By Simon Hirst: After what was a good domestic clash between DeGale and Groves, a close majority decision was awarded to ‘Saint’ George Groves. DeGale felt he was robbed, but most experts at ringside felt it was close and accepted the fact that Groves won the fight. Unfortunately, with DeGale expected to triumph and gain a measure of revenge, we have the excuses of a poor performance. The fact is, DeGale should not dwell on this fight or feel bitter about it. There are plenty of positives for DeGale that can be picked out.

Firstly, lets discuss the entrances of both fighters. Groves came out to a heroes reception. It seemed most the O2 Arena was rooting for Groves. Warren stated that the boos during the fight were for the inactivity, but how does this explain the fact DeGale was booed on entrance, after the fight and the chants for Groves throughout the fight? The fact is DeGale is far from popular, very much the marmite he compared himself when he turned professional. From a personal point of view, I sensed that DeGale looked a bit rattled during his entrances at the boos. To me, DeGale looked hurt at the boos and that he wants to be a fan favourite. This bit of analysis is simple. DeGale’s constant attitude is the problem. No respect for his opponent where in comparison, Groves handled his attitude very well and thus, made DeGale look cocky and arrogant. Compare that to some of the modern fighters – Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Chris Eubank, Lennox Lewis. They were neither.

Before the fight, DeGale was very arrogant. Lets hear some of the things he said.

‘”His biggest weakness is his defence, he has no defence. No defence at all. He can’t box, he can’t fight on the ropes. He doesn’t know how to hold. The inside fighting bit, he just can’t do it. Basically he is going to get battered or be a kip on the floor. That’s it. Game over, ugly boy. You’re done. Finished, finito. “ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/9475867.stm)

“I’ll hand it to Groves, he’s got some balls,” said DeGale. But he hasn’t got a boxing brain and that’s going to cost him on Saturday night. I hope he comes to fight me because I’ll knock him out twice as quick. But if he wants to run all night I’ll do a job on him as well. I’m sure his glorified fitness trainer Adam Booth will be filling his head with funny ideas about how he can beat me, but if he believes him, he’s deluded. It’s just a question of counting down the hours until the fight. The hard work has been done, knocking out Groves will be the easiest part of my training camp.” (http://www.frankwarren.tv/index.php/news/fwtv-news/latest-news/1161-degale-ready-for-groves.html)

“I’m not too sure. I’ve got a little feeling he may play it as ‘Mr Technical’ again, trying to jab, but he’s going to see the red mist. Once I’m poking him with that jab, hitting him to the body…he’s eventually going to walk onto one. I know they’ve got a game plan. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve got it covered. But I can’t think of how he’s going to be beat me. I’m a bit baffled (over it). Obviously they’ve got a game plan but I just can’t see me losing. All the hard work has been done. You can’t get any fitter now. I just want to get in the ring, get in there and do the business.” (http://www1.skysports.com/thisisit/story/21165/6940404)

With all his cockiness, DeGale said the fight will not last four rounds. The first four rounds, Groves used lateral movement to keep DeGale at bay. There is a difference between running and lateral movement. Groves didn’t allow DeGale to settle. This caught DeGale out as he was so sure Groves would walk at him, not box him. To quote DeGale ‘I know they’ve got a game plan. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve got it covered.’ Clearly wasn’t the case as DeGale didn’t impose his authority much throughout the fight. There is a saying. You talk the talk, but can you walk the walk’ and the way DeGale talked the talk, the public wanted DeGale to fall flat on his face in this fight, which he did. His cockiness was magnified when the MC announced ‘And still undefeated’ that DeGale started to celebrate before realizing Groves was also undefeated.

Adding to the cockiness, DeGale admitted he lost the amateur bout between the two because he was sure he was ahead and let his foot of the gas in the last round. Now if DeGale was so confident, why didn’t he make sure he won the rounds clearly and concisely to avoid repeating this? Clearly lessons haven’t been learned.

Now DeGale can come back from this, of course he can and I am certain he will. But he needs change. Similarly to Amir Khan when he was destroyed, he changed, turned the experience into a positive one and came back better.

Firstly, DeGale needs a new trainer. After watching DeGale in press conferences, McDonnell was very much in DeGale’s ear, praising him and you would think they are mates, not fighter and trainer. For anyone wanting proof, I invite them to watch when DeGale challenges Groves to put his fee on the line. DeGale doesn’t need a trainer like that. He needs someone who will maximize his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. DeGale is good technically, but needs to impose himself more on the opponent. Against Smith, I felt if DeGale really wanted, he could step up another gear and get Smith out of there much sooner. I would suggest going to America as I truly believe Emmanuel Steward would be perfect for DeGale. DeGale has the technique, good power and a decent defence to work on; Steward would really tighten this these area’s.

Secondly, DeGale needs to work on his PR. It is all good and easy comparing yourself to marmite, being cocky and constantly berating opponents, but when you do this, a level of expectation comes with it. On this occasion, DeGale didn’t win the fight, let alone stop him inside four. Had DeGale spoke about their dislike without getting cocky, stepped out of the limelight and trained hard, he would have had a much better chance of winning. Instead, he got complacent and paid the price. DeGale focused far too much on mind games with his opponent than preparing for a hard fight, which is also where the trainer comes in as the trainer should be focusing DeGale. By really focusing on bettering his boxing ability, fans would see the changes in the ring and thus get behind him.

Thirdly, I wouldn’t pursue a rematch until after these two changes have been made. I just can’t see DeGale being a valid world champion at this weight unless the current set of champions move up in weight. I’m sure I sound like a certain American here (I’m British if you hadn’t guessed already), but Dirrell, Ward, Kessler, Froch, Bute would have dominated DeGale, he is a few stages below them at this point in time. Dirrell would have been far too fast and thrown combinations at will, Ward would be far too much for DeGale in every department, Kessler and Froch would have out boxed and out muscled him and Bute would have danced circles around him. The talent and ability is their and frustratingly as a fan, it is visible, but it will never be maximized like this.

If I was DeGale, I would challenge somebody like Kenny Anderson as a comeback fight, as the fans know what Anderson is about. I would then focus on either the European title, or have a look at some of the American SMW’s as they seem to dominate the top 30 according to BoxRec.

I don’t think DeGale needs to change much, just his attitude towards his opponents and training, his PR skills, his focus on his actual boxing – which may mean a new trainer. The basics are there, no doubt, but these tweaks are the different between being a good fighter and a World Champion who the fans get behind.