DeGale-Groves: OFFICIAL

[typeone]

Im pretty skint right now, overtime has been cut at work so not sure. Im defo not doing the Haye fight now which is gutting as i was at the Ruiz fight and LOVED it!! But i might be able to get some cash together for Chunky vs Groves. If im going the missus will be there too if uz fancy a drink before the fight?

She has seen Amir Khan and Joe Calzaghe live and i havent so she thinks she is the nuts.....

Yea m8 we can meet up for a drink if your going no problem! I went to the Ruiz fight, That was a good night Groves was on the cards that night as well.. The atmosphere is gonna be **** on...Its gonna be the nuts, I love the 02 for fights Oooooo..Talking of being skint, I know what your talking about its slow at work for me to..I just had to have it..

[ding-ding]

Money is tight here n all, forfeiting this one in the hope of going Haye vs Klitschko.... the fight itself aint gonna break the bank but travel from manc to London and then accomodation and all the boozing / food will mount up and I could easily blow 200 - 300 quid

gutted as would love to be there, but it's opportunity cost

[Mugwump]

I think this fight says an awful lot about how the sport of boxing has changed in the UK in the last decade. Back in the day a Frank Warren fighter (one he really liked the look of) could go 25+ fights before challenging anyone remotely threatening.

Aside from David Haye (who I suppose is the prototype), both fighters have been fast-tracked like none that I can remember. I think this approach is far better for everyone. Without the endless conveyor belt of meaningless tomato cans the boxers know they have to be on top of their game - every fight - and don't get the opportunity to pick up bad habits. Sure, there is the chance they'll bite off more than they can chew too early and be beaten (as was the case with Haye when he ludicrously challenged the veteran Carl Thompson) - but it's far easier to get over a loss and re-adjust your game when you are young. Once you get past, say, 27 or 28 (plenty of prior Warren fighters hadn't even fought at European level by this age!) bad habits tend to be far more difficult to erase. And if you do get to the top you've got longer to look around. I've lost count of the number of good British fighters who stepped up to the highest level too late in their careers.

It's equally good for the fans as they aren't being cynically milked and there's greater chance they'll see the bouts they really want to.

With regard to the fight. Twelve months ago I would have bet my house on Groves as he looked a fantastic prospect. I still think he's got immense talent but I question whether Adam Booth is the trainer to harness it. The problem is defence - or lack thereof. I first noticed the problem with David Haye, who as he has got heavier his guard has become increasingly leaky. So much so that he almost looks impossible not to hit. Watching Groves' recent fights I've noticed the same deficiencies creeping into his game. He's taking too many shots - now - at this level.

DeGale, on the other hand, didn't inspire me much when I initially saw him. However, since he physically matured he looks a totally different fighter. Speed, power, rhythm but most importantly - defence. Clearly Floyd Mayweather must be an influence because at times his guard and stance is almost more Mayweather THAN Mayweather. And he can even deliver the perfect "Check Hook" - against a very solid opponent, fighting in a hostile arena, in only his tenth fight!

I think it will be a competitive fight, but DeGale's defence will be the difference.

[The Surgeon]

Yea m8 we can meet up for a drink if your going no problem! I went to the Ruiz fight, That was a good night Groves was on the cards that night as well.. The atmosphere is gonna be **** on...Its gonna be the nuts, I love the 02 for fights Oooooo..Talking of being skint, I know what your talking about its slow at work for me to..I just had to have it..

Meh dont look like im gonna make it dude.

Next time theres a decent scrap on we will have to try and catch up for a few jars tho man

Never been to the O2 before, better than the MEN for boxing seating?