DeGale: History is a world title then Groves
James DeGale wants to make history tonight and then settle the score with George Groves – in a fight he believes would be the biggest British bout of all-time.
'Chunky' will claim the IBF super middleweight belt, vacated by fellow Brit Carl Froch, if he can get past co-challenger Andre Dirrell in the United States tonight.
If he accomplishes his target, he will also become the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world boxing title, writes Craig Birch.
And DeGale reckons it's his hated nemesis Groves – and not Froch - who would be the best option for a title defence on these shores.
The 29-year-old is desperate to get his own back on Groves and avenge two defeats, one in the amateurs and one as a pro, to his fellow Londoner.
He is of the opinion a third grudge match would be a huge draw, perhaps even surpassing the record 80,000 crowd that Groves' rematch with Froch drew to Wembley Stadium last year.
Froch is now expected to retire after being stripped of his WBA crown, too, while Groves is hoping to meet WBC champion Badou Jack as part of Floyd Mayweather Jnr's retirement show in September.
DeGale said: "I've always told people that, when one of us has a world title or both of us have world titles, it's a huge fight.
"When I am the world champion, he will be the one bowing at my feet. It's all good for me. I'm willing to take that when he's ready. That's a dream fight and a big, big possibility.
"It's inevitable that we will meet again, there's too many issues and too much on the line for us not to fight again.
"If it happens, we can have a massive stadium bill and would be bigger than when Groves went back in with Froch. You never know."
DeGale added: "I think Froch is finished and he should retire. He's getting on and has earned a lot of money. He needs to relax, chill and retire. I expect that.
"There's no point in him coming to get me. I would absolutely batter him. He would not win a round off me. He doesn't want that.
"I've always thought he's easy to hit. His chin is up in the air, his feet are all over the place and he's technically terrible."
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