James DeGale says he can't wait for Saturday night - and the chance to silence George Groves and his handlers.

 

Meanwhile DeGale's trainer Jim McDonnell has upped the pressure on Groves by claiming the Londoner was decked in sparring last week.

 

DeGale and Groves meet for the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles at The O2, live on Sky Box Office.

 

And for DeGale, the fight can't come a moment too soon.

 

"I'll hand it to Groves, he's got some balls," said DeGale.

 

"But he hasn't got a boxing brain and that's going to cost him on Saturday night.

 

"I hope he comes to fight me because I'll knock him out twice as quick.

 

"But if he wants to run all night I'll do a job on him as well.

 

"I'm sure his glorified fitness trainer Adam Booth will be filling his head with funny ideas about how he can beat me, but if he believes him, he's deluded."

 

DeGale completed a work out for the media on Tuesday, and looked impressive when put through his paces by McDonnell.

 

"It's just a question of counting down the hours until the fight," said DeGale.

 

"The hard work has been done, knocking out Groves will be the easiest part of my training camp."

 

A fortnight ago, Groves turned up to a press conference with a black eye, and McDonnell believes it represents a more general problem the Commonwealth champion has with his chin.

 

"I'm hearing that Groves got put over by some young kid who usually boxes at welterweight in sparring," said McDonnell.

 

"People close to Groves are telling me that he isn't ready for James DeGale.

 

"I told George and his advisors when the fight was announced to back out. He's not ready for James DeGale, and he's going to get found out on Saturday."

 

'This Is It' featuring DeGale v Groves and Cleverly v Braehmer is exclusively live on Sky Box Office HD from 8pm on Saturday 21 May. To order the event call: 08442 410 888