De-lighted by rematch hope

Bitter rivals George Groves and James DeGale are on the same side for once as they both fight on foreign soil. European super-middleweight champion DeGale has a tough assignment when he heads to Denmark to defend his title against former champ Cristian Sanavia on April 21. Then, two weeks later, Groves ventures into Germany to challenge the Russian Robert Stieglitz for his WBO super-middleweight title. The feuding pair don’t like each other. But this time they could be willing each other to win — to set up the grudge rematch all boxing fans want to see. Hammersmith ace Groves beat DeGale in May last year to take his British title in a close and controversial fight. Plus, Groves also beat DeGale in the amateurs. It’s a rivalry that reminds me of the Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank days that captivated fight fans in the 90s. DeGale stormed back after losing to Groves, winning the European title against the hard Pole Piotr Wilczewski. Italian Sanavia is 37 and hopefully his best days are behind him, but he’s won his last five fights. He could give James a few problems but I expect DeGale to prevail. Groves is the first Brit to challenge for the WBO title since Joe Calzaghe vacated it in 2008, having held the belt for 10 years and made 21 defences — a record for a British fighter. But it’s a real risk going to Germany. Groves is aware that if it goes the distance then it’s unlikely that his hand will be raised at the end. He’s going to have to go out there and really do a number on Stieglitz.