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I'm over Groves defeat - DeGale

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
James DeGale is ready to reignite his career and get back to winning ways © PA Photos
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James DeGale says his defeat at the hands of bitter rival George Groves is "totally out of my system" as he prepares for a tilt at the European title next month.

The former British super-middleweight champion lost a contentious split decision against long-time rival Groves at the O2 Arena in May - the first time he had suffered defeat in the professional ranks.

In the aftermath of Groves' debatable win, DeGale, 25, stated he wanted an immediate rematch with the 'Saint'. However, the Londoner says that fight can now wait after his promoter Frank Warren secured him a shot at European title-holder Piotr Wilczewski, who is ranked two in the world by the World Boxing Organisation, on the undercard of Nathan Cleverly's world-title defence against Tony Bellew at the Echo Arena on October 15.

"I'm totally focused on becoming European champion," DeGale told the BBC. "In the last fight I didn't box to my best. A lot of people thought I'd won, I thought I'd won, but it doesn't matter now. I think I'm the better fighter so I'm back big. I get a good world ranking if I win it and everything's still on to become world champion before the next Olympics.

"It's against a guy who will come to fight. He is tough but technically good as well. This will be by far the toughest fight of my career but the Groves fight is totally out of my system."

DeGale ripped the British title from Paul Smith in Merseyside last year and the 2008 Olympic gold medallist is relishing returning to the scene of his greatest win. "I'm looking forward to returning to Liverpool to fight for the European title in what will be a good fight for the fans," DeGale said.

"I had a great win there when I beat Paul Smith in December to claim the British title and although he was the local favourite then, I hope the fans will come out and support me. Piotr is a good tough champion and he looks like a right handful, this is really tough fight for me and I'm expecting him to bring the best out of me on the night."

Warren is so confident of DeGale returning to the winner's circle that he is already planning another fight for his charge before the year is out. He said: "We originally planned to have James' fight in London, but I want him in there as soon as possible and this was the best way. If he wins this European title - which I believe he will - then I want him to fight again before the end of the year. That wouldn't have been possible if we had waited until the end of October to have this fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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