Groves v Degale, let it happen Frank

[ScouseLad]

From the front page

Haye offers to match Groves with Degale on April 3rd

Hayemaker Boxing ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) have offered Frank ****** Promotions a sum of £50,000 for their super-middleweight prospect James Degale to box George Groves on April 3rd at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena. Should the fight go ahead, Degale’s duel with Groves would act as one of the chief support contests to David Haye’s WBA world heavyweight title defence, live on Sky Box Office. “We are deadly serious about making this fight for April 3rd and believe that we have made a more than fair offer for it to happen,” says Hayemaker Boxing’s Adam Booth..

“This is a fight George wants to take now, as he’s desperate to prove a point against Degale. George doesn’t want to wait and risk the fight never happening – he wants to meet Degale as soon as possible and he wants to do it on the biggest stage possible.

“You can’t get a bigger stage than a world heavyweight championship fight. Not only will the world’s media be watching, Groves and Degale would also box in front of a sold-out crowd at the M.E.N Arena. There would be plenty of incentive for both men ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).”

Hammersmith super-middleweights Groves and Degale are widely regarded as two of the very best boxing prospects in Britain today. The 24-year-old Degale famously won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is now unbeaten as a five-bout professional.

Meanwhile, Groves, the younger man at 21, is a former two-time senior ABA champion and currently undefeated in eight contests as a professional. Heavyweight champion Haye has hailed him as ‘the world’s best young fighter’.

Both boxers competed for Dale Youth ABC in the amateur ranks and paths crossed in 2006 when Groves defeated Degale by decision en-route to ABA success.

“We’re offering Degale the chance to gain revenge on the biggest boxing night of the year,” adds Booth. “Both fighters have improved dramatically since their first meeting and a rematch as pros would be a great spectacle for British boxing fans.

“This is a one-off fight offer, with no strings attached. We just simply want to put the best fighters in against the best fighters and let them have the chance to become stars. George is ready to do this on April 3rd – we’re just waiting for an answer from James Degale.”

[Dan684]

WILL NOT HAPPEN :good

I'd love it if it did happen but no way does it

[shaun_brown]

Hayemaker have made the first play so good on them. ****** has to make a response now. Keeps things bubbling before the inevitable. But it wont happen in April.

[Jack Dempsey]

Have any really good British prospects met up this early in their careers?

[Mazallan]

I know it will not happen because of the protection fighters get but would a loss seriously hinder either man? I think not fighting each other will hurt both mens careers.

If Groves loses he will come back more determined to prove himself and will make his quest to be a decent Euro level fighter more probable.

If DeGale loses he will know he has to up the training. He will still be backed hard and ****** did wonders for Khan after the Prescott defeat and would do the same for James.

Khan got more slaughtering for his choice to not fight Thaxton when Thaxton looked hot, not fighting Murray when both were at a similar level and missing out on a few other good figts than he did for his loss which to me has made him better than he could ever have been if he had not met Prescott.

[GrovesVDegale]

It's in the Sun and the Mail too:

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And I've done a write up:

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Get. It. ON.

[Beeston Brawler]

I think this is a bit of a cheap publicity stunt.

That said, there's nothing I'd like more than to see Groves shut DeGale up :lol:

If Hayemaker become more active I see Groves progressing real quick, if not he will be on the Latvian taxi driver route for the next year.

[robpalmer135]

I think this is a bit of a cheap publicity stunt.

That said, there's nothing I'd like more than to see Groves shut DeGale up :lol:

If Hayemaker become more active I see Groves progressing real quick, if not he will be on the Latvian taxi driver route for the next year.

its a bit of both to be honest.

the reality is this would be dumb to happen now or even at british title level. when a world title on the line its a mega mega fight.

also i reckon DeGale probs gets more than 50k a fight, and if it was to happen it would be on a Frank ****** bill.

[GrovesVDegale]

its a bit of both to be honest.

the reality is this would be dumb to happen now or even at british title level. when a world title on the line its a mega mega fight.

also i reckon DeGale probs gets more than 50k a fight, and if it was to happen it would be on a Frank ****** bill.

