As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, IBF super middleweight world champion James DeGale is set to undergo shoulder surgery but hopes to fight again by the end of the year.
The 31-year-old -- who won middleweight Olympic gold at the 2008 Games -- said he had been suffering from the right shoulder complaint for over a year.
He was injured in the run-up to his victory over Rogelio Medina in April last year and was still suffering from the problem in January's draw with Badou Jack.
One of the biggest fights for DeGale is a rematch with George Groves, who in 2011 won a close twelve round decision over the Olympic gold medal winner.
The rematch is now even bigger, since Groves capturing the WBA world title last month with a stoppage over Fedor Chudinov.
DeGale wants to avenge his only career defeat, but he feels that Groves is undeserving of a 50-50 split. DeGale believes that he should earn more money in the agreement.
"Groves caught Chudinov early in round six and kept on punching and the referee had to stop it - but I didn't think Groves looked great. He didn't fight the best world champion – Chudinov is an average fighter who was tough and strong, but very one-dimensional – and I think Groves has gone backwards," DeGale told The Mirror.
"I'm not being disrespectful but he's not got the same sharpness or attitude he used to. He has however fulfilled his dream of becoming world champion and it makes our potential rematch even bigger. But I don’t think he deserves a 50/50 split. Groves thinks he’s bigger than he is, especially after his fights with Carl Froch. Negotiations will be difficult and the terms will have to be right for the fight to be made."
Groves responded back, laughing at DeGale's position that a 50-50 split is out of the question.
"I deserve more - he's right!" Groves joked to Sky Sports. "His surgery is more strategic. He was hoping for a big date this month and he probably thought he'd get a fight against me or Callum Smith.
"He will get neither. He probably thinks it's the right time to take some time out. It makes sense if he's not 100 percent and if I do fight him I want him to be 100 percent and not making any excuses. There are plenty of big fights out there so we'll see what can be made."
"I don't need to chase anyone. Everyone is coming for me! I've had quite a few offers for big fights. There's potential for a fight with Callum Smith if he comes through his next fight with Anthony Dirrell. But I am getting better. People say I'm back to my best and that's how I feel. [Trainer] Shane McGuigan is bringing out new things with me, my fitness is better and I can change my assault from head to body. I don't think many guys will be rushing to fight me - apart from the young hungry ones who still think of themselves!"