I don't see beating Bika the same as beating Froch. But, I'd say the same for DeGale if he were the one fighting Froch - if he won, he'd be "the man".
For sure, Froch is the better win. That's no debatable. I just don't agree that either fighter needs the other at the minute. They've both got their options on the table and their paths planned out. Neither Groves nor DeGale have even had over 20 fights yet. They're still pretty early into their careers. DeGale needs a big fight soonish before he fades into obscurity, but it doesn't necessarily need to be Froch or Groves. Picking up a belt against Bika would still be good at this stage of his career.
There may be a point in the future where one desperately needs a fight against the other, but we're still some time off that yet. I'm fairly certain their paths will cross eventually.
Groves barely won that fite and i highly doubt he'd hand Degale a rematch. That moral high ground is only when Groves is desperate.
It was a very close fight, I had them even going into the last round and scored that to Groves. But I do think Groves is confident enough to fight DeGale again, especially when there will a huge amount of money in the fight. Don't expect it this year, but if Groves can beat Froch and DeGale can beat Bika by the end of the year then it's definitely possible for 2015. As I mentioned above, DeGale's problem is securing that world title shot. Hennessey is so tin pot with his fighters not named Fury. Frank Warren would have got DeGale the shot by now I feel, even if we did have to put up with a few tomato can defences (DeGale v Smith II, DeGale v Magee, etc)
It was a very close fight, I had them even going into the last round and scored that to Groves. But I do think Groves is confident enough to fight DeGale again, especially when there will a huge amount of money in the fight. Don't expect it this year, but if Groves can beat Froch and DeGale can beat Bika by the end of the year then it's definitely possible for 2015. As I mentioned above, DeGale's problem is securing that world title shot. Hennessey is so tin pot with his fighters not named Fury. Frank Warren would have got DeGale the shot by now I feel, even if we did have to put up with a few tomato can defences (DeGale v Smith II, DeGale v Magee, etc)
Regardless of which way you had it scored im sure you would agree it warranted a rematch given they were so evenly matched. They had an attendance of over 12 000 and for British/Commonwealth titles imagine what the word "world title fite" will pull in.
Also i agree and have stated in the past Degale needs a team shake up ASAP on business and training side of things. Hes way better than what he has.
They've both been on very different paths. Aside from the immediate outcry from DeGale he's not really chased the rematch at all.
Groves hasn't ducked anything, he's worked his way up to fight for a world title, as James is doing down the WBC route. The rematch will happen in the future, Groves and DeGale have even said this.
They've gone about it the right way. I wouldn't rule out them both being champions by the end of the year and a domestic unification coming into fruition.
Saying either fighter ducked one another is wrong. They've both moved on and gone about their careers down different paths which haven't clashed yet. But they will, George isn't scared, neither is James, it'll happen, they've both got a long way to go in their careers.
Think DeGale should go back to Warren or move to the states though as Hennessey just hasn't progressed him anywhere near as well as he should have.
DeGale has been calling for the rematch for 3 years. Warren even appealed to the board of control to order the rematch. Ironic considering all the appeals that Groves has put in to get an immediate rematch with Froch.
Groves instead fought the likes of Paul Smith who DeGale had already embarrassed in front of his home crowd. Not to mention the other plethora of bums that Groves fought to "earn" or should I say "Hearn" his title shot.
One fighter wanted the rematch, the other didn't. Groves is a master in ducking rematches when the result goes in his favour.
If Groves wins this match he won't be WBC champion.
Well Degale is ranked IBF #5, WBC#2 (behind Chavez Jr which explains it). Also WBO#2. Not ranked by WBA top 15, which is nothing to dwell upon.
I understand Groves doesnt become WBC champ, but holding a Silver title ascends you in to title contention for WBC and there is no hierarchy as to which version of the title is better so it automatically gets you in to contention or consideration for other bodies as well. As proven by the rankings i mentioned above.
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