DeGale's Coach Leans To Groves Over Murray, Breaks it Down

By Ben Jacobs

Perhaps the most intriguing fight on the June 25 bill at the O2 Arena will be the all British clash at super middleweight between George Groves (23-3, 18KOs) and Martin Murray (33-3-1, 16KOs) for the WBA International super middleweight title. 

Both men have fallen short in world title bouts, although Murray was hard done by away from home against Sergio Martínez, while Groves pushed Badou Jack close.

Jim McDonnell, trainer to James DeGale gave BoxingScene.com his views on the fight and believes it is difficult to split the two men.

“There’s a question mark over how much Groves has got left, sometimes he looks good.  Martin Murray has had some tough battles himself,” Jim said.

“Both at their best I would go for George Groves but Murray is a tough, tough competitor, he’s a strong determined guy.  It just depends who has more in the tank, they’ve both had wars.  It’s a hard one to call.  I would lean towards Groves but he’s got to be better than he has been recently or he’ll get beat.  You can flip a coin on it.”

After the devastating knockout defeat to Carl Froch in their rematch, some in the game questioned as to whether or not that loss took something out of the Londoner.  McDonnell thinks that could be the case. 

“George himself may ask if he’s the same fighter, and that plays tricks on the mind.  It’s human nature.  You think, can I still do this or that, can I take a shot.  Even he doesn’t know.  I’m sure both fighters think they are on their game and they will both go into it believing they will win the fight.  Some guys go in there not 100% certain but these two have the minds of champions. 

“For the loser it’s a long climb back, if they have the desire to come back.”