As rumours abounded on social media that George Groves may announce retirement following last Saturday’s world title challenge loss to Badou Jack, bitter rival James DeGale seems to believe it karma, saying openly it’s “funny how things work out.”
As Groves deleted his social media accounts in the wake of his Las Vegas disappointment, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist spoke to Sky’s Ringside Reaction online show, to reflect on how when his own career ‘hit the skids’ under promoter Mick Hennessy, leaving ‘Chunky’ boxing in shopping malls against less than stellar opposition, Groves was one of the first to openly mock him.
“Remember when I was boxing at Bluewater? (shopping centre) Oh, the stick he used to give me,” DeGale said of the period 3 years ago when he appeared on terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5, before signing with current promoters Matchroom, and new ‘advisor,’ Al Haymon.
This low period for the current IBF 168 lb champ followed on from his 2011 fight with his old amateur rival, which Groves won by tight MD (114-115 x 2), and now, 4 years down the line, DeGale has let it be known that he is open to the possibility of a rematch, sarcastically saying;
“If the British public want it and demand it, let’s do it……. but we’ll have to negotiate the purse. Maybe 90 [% for me…] 10 % to him. We’ll see.”
A unification fight between the two was thought to be the most lucrative option for both, although one imagines it is unlikely to happen for some time, if at all given the Groves loss.
What is clear is that Groves can still come again. He gave a good account of himself last Saturday against a Badou Jack who was solid in all areas on the night, and perhaps some time to think away from the glare of the spotlight is the best remedy?
There is a belief that the time may be now to switch trainers once again and try something new, if he is to come back at all. He is still the second best super-middle in the UK in many eyes, still ahead of Liverpudlian’s Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding, and now that Martin Murray has moved up into the division, there are still potentially future fights and opportunities out there in the UK and beyond for the Hammersmith man.
Is the depth of talent at 168 lbs such that Groves cannot come again? DeGale says it is, and doesn’t believe Groves can mix it at elite level. Who knows if another world title challenge will come his way in the future?
It’s certainly possible, and 4th time’s a charm….Just ask Frank Bruno!
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
