• Boxing

Groves turns up heat on 'arrogant' DeGale

James DeGale taunts George Groves at the announcement of their May 21 fight © Getty Images

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George Groves has ramped up the war of words with James DeGale ahead of their domestic showdown, insisting "everyone wants to smash DeGale's face in".

After months of verbal sparring between two of Britain's biggest talents, a fight between commonwealth champion Groves and DeGale was finally confirmed on Thursday, with the bout scheduled to appear on the undercard of Nathan Cleverly's world title clash with Jurgen Braehmer on May 21 at the O2 Arena.

And, in a fiery press conference in London, the obvious distain between the fighters was clear as the pair traded insults in front of the cameras.

Much of the animosity has risen from when Groves defeated his Dale Youth ABC stablemate in the amateur ranks in 2006. DeGale, the current holder of the British super-middleweight belt, lost on points and the boxers' relationship has soured ever since.

Groves, who has won all 12 of his professional fights - claiming the commonwealth title in only his ninth outing - is adamant he won the contest and is itching to get back in the ring with his arch rival.

"Everyone wants to smash DeGale's face in," he said. "He's the most arrogant, egotistical fighter out there. Our rivalry comes from the fact James DeGale was Olympic champion but number two in his own gym. When we fought there was a lot of hype about him, but look on YouTube, I beat him. It's there for everyone to see."

DeGale's trainer Jim McDonnell isn't concerned, however, and has seen enough flaws in Groves' technique to issue a damning verdict of his chances against his charge.

"George needs to improve a lot, his defence is terrible, it's wide open," said McDonnell. "It's too early for George and he knows it. George, get your career back on track, learn your trade. A year ago this fight was a real 'who's going to win?'. But now everyone knows James will win the fight. Taking the fight now is about ego and it's madness. They're mad. He's trying to be David Haye, but he isn't David Haye."

DeGale, a gold medallist at the 2008 Olympics, echoed McDonnell's judgment, stoking the fires by saying his "bitter" opponent is a "moron".

"This is personal. If I'm brutally honest, George and me do not like each other," he said. "He's lived in my shadow for half his life. He's always been the ugly kid behind James DeGale. He's going to be bitter and jealous and we have to sort it out in the ring.

"Ask any of the coaches in the gym, I used to play with George in sparring. When I was in the amateur gym I used to move around the ring and pick his head off. Ugly kid, you're getting it. You're getting it, moron. In real life you're worse - look at you, ugly boy. Moron. You think you're David Haye, the way you speak the way you fight. A mini David Haye. You've got worse, ugly kid. You silly, ugly boy, you're deluded."

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