Who thinks George Groves will win?

I think a lot of people have written off Groves due to Degale's slick style. I think Groves will win improved his basics, hits alot harder than Degale (who hasn't shown punching power) plus that with sparring with Dirrell (who is alot better than Degale) all give him the edge in this match.

I for one think Groves will win.

I'm still slightly leaning towards DeGale as I have been from the start, but I see this as nothing more than a 60:40 fight at the most in his favour, and can't understand why some people seem to think that a Groves win would be a major shock. To me, it wouldn't be all that surprising at all.

I think a lot of it is down to knee-jerk reaction. Six months ago, I remember most people's opinions on this being very even, with just as many plumping for Groves as DeGale. But then Groves has an off night against Anderson, DeGale throws in a good performance against Smith, and all of a sudden it's DeGale's to lose, he's a class above Groves, and it's a fight which has come way too early in Grove's career.

I maintain that Groves has been mixing it with the better competition since they both turned professional (partly because I simply don't rate Smith as highly as some others do) and crucially, we know that when the chips are down and he has to dig deep, Groves can grit his teeth and scrap his way out of trouble. That's not to say that DeGale can't do that as well, but as of yet we're yet to see it from him.

One thing I will say, though, is that Groves needs to show more discipline in sticking to a plan than he has done before. I don't usually agree with too much that Glen McCrory says, but his claim that Groves "seems unsure of exactly what he wants to be" is something I agree with. I worry that his ego and dislike for DeGale may lead to him trying to fight DeGale's way and dominate him from distance, which I don't think he can do. I think he needs to take the fight to DeGale from the off and put him under the type of pressure that he hasn't experienced before.

My gut feeling is that DeGale will be a little too slick for Groves, but if Groves can land early and thus not allow DeGale to settle in to his usual rhythm, it's anyone's fight. Really looking forward to this one, just what British boxing needs.

I'm not sure the Dirrell sparring has been that good an idea. Dirrell is more experienced than DeGale but I wouldn't say he is more talented. Groves hasn't had a sparring partner going at him the way DeGale has. Cleverly is going for a world title so would give DeGale the edge on sparring partners.

Groves may hit harder but he isn't that hard to hit and DeGale is. Anderson showed Groves chin up to be less than solid and DeGale will land more than Anderson did and should hit harder than him.

IMO DeGale is to slick for Groves will jab and move and stop him in the middle rounds. I've never been convinced this is a good fight for Groves, I've always thought he would lose and that it could be a detrimental factor in his development as a fighter due to the bad blood between the two.

prettyboykev wrote:I'm not sure the Dirrell sparring has been that good an idea. Dirrell is more experienced than DeGale but I wouldn't say he is more talented. Groves hasn't had a sparring partner going at him the way DeGale has. Cleverly is going for a world title so would give DeGale the edge on sparring partners.

Groves may hit harder but he isn't that hard to hit and DeGale is. Anderson showed Groves chin up to be less than solid and DeGale will land more than Anderson did and should hit harder than him.

IMO DeGale is to slick for Groves will jab and move and stop him in the middle rounds. I've never been convinced this is a good fight for Groves, I've always thought he would lose and that it could be a detrimental factor in his development as a fighter due to the bad blood between the two.

Whoa somebody rates DeGale

I'd say Dirrel is better then DeGale at this moment in time.

I feel the DeGale has the slight edge but wouldn't be surprised if Groves wins. I've been impressed with Groves approach to this fight.

A lot of people were impressed with Audleys approach to the Haye fight.

Groves isn't a talker he has bad breath apparently so likes to keep his mouth shut. The talking is right up DeGales street he loves it, imo it has no real affect on the fight. One fighter likes to play to the camera and one doesn't.

Dirrell hasn't fought in over a year and before Froch had fought no one of any real note so tbh I wouldn't rate him that much higher. He was only in the S6 because he was American.

I think Degale will win BUT 88Chris says, I don't see it as one-sided as many think.

The latest Boxing Monthly mag has a poll of professionals and people in the sport and the score was something crazy like 27-2 in favour of Degale!

Problem is Degale appears to keep getting better whilst Groves has had some average performances of late

88Chris05 wrote:I don't usually agree with too much that Glen McCrory says

I don't usually understand most of what McCrory says to disagree with the man it takes the guy an episode of ringside to say the word hook.

IMO Degale is gonna win by mid to late stoppage.Groves defence is very poor as it was shown against Kenny Anderson.Theres also a few questions on Groves' chin.Groves is easy to hit while on the otherhand the slick Degale is hard to hit if Degale doesn't try too get to aggressive and not leave himself open it should be a comfortable victory.And the sparring with Dirrell if anything that would of knocked his confidence apparently Dirrell gave Groves a bit of beating.Degales been sparring with Nathan Cleverly who on the same night is fighting for a world championship so you can't say he's had weak sparring partners.Groves has got a chance but IMO only if Degale fights stupid and trys to KO him in the first 2 rounds.

i think that it will probably be a decesion win for degale, which im really disapointted about. neither man has ever actually KO'd an opponent which to me suggests that neither have one punch KO power- relying on greater skill than there opponents to overwhelm them. i think both boxers are skilled enough to not let that happen with each other but i think degales classy style will catch the judges eye. i really wish groves could win this but can't see it, his defence is just not tight enough to keep degale away imo

prettyboykev wrote:

88Chris05 wrote:I don't usually agree with too much that Glen McCrory says

I don't usually understand most of what McCrory says to disagree with the man it takes the guy an episode of ringside to say the word hook.

