George Groves delivers his verdict on James DeGale's comeback

George Groves was an interested spectator earlier this month when James DeGale made a shocking return to the fighting world. 

One of Britian's most successful boxers, DeGale ended nearly seven years of exile as he returned to action against Matty Floyd in a messy bareknuckle fight that saw fighters lose points for various infringements before DeGale won widely on the scorecards. 

At the peak of his boxing career, DeGale was headlining huge shows in both Britain and America as he cashed in brilliantly on his Olympic gold medal that he won at the 2008 Beijing games. 

In 2011, DeGale suffered his first loss as a pro as he was beaten by Groves, his amateur rival despite both boxing for the same club, but he used the setback to push him on as he became world champion in 2015 when beating Andre Dirrell. 

DeGale seemingly retired from boxing in 2019 when he was outpointed by Chris Eubank Jr in London, but now he is back, and Groves has spoken about his former foe and what might come next. 

“It wasn’t pretty on the eye. Whether he’s got a future in that or not I hope he doesn’t get hurt, suffer any lasting damage from it,” said Groves when speaking to BoxingScene. 

“I assume what he really wants is to get on some massive cards. Influencer, big names, there’s money there, good luck to him. But it’s difficult for him to go down that road. Some might do it. But any fighter who says they’re fighting for anything other than money; I don’t believe them for one second.  

“They’re not even chasing the high of being the man in the arena. James DeGale’s an Olympic champion. James DeGale’s fought for world titles in boxing in pay-per-view events.”