Well, the interesting line from Booth is this one: “This is a fight George wants to take now, as he’s desperate to prove a point against Degale. George doesn’t want to wait and risk the fight never happening."

I don't think they're that confident that DeGale will progress either quick enough or far enough to make a worthwhile fight with Groves further down the line.

Just for good measure, I thought I'd add these:

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[Dan684]

Or maybe they dont want DeGale getting onto a World Stage a'la Khan and being in a position to refuse Groves a fight until he gets to that level in the way Khan can fob Murray/Mitchell off :good

[20a87]

it would be great if this fight was made

[robpalmer135]

DeGales next fight is a very decent step up. He has faced decent opposition so far, as has Groves.

[ScouseLad]

Let them fight now, theres no guarantees either (Degale especially) will be in a position for a massive fight in a few years.

Its not a big deal if one of them loses their 0, even more so early in their career.

[GrovesVDegale]

DeGales next fight is a very decent step up. He has faced decent opposition so far, as has Groves.

I don't think Barr is really a step up from King. Though hopefully he's fighting over more than 4 rounds, but he should really be stopping Barr with ease.

[Jack Dempsey]

Let them fight now, if each man gets to a world title in a few years then let them fight again, this is what they did years ago

[trotter]

Too early. Way too early. Both guys are green as hell as pro's. They should be learning still, not facing fellow hot prospects.

[rockandrollstar]

Let's start a campaign saying that DeGale is a pussy if he doesn't accept this fight.

[HMSTempleGarden]

and so it begins.

Hayemaker are true to their word, they stated that Groves would be making big moves this year.

Some how I don't think it will happen.

[c woodhouse]

lets get it on!

[Bunce]

It will rumble on...counter offer, counter counter offer etc.
It's all good. This just reminds people about the history and hopefully one or two papers pick up on it, an editor or two picks up on it and down the road it will happen.
I expect another round of offers in May and then again in November and again next Jan - that is the way to build this fight.
I'm going to ask William Hill for odds for this week's podcast: To happen before 31/12/10? To happen before 1/6/11? To not happen until after 31/12/11? You get the picture.


Adios.

[c woodhouse]

who wins?

[HMSTempleGarden]

who wins?

its a hard one as we don't know how good each other's chins are, but I'm going for Groves.

A very patient starter, thinks, watches and feels his opponents out, then goes to work with blistering combos and body shots.

DeGale is starting to get it together, but, imo, Groves is the more accomplished boxer and more natural talent.

[Strike]

Just a publicity stunt. £50,000? I'm guessing Degale is on about £75,000 per fight now, so why would he fight Groves for 50?

[joeh2701]

Have any really good British prospects met up this early in their careers?


Derek Chisora 4-0 vs Sam Sexton 7-0. that was a great scrap.

[sg85]

Have any really good British prospects met up this early in their careers?
Dunno if you'd class the Hatton vs Eamonn Magee fight as one?

[LP_1985]

i think a loss at this stage wud do wonders for their career. no underfeated record to protect.

groves wins

[Beeston Brawler]

who wins?

Groves convincingly for me.

To me he really looks the business, DeGale doesn't seem all that in the pros for me, hope I'm wrong obviously.

More show than substance. The way he laboured to victory in his last fight doesn't compare favourably with Groves, who has a stoppage win over Paul Samuels and a shut out of a very good German clubfighter to his name already.

[carrotcruncher]

silly publicity stunt

[lolb]

No way Frank ****** takes this fight

[Mazallan]

Groves looked awful against a Eurobum for alot of his last fight so this is pretty even.

This is a pathetic publicity stunt though...hopefully we will get to see them fight at some point.

[light-welter]

Too early. Way too early. Both guys are green as hell as pro's. They should be learning still, not facing fellow hot prospects.
Yep, the fight doesn't make much sence at this stage, neither have titles, both have had few pro fights. Down the line this fight could be huge, it would be a complete waste for this fight to happen just now.

[DOM5153]

I think Degale would win this actually, i doubt too many people agree with me mind you

[P4PNo.1]

Can't see it happening and I'd rather see them build their careers futher before fighting for a title.

