If it doesn't happen this year then I don't think it will get done because he will be found out when he steps up, or sooner," DeGale told boxingscene.

"I've been calling it, I want to make this fight but there's always problems getting them to agree on things. I don't need George Groves - he needs me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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