James DeGale has blasted back at George Groves after his British rival claimed he would take him apart "physically and mentally".

 

Groves is now mandatory challenger to the British super-middleweight title.

 

And that could put him on a collision course with DeGale if he beats Paul Smith on December 11.

 

But when he was last offered a showdown with DeGale for a career high purse, Groves chose to run a mile, rather than put his money where his mouth is.

 

"I see Groves has found his voice again now I'm fighting Paul Smith," said DeGale.

 

"He always seems to pipe up when he can't fight me.

 

"But when I've beaten Smith, I'll give Groves the opportunity again to get knocked out.

 

"I always like to put business before pleasure, and that's the case with the Groves fight.

 

"I've got nothing but respect for Smith, and I won't enjoy taking the British title from him.

 

"But if I get to fight Groves then it will be a real pleasure shutting his mouth once and for all.

 

"He keeps using my name to get himself in the papers because, quite frankly, he's not going to get talked about talent wise.

 

"Anyone who saw his fight with Kenny Anderson would know that he's got about as much chance of beating me as he has winning a beauty contest.

 

"He's been comparing himself this week to Bernard Hopkins, but he's about as dangerous as Bernard Cribbins!"