[kerrminator]

Hayemaker promotions are not scared to put their fighters out there. ****** doesnt have many fighters left and I cant see him risking DeGale here. Especially after Haye v Macca when he ended up with egg on his face lol (didnt he say he was gonna retire if Haye beat Macca? )

['Ben']

****** isn't retarded. Groves would deal with DeGale easily at this point of their careers, everyone thinks this practically, including ****** I expect.

[trotter]

I think Degale might have more in the locker than he's showing, a lot more, it's hard to look good in these early fights making the transition. Especially with his style.

I think he'll look better against better fighters, bizarrely.

Lennox looked woeful in some of his early bouts against spoilers and survivors.

[Dubstep]

What's the rush? It's like a good nosh before a shag...enjoy the build up.

[ishy]

Surely DeGale's getting more than 50k a fight atm?

[Brick-Top]

Surely DeGale's getting more than 50k a fight atm?

Didnt he get 1mil to sign pro with ******?

[LP_1985]

Surely DeGale's getting more than 50k a fight atm?

i heard 125k a fight

[riot187]

Not a way in the world that this one is happening at this point in time. Would love it, but there's just no chance.

[ellaineo]

This will simply not happen atm.

****** is way too shrewd.

[TheDon]

Great fight if it happens. If nothing else, it shows both guys are willing to take risks and not just out to protect their 0s. Will ****** agree??

[Risque Reward]

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degale has replied in the press with some "immature" comments.

[TFFP]

Will.not.happen. In a million years.


And while in a selfish way it would be fun to see, part of me would prefer them both to become stars.

[Dan684]

THAT is the attitude that lets DeGale down.

Why didn't he just say in that article "Hey I will fight George but lets just let it stew a bit for now and make it into a bigger fight down the line"

Not scoffing at £50k for his 6th pro bout when a lot of 20/30 fights lads would rip Haye's arms off for that

[Beeston Brawler]

If you are that good, DeGale, then sign the contract.

Then we'll see who the best is.

Like Dan said, it's his attitude that pisses people off, keep the immature comments to yourself and get on with your career.

You be happy with your Commonwealth and WBO/WBU 'world' titles.... without a guiding hand to cherrypick shite opponents he ain't going nowhere.

There, I said it!

Groves = potentially world class
DeGale = fringe Euro level at best

[Grant1]

I'm trying hard to like Degale, I think he's ok, but he doesn't make it easy.

[rusticraver]

I'm trying hard to like Degale, I think he's ok, but he doesn't make it easy.

It's his face and the way he talks. Absolute tosser of the highest order.

The kind of face you want to punch till its putty

[ryanm8655]

He's a bit of a prick tbh...

Used to give him the benefit of the doubt but what has Groves hair colour got to do with it? He isn't exactly a looker himself...

Degale will never score a clean knockout in his career, he hasn't got the power.

Coming out with his half arsed "yeah...3rd round" predictions and "something a bit different" entrances he's a wannabee naz without the power or style/charisma. There is more to being charismatic than talking crap, some have it, some try and have it and end up looking like morons...

[Dan684]

The comment on the hair was a bit childish. It's an obvious thing for him to call Groves however there is an obvious thing Groves can reply with which would get press up in arms if it was said. Is there any difference betweeen hair colour/skin colour ?

[robpalmer135]

THAT is the attitude that lets DeGale down.

Why didn't he just say in that article "Hey I will fight George but lets just let it stew a bit for now and make it into a bigger fight down the line"

Not scoffing at £50k for his 6th pro bout when a lot of 20/30 fights lads would rip Haye's arms off for that

if you actually listen to the video he never mentions the money.

and if you were getting paid 100k a fight you would also laugh at 50k

[Dan684]

No I wouldn't mate :good

1. It's still a hell of a lot of money
2. It's more than a hell of a lot of money for a 5 fight pro
3. It's a fucking hell of a lot of money for the fans who pay to see him and the general public.

[Will]

I don't think it would do any of their careers any harm but I can't see any way that Frank lets it happen! Not even if they offered 200k

[indie_uk1]

no debate - frank wont let it happen. makes no sense for him to accept. Why would ****** change the way he does things now! Dont think frank believes in risk and reward

[rossybhoy]

it would be a great fight further down the road when at least there is a belt on the line but for frank to allow degale to fight on a hayemaker show after all the money he has invested in him would be sheer lunacy

[Mazallan]

He is right about the hair. Groves should start dying his hair.

