By Terence Dooley 

London's George Groves intends to make a statement against New Jersey's Denis Douglin, 17-3 (10), on the undercard of Tony Bellew's rematch with Nathan Cleverly at Liverpool's Echo arena on Saturday night before trying to nail down his mandatory challenge for Anthony Dirrell's WBC Super middleweight crown.

Former British and Commonwealth titlist Groves told Sky Sports that he will send Dirrell a message on Saturday night; he also opened the door on a possible rematch with fellow Londoner and former foe James DeGale, who meets Marco Antonio Periban on Saturday's Bill.

"I'm mandatory challenger for the WBC title held by Anthony Dirrell," said Groves. "Purse bids are due on December 15th. This is more than a keep busy fight, it's about keeping the momentum from my last fight [a decision win over Christopher Rebrasse for the EBU belt]. I got a good, solid win over Rebrasse and banked some rounds. I'm boxing a great guy, he says he's rejuvenated from training at the Mayweather gym. I'm excited to be out again."

He also reiterated that he is going to stay on the WBC route, then added that former opponent Carl Froch should accommodate IBF mandatory challenger DeGale. He said: "if you're mandatory, you deserve to fight the champion. It wouldn't be the same spectacle (as Froch-Groves), but it's a worthwhile fight. DeGale must be frustrated, [his promoter] Eddie Hearn said they'll start negotiations next month, but DeGale became mandatory in May. DeGale will try to Nick a decision, Froch will try to walk through him."

Should both DeGale and Groves win world titles they will once again be on a collision course. Groves, 20-2 (15), would welcome a world title unification return; he beat DeGale by decision in May 2011 and believes he has his rival's number. "It would make for a massive fight," he said. "A unification between us would eclipse the Froch fights. It could happen again, but my goal is to become world champion through the WBC route first."

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