A very exciting British rivalry

James DeGale

Everybody likes to watch a rivalry unfold, think of classic boxing rivalries such as Muhammad Ali versus Joe Fraizer or Lennox Lewis against Mike Tyson. The passion, hatred and trash-talking are all a great part of it and this will be no different when George Groves takes on James DeGale.

These men are two of the hottest British boxers today and they have been waiting for this fight for some time now. Both men have made a stunning start to their professional careers with a series of well-deserved victories meaning they are both still unbeaten.

DeGale is well known after winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics when representing Great Britain. Groves boasts an impressive amateur record and the plunge into being a professional hasn’t seemed to worry him.

Both men have been touted as future World Champions and it was merely a matter of time before the two collided. I am already very excited for the fight, which takes place at the O2 Arena on May 21. It’s going to be a huge event for British boxing to see two of our best stars battling each other and I think it will bring in even more fans for the sport.

The O2 Arena in London will host the bout

The thing that has been most noticeable so far though is the bitter rivalry between the two fighters. Groves and DeGale were sparring partners for each other in their amateur days but the two have stated they were never friends. Groves actually beat DeGale in an amateur fight, DeGale disputes the decision to this day.

Trash-talking always plays a huge part in boxing but the build up to this one has been unbelievable as the two British stars have been on at each other all the time. It has been great entertainment and has had me in stitches of laughter at times. DeGale has decided to keep calling Groves ‘ugly kid’ while Groves has a more calm approach and just states that he has beaten him before and it will be easy to do it again.

This has to be one of the biggest British rivalries in years and one of the most anticipated fights. The winner will go on to get a bigger title shot so we should see an exhilarating fight. If I was asked who I would pick as the winner, I would be on the side of Groves. Although DeGale has quality, he doesn’t seem to be able to jab properly and his cockiness seems too much. I like Groves as he is laid back and he seems like he means business.

I just hope lots of you tune into this fight because it looks as though it could be a classic. It will also be a great showcase for Brtish boxing and I feel it will interest lots of different people. I am very excited for this fight and you should be too.

Watch this hilarious video of Groves and DeGale on Sky Sports, serious trash-talking.