Boxing Betting / Alex Steedman / 15 May 2011 / 1

James DeGale has got the trash talk down to a fine art, which is a shame as he is a classy operator in the ring, says Alex Steedman. But it's those fighting qualities which should see the Olympic gold medalist through this grudge match

The Sky Sports hype machine has spun into orbit pumping the rivalry between James DeGale and George Groves but there is no denying this weekend's match kindles memories of past domestic feuds. It may not have the cache or the public exposure of the Benn-Eubank spectaculars of the 90s but the enmity is just as real and having two unbeaten, rising stars meet so early in their respective careers is, these days, a rare treat indeed.

DeGale ([1.34] to win) is more Eubank than Benn and is fast becoming the boxer fans love to hate but like the pouting puncher from the past, there is substance to him. Unbeaten in ten pro fights since winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, the Harlesden talent has made rapid progress stylistically and looks a different cat entirely to the one who was roundly booed on his Birmingham debut just over two years ago. As happy to stand in the pocket within range as he is to counter on the back foot and with a defence as impressive as it is similar to that of Floyd Mayweather Jr, DeGale already looks the real deal. One fight only judgements are dangerous but the way in which he dominated a solid, experienced operator like Paul Smith to claim the British title in December was awesome.

In truth, DeGale shares Mayweather's crassness too and has repeatedly called Groves "ugly boy" in what has been a lively if at times unsavoury build up. DeGale holding his nose at the stare down while pretending Groves has bad breath is the sort of behaviour more suited to the playground and it seems the genuine class DeGale exhibits in the ring so often seems to desert him when he sets foot or opens his mouth in public. Hopefully all of that will improve in time as I it appears he is destined for the very top.

And for both DeGale and Groves it was always thus as gym colleagues and sparring partners for several years in the amateurs at Dale Youth. That was before Groves beat DeGale in the ABAs then DeGale beat Groves to a spot on the elite GB squad destined for Beijing. Thereafter their paths diverged and a rivalry festered.

For a while it was Groves ([4.2]) who appeared the better prospect with a string of impressive wins on the undercards of David Haye extravaganzas but his rocky, back-from-the-brink win over work-horse Kenny Anderson a month before DeGale beat Smith raised eyebrows and questions. Still, Groves is adamant in his belief that he 'knows' DeGale and that he has his rival's number.

I'm not sure that psychology comes into this at all though handling such a big occasion will be important. Both have that experience so I think that - simply put - talent and technique will out. DeGale has improved, refined and honed his natural ability more impressively in the past year and significantly his defence is much, much better than Groves'.

Despite his stoppage of Smith, DeGale is not a big puncher though, at least not yet but you sense he will have opportunities over that low hung left lead of Groves. DeGale also has the edge in speed and I expect that to come to bear just beyond half way ([1.8]).

DeGale and Groves may sound like an expensive shoe shop on the Kings road but it will be a different kind of leather dished out at O2 arena this weekend. I only hope that James DeGale shows the kind of class in victory that his boxing talent and the sport deserve.

Steedo's Selection
DeGale to win by KO/TKO/DQ - 4pts win@ [1.8] (0-10)

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1. Aspers | 21 May 2011

   Nice article Steedlekins,

   I've taken the 4/5 but I still hope Groves takes his head off.

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