By Lewis Croft: As domestic fights go this is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited and bitter encounters since Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. Topping the bill alongside Nathan Cleverly attempt at capturing a world title on May 21st in London’s 02 Arena, James Degale (10-0, 8 KO’s) v George Groves (12-0, 10 KO’s) will be a real grudge match. For both men this is there biggest fight of there careers so far, not only has someones ‘0’ got to go but personal pride is on the line here along with both the British title and Commonwealth.

Coming from the same amateur boxing club, James Degale and George Groves rivalry goes way back. In a controversial contest Groves beat Degale on a points decision back in 2006 in the amateur ranks. Not convinced by the judging, James Degale maintains he was robbed of the victory.

Despite this defeat James Degale went on to win Olympic Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and under the guidance of Jim McDonnell began his quest on becoming Britain’s first Olympic champion to win a professional World title. He claims that the bitterness shown to him by Groves stems from the fact he went on to achieve Olympic gold and gained international stardom whilst he did not.

Despite being heckled on his debut, the confident switch hitter has made a good start to his professional career stopping 8 of his 10 opponents, most notably capturing the British Title from a seasoned professional in Paul Smith (29-2, 15 KO’s) inside the Lions Den. This was a step up in class for Degale as Paul Smith had the experience I n title fights. Only having 8 fights prior to a British title shot it was expected that the later the fight went the more it favoured the experienced Smith. This was not the case, Degale expertly dispatched of the more experienced Smith inside 9 rounds, Degale would not let Smith work and silenced the Liverpool crowd.

As of yet James Degale has not been tested, he has not had to dig deep when things are not going his way, in fact he has not even had to step up another gear. The ultra confident Degale is a bit of a Marmite type figure in British boxing. Fans either love him or hate him.

Similarly George Groves has made a solid start to his professional career, taking his trade abroad he has successfully captured the Commonwealth title in only his ninth professional fight by defeating the awkward Charles Adamu (17-5, 12 KO’s) on the undercard of his mentor, David Haye. Unlike Degale, Groves has not had it all his own way and has had to show some true heart. Particularly when faced with the daunting task of rising from the canvas against tough Scot Kenny Anderson (12-1, 8 KO’s). Showing true grit, Groves rose from the canvas to stop Anderson in the six.

During the press conference to announce the fight the spotlight was stolen from Nathan Cleverly who is scheduled to fight Juergen Braehmer for his WBO Lightheavyweight title. The fact that he is fighting for a world title may have been overlooked as the banter between the two made entertaining viewing. This continued on Sky Sports Boxing Magazine show Ringside and once again turned into a fiery affair. With Degale looking to get into the head of Groves. There is a genuine dislike between the two fighters and since turning professional both fighters have been on a collision course to face each other using every opportunity to call each other out. Insults have been traded between the pair making many casual fans interested in this bout.

Regardless of which fighter prevails, credit needs to be given to both fighters for stepping up and fighting at this stage in there career. Many of times two divisional rivals that are on a collision course tend to avoid at the last minute, depriving the fans of a fascinating match up. This to me is a genuine 50/50 fight, it can go either way. Form guide goes out of the window, as of late Degale has looked a class above Groves, but I am sure ‘The Saint’ will bring everything he has got and we are set for fireworks!