[GazOC]

I've not read through all the thread but I take it at least a couple of people have already pointed out that theres not a snowballs chance in Hell of this fight happening on 3rd April?

[ed7890]

This is cool, even if they dont face each other now it may lead to a fight soon enough

[ishy]

I hope this doesn't end up like Hatton/Witter and Calzaghe/Froch!

[GazOC]

I hope this doesn't end up like Hatton/Witter and Calzaghe/Froch!

There was never much call for Calzaghe to fight Froch TBH (except in Froch interviews). Frochs career was always several steps behind JCs.

[ishy]

Yep. but unlike Froch I don't want Groves to waste his time slating DeGale and calling him out. He's better than that.

[GazOC]

Yep. but unlike Froch I don't want Groves to waste his time slating DeGale and calling him out. He's better than that.

Ah gotcha!! Fat Mick was the common denominator between Witter and Froch, hopefully Haye/ Booth won't fall into the same trap with Groves.

Theres no need for Groves to chase DeGale. His career is on the same path, is at the same stage as DeGales and both will probably end up being similar level box office draws if they keep on winning. They just need to carry on winning and a fight will happen.

[ishy]

:good

[thewinfella]

Part of me thinks this is ridiculous so early then the other part of me wants to see ****** squirm his way out like he normally does .

On the whole this is silly i think not even 20 fights between them , its fuckin daft !!!!!!

[achillesthegreat]

Shocked if ****** lets this happen. He'll only let it happen if he mistakenly thinks he can win ala Macca vs Haye only to see one of his prized possessions implode.

[alba]

i think this could be could,a fight at this stage then a fight a couple of years down the line if both keep winning

[hagman1989]

why would anyone want this fight now

for a start it would be the toughest test to each outher by a mile
there boh novices and this is a build u fight for 2 years time

[royalt0208]

why would anyone want this fight now

for a start it would be the toughest test to each outher by a mile
there boh novices and this is a build u fight for 2 years time

:deal

Exactly they still have loads to prove and loads to build who wants to see this when they have only gone 8 once between them. Lets make it a biggun in a few years, why get paid 50k now when they can get paid 100-200k next year for a British/Commonwealth Title Fight or £1million+ for a world title fight it just doesn't make sense.

[jonnyP]

make degale vs renda happen!!!

[SouthpawSlayer]

never gonna happen

[kosaros]

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degale has replied in the press with some "immature" comments.

DeGale knows how to sell a fight :yep

He may be a prick, but we need characters like this in boxing.

Also, I don't think the fight happens in the next couple of years, let alone within a couple of months.

[achillesthegreat]

How about we don't build a fight between two fighters who might never make it big. Let them fight now and if they make it big then let them fight again. Fighters should be fighting the best given the stage they are at. DeGale and Groves are two of the best 168 fighters.

I don't mind if fights are built for a short period of time i.e. DeGale fights for the English title and Groves fights for the Commonwealth, then they meet or unify domestic titles. Something imminent. How many times have built up fights fallen through.

Come on guys, lets start complaining and hold boxing to higher standards on all fronts.

[Hooch]

How about we don't build a fight between two fighters who might never make it big. Let them fight now and if they make it big then let them fight again. Fighters should be fighting the best given the stage they are at. DeGale and Groves are two of the best 168 fighters.

I don't mind if fights are built for a short period of time i.e. DeGale fights for the English title and Groves fights for the Commonwealth, then they meet or unify domestic titles. Something imminent. How many times have built up fights fallen through.

Come on guys, lets start complaining and hold boxing to higher standards on all fronts.

:happy:happy:happy

Great post, the only reason for this fight not to happen is that people are obsessed with pretty records and titles, which is nonsense.

They will learn more fighting each other than journeymen who are not even there to win. Look at Sam Sexton he's gone on to do better than Derek Chisora after losing to him after 6 fights or so.

A loss can be a good thing for young fighter and this fight (Groves v De Gale) is good for the sport. FACT