Top trainer Jim McDonnell has warned George Groves that his career could be over after he has fought James DeGale.

 

And he also claims that Groves is being sacrificed by promoter David Haye.

 

Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Groves meets DeGale on May 21 at the O2 Arena, London, live on Sky Box Office.

 

It's a bitter grudge match between two former amateur rivals, who are now at each other's throats as unbeaten pros.

 

And fiery McDonnell - a former European Featherweight Champion and two-time world super-featherweight title challenger - has stoked the flames today.

 

"George Groves is only taking a pay day," stormed McDonnell.

 

"But they don't care about him because in that outfit, David Haye is the main man. They don't care about Groves.

 

"If they did, they would have made sure he avoided this fight at all costs.

 

"This week it's been all about David Haye announcing his world title fight with Wladimir Klitschko.

 

"Everyone has forgotten about George Groves, but he needs to get used to it because everyone will forget about him after next Saturday.

 

"Despite constantly going on about him and wanting to fight like him, Groves plays second fiddle to David Haye, and he'll play second fiddle to DeGale.

 

"This fight is going to be all about James DeGale, not George Groves.

 

And McDonnell, who has trained a number of world class fighters including the likes of Herbie Hide and Danny Williams, also warned that Groves risks career-lasting damage.

 

"There's no room for sympathy in boxing," said McDonnell.

 

"I told Groves to pull out when the fight was first announced, but he wouldn't listen.

 

"Groves is going to get badly exposed at the O2, and it could effectively end his career.

 

"It's going to be a long way back for him after what James will do to him.

 

"People in his own camp have been telling me they don't fancy the fight.

 

"Adam Booth and David Haye should apologise to him after his career is ruined by what's going to happen against DeGale.

 

"He's going to get paid a hell of a lot of money for the fight, but it's going to be the only pay day of his career."