Ha, i remember someone on the old site telling a story about McRory shouting for his dog in the middle of the night in his garden; when they asked Mrs McCrory if they found the dog, she relpied that they didn't own one.
I don't know if that is true of course.However I suspect a few of Glen's marbles have become onloosened.

Boxing Monthly did an article on Groves last year,and at that stage he sounded very useful.Sounds a good "pick-em" to me, even if Groves loses, he still sounds a great future prospect.So, everyone's a winner!Well done, British boxing!

I give this 70/30 in DeGales favour. The main reason is that DeGale is a tricky customer who is difficult to hit clean, he's evasive and employs the shoulder roll defence effectively. Contrast this with Groves who, for me, is too easy to be hit and I think that is where the fight will be won and lost.

Groves is a decent puncher but not monstrous, he has balls but I question how much he will improve as a boxer under a relatively inexperienced trainer like Adam Booth. DeGale seems to have taken greater strides as a pro, slick southpaw skills, fast accurate hands, tricky defence, can punch going backwards.

I think the fight will actually start slow, the grudge factor meaning neither guy will want to over commit early on and get caught. I think after the 4th DeGale will be in more of a groove and will be landing more punches and frustrating Groves with his movement. I have absolutely nothing against Groves but he just looks a bit one dimensional to me - this fight has an almost hatton-mayweather feel about it in terms of styles. To me DeGale looks to be the real deal and whilst I have no particular preference as to who wins, I think DeGale will take a late TKO.

Just agree with the above posters who say groves has faced better opposition, and with the odds as they are( 3/1 ) groves is a good shout for a few quid

Welcome aboard, sherm. Hope you enjoy it here.

Who that Groves has faced is better than Smith who DeGold beat comfortably.

Anderson vs Smith would be a decent scrap. I'd go for Anderson. Smith looks good in training but never seems to apply it in the ring when it matters.

I wouldn't pick Anderson to beat Smith he is wide open and has a soft chin. If Smith wasn't capable of beating Anderson he should retire. Groves made Anderson look much better than he is.

Anderson and Smith are on the same level basing on Degold and Groves' fight against them Degold would have the advantage.You can only really base the fighters on these fights as its the only one they've had against decent opposition.

Anderson and Smith aren't the same level Smith was British champion Anderson isn't even at that level. Groves showed heart against Anderson to get back up and win. We haven't seen that from DeGold because he has never been troubled despite facing the better opposition.
I base the fact I think DeGold will win because he looks like he is improving and Groves isn't. Groves looks quite easy to hit and doesn't move his head enough. Neither of them seems to be a big puncer but DeGolds speed and slick skills win it imo.

Thank you Mr windmill,, been enjoying it for weeks just not posted until today,
I just think as said above groves had an off night in his last fight,
If he can get in close and hurt De gale then has a superb chance imo

I'm basing them on the same level because Anderson came very close to beating Groves and I think he will come back well from the defeat.Agree with Degale improving and Groves not.Groves trys boxing like Haye and doesn't move his head and gets caught with flush shots the same will happen against Degale.

Liam_Main4 wrote:I'm basing them on the same level because Anderson came very close to beating Groves and I think he will come back well from the defeat.Agree with Degale improving and Groves not.Groves trys boxing like Haye and doesn't move his head and gets caught with flush shots the same will happen against Degale.

Yeah..Groves fights with a style that needs good natural head movement and reflexes. He doesn't really have those atributes though. However I'm impressed that he's sparring loads with Dirrell. If he's holding his own against a top world class operator then he won't be fazed by DeGale.

I you base them on the same level surely 3/1 is attractive?

A dont fancy it sherm tbh

sherm wrote:I you base them on the same level surely 3/1 is attractive?

3/1 isn't big enough for me to touch.

Sherm whats the price for Degale KO?

Theres Skybets odds on the fight. http://www.skybet.com/betting/boxing/c29.html
:spank:

when most are calling this a 60/40 fight or there abouts, 3/1 is a great price for boxing

sherm wrote:when most are calling this a 60/40 fight or there abouts, 3/1 is a great price for boxing

TBH mate I think it's a bit more one sided than that Groves doesn't impress me think he might just end up a European level fighter. DeGold looks a couple of levels above him imo.

Liam_Main4 wrote:Sherm whats the price for Degale KO?

2/3..

a will pass on it:P

http://www.oddschecker.com/boxing/james-degale-v-george-groves/winner
Gut feeling about groves and imo his better class of opponents faced, plus the 3/1 on a fight with 2 fairly untested prospects,, ill take that

Who is the better class of opponent Groves has faced? Please don't say Anderson he is poor Groves made him look much better than he is.

