De Carolis: Badou Jack Doesn't Have What it Takes To Beat DeGale

By Ben Jacobs

Giovanni De Carolis (24-6, 12 KOs), Italy’s only current world champion returns to Germany, the scene of his world title victory on July 16 to defend his WBA super middleweight belt for the first time against Tyron Zeuge (18-0, 10 KOs).

The 31-year-old gained revenge over Vincent Feigenbutz on January 9 with an eleventh round stoppage of the man who had gained a disputed unanimous decision over him last year.

Speaking to BoxingScene.com from his training base near Rome, De Carolis cast his eye on a huge clash taking place in London on June 25 between George Groves and Martin Murray, given that the winner potentially could face him at some point in the future.

“I may fight the winner if I win my fight but also I may have to fight Arthur Abraham again,” explained the Italian. 

“If I win they won’t make me fight Murray because he is not with Sauerland, but Groves is.  If I do win I have to fight another Sauerland fighter.

“Groves versus Murray is a great fight, Murray has impressed me lately.  Groves is a top opponent so I would make him the favourite but, if he is not 100% the Groves that he was before and Murray carries on his current form, then I think he can win.”

Does De Carolis subscribe to the theory that the Londoner is not the same fighter following his defeat against Carl Froch at Wembley Stadium two years ago?

“Groves may not have looked the same as before but let’s not forget he has fought good opposition such as Badou Jack, he fought good in that fight.  In my opinion he has made a good comeback from that Froch knockout.”

Rumours are also circulating that IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale will square off in a unification match against his WBC counterpart Badou Jack.  If that fight comes to fruition, Giovanni sees only one winner.

“I see DeGale as the favourite there because I see him in the last couple of years as being very strong.  Jack is a good boxer but he is not as natural as DeGale.  Ward was the best when he was still at super middleweight, without a shadow of a doubt.  These other fighters such as Jack, well he is a great champion but he just doesn’t have what it takes to beat DeGale. 

“If the fight is in London he will be even more of a favourite.”