Its certainly not Anderson so who? Charles Adamu? dont think so.

prettyboykev wrote:Who is the better class of opponent Groves has faced? Please don't say Anderson he is poor Groves made him look much better than he is.

Well Smith is poor and people seem to be bigging up DeGale now after stopping him.

I honestly believe DeGale would have had a harder fight against Anderson then Smith

Looking forward to the fight, but can only see a Degale win. Groves may have some luck early on as I expect his gameplan will be to rush Degale. Degale by late stoppage or wide UD.

Boxing Challenges

Soldier_Of _Fortune wrote:

prettyboykev wrote:Who is the better class of opponent Groves has faced? Please don't say Anderson he is poor Groves made him look much better than he is.

Well Smith is poor and people seem to be bigging up DeGale now after stopping him.

I honestly believe DeGale would have had a harder fight against Anderson then Smith

Smith is along way from world class but he is better then Anderson.

I think the fact DeGale beat Smith isn’t that much of a big deal, but it was the fact he looked good doing it, which is all we can go on when judging prospects as they work there way up fighting substandard opposition.

As yet I haven’t seen Groves look really good yet, not to say he doesn’t have some talent and reasonable power, he just makes so many mistakes.

Duncan wrote:

Soldier_Of _Fortune wrote:

prettyboykev wrote:Who is the better class of opponent Groves has faced? Please don't say Anderson he is poor Groves made him look much better than he is.

Well Smith is poor and people seem to be bigging up DeGale now after stopping him.

I honestly believe DeGale would have had a harder fight against Anderson then Smith

Smith is along way from world class but he is better then Anderson.

I think the fact DeGale beat Smith isn’t that much of a big deal, but it was the fact he looked good doing it, which is all we can go on when judging prospects as they work there way up fighting substandard opposition.

As yet I haven’t seen Groves look really good yet, not to say he doesn’t have some talent and reasonable power, he just makes so many mistakes.

To be honest, me being scouse aswell, I would say Anderson was better. But it would never happen now as Anderson can no longer make super middle weight.

Whether Anderson or Smith is better, really isn’t important, frankly who cares, DeGale and Groves have thought similar levels of opposition and on the whole DeGale has looked better betting bums then Groves has.

BUT, that doesn’t necessarily mean DeGale is far superior, I just hope (I want Groves to win, even though I wouldn’t bet on it) Adam Booth has managed to tighten Groves up considerably and actually work out what his style is, then maybe we will see a close fight.

I think Groves CAN win but whether he will or not is a different matter. DeGale is a showman whereas Groves is businesslike in his boxing. If he sticks to the gameplan and doesn't get drawn into a punch up he can frustrate DeGale, make him ragged and possibly outpoint him, maybe even stop him if his chin is exposed. Groves does have some power. Don't forget how he walked through the normally durable Adamu.

That said, we know how hard DeGale punches and he is elusive, so for me it is a mouthwatering pick 'em fight.

It will also be interesting to see how each fighter deals with BIG pressure!

Mr Bounce wrote:I think Groves CAN win but whether he will or not is a different matter. DeGale is a showman whereas Groves is businesslike in his boxing. If he sticks to the gameplan and doesn't get drawn into a punch up he can frustrate DeGale, make him ragged and possibly outpoint him, maybe even stop him if his chin is exposed. Groves does have some power. Don't forget how he walked through the normally durable Adamu.

That said, we know how hard DeGale punches and he is elusive, so for me it is a mouthwatering pick 'em fight.

It will also be interesting to see how each fighter deals with BIG pressure!

i really dont think degale punchs that hard- he just punches often

A lot of you guys make me laugh it's clear Groves has a good chin, with so many people it's liek you get knocked down, your chin is suspect, thats not the case. He proved he is tough he can get up take shots and come back, he took a lot fo shots from a very tough guy! Also Anderson wasn't an awful fighter himself unbeaten (I believe) and had a long amateur career. They stuck him in with a very tough guy who perhaps just had the correct style for Groves to struggle with. Cotto getting taken out by a tough guy who keeps coming forwards? However I do think Degale has the edge on Groves, but It hink a lot of people are massively underating Groves on one performance, please tell me the other performances he has been below par in? Because Groves has fought tough fighters and has been thrown in at the deep end and has survived it whereas Degale has been mollycoddled! I don't think Degale hits harder either, I just think he's more accurate, it's rarely a case of who hits harder it's who hits on the button.

If i see him being called 'DeGold' one more time I am going to pay a chinese hacker to close this place down!

Fists of Fury wrote:If i see him being called 'DeGold' one more time I am going to pay a chinese hacker to close this place down!

I presumed it was predictive text?

No, it is some annoyance calling him by the horrifically bad name that he gave himself after his Olympics win.

You can't deny his buture's fright though.

Great prospect, future world champ for sure, and I hope that he or Froch can hand Ward his butting, cheating backside at some stage.

However, what a tool.

Scottrf wrote:You can't deny his buture's fright though.

Well, as he said himself, he's come on "heaps and bounds"