DeGale ran rather than be interviewed. The buture's fright.

[JamesH]

Wow, theres a lot of hate for De Gale.

I felt sorry for him last night. I know, I know, I know.... but I did. I've always found James a really decent bloke when I've seen and spoke to him at shows. I like Groves too, but of the two, James was the one I wanted to move on after last night. He cleary hadn't considered losing a possibility... it took me back to comments made by Eubank who didn't think De Gale would make it to the top unless he changed his training structure, he wasn't impressed by him being his gyms 'top dog' and Eubank thought he was having it all too easy. I usually hate when people talk about leaving trainers after a loss, but last night De Gale was massively underprepared tactically and I think questions will be asked of McDonnell.

As for not given the ringside interview, he was embarrassed. No one knows how much grief he gave Groves better than he did and he would have felt humiliated. I can understand why he wanted to get out of there. After his own build up, he had a long way to fall.

De Gale will be a world champion, and I still think he has more chance than Groves of achieving it. Groves fought an intelligent fight and deserves huge praise, as does Adam Booth. While disappointed for De Gale, I found myself being really pleased for Groves. I'd love to see a rematch, but wonder if De Gale would be more inclined to fight off the back foot and with Groves potentially doing the same, it could be a let down. I'd love to find out though...

[palooka]

Wow, theres a lot of hate for De Gale.

I felt sorry for him last night. I know, I know, I know.... but I did. I've always found James a really decent bloke when I've seen and spoke to him at shows. I like Groves too, but of the two, James was the one I wanted to move on after last night. He cleary hadn't considered losing a possibility... it took me back to comments made by Eubank who didn't think De Gale would make it to the top unless he changed his training structure, he wasn't impressed by him being his gyms 'top dog' and Eubank thought he was having it all too easy. I usually hate when people talk about leaving trainers after a loss, but last night De Gale was massively underprepared tactically and I think questions will be asked of McDonnell.

As for not given the ringside interview, he was embarrassed. No one knows how much grief he gave Groves better than he did and he would have felt humiliated. I can understand why he wanted to get out of there. After his own build up, he had a long way to fall.

De Gale will be a world champion, and I still think he has more chance than Groves of achieving it. Groves fought an intelligent fight and deserves huge praise, as does Adam Booth. While disappointed for De Gale, I found myself being really pleased for Groves. I'd love to see a rematch, but wonder if De Gale would be more inclined to fight off the back foot and with Groves potentially doing the same, it could be a let down. I'd love to find out though...

I can imagine that he, in person, is very different to how he has presented himself. That people haven't taken to him is entirely his own fault. Lots of the pre fight 'stuff' was unnecessary, personal and unpleasant. He came across as an arrogant bully, if that were an act it were his choice to play it and he played it well.

[banjo]

you guys talk some shit ricky hatton didnt give interviews for days after he lost to pac and didnt give a ringside interview against floyd either.

^^^^

Bollocks m8, you're the one talking shit.

I know Hatton gave an interview in the ring after Mayweather cos he said "it was going fine till I slipped" -- Yes, it was a joke for those of you who missed it. He then went on to apologize for his fans saying he felt he'd let them down.

I didn't see the aftermath of Pac, but given he was KTFO, I'd not be surprised if he was sent immediately to the nearest hospital and most likely the TV guys would have acknowledged that.

my bad - either way mr 2 posts - you're still turning a blind eye to the fact it took nearly a week for hatton to give an on camera statement after the pac fight.

Actually it was within 48 hours, the fight happened on a sunday morning and he was giving an interview to Sky Sports News on the monday sat next to a pool in Vegas.

[reggaereggae]

Defail Also lets hope sky tell frank to eff off too! The bill was shit!

DReadful bill without Braehmer Clev (ok no their fault) but the mismatches on the undercard were poor.

Never thought I would be praising Don King but his big PPV shows were strong.

[MightyWarrior]

Yeah good post JamesH. All the hate for James DeGale is a bit sad, I don't like his attitude either but no need to repeatedly put the boot in when a man's down.

I missed the fight but have to hand it to George Groves, what a brilliant win. I wrote off his chances, really thought DG had his number, how wrong was that. Seems like George has his number, for the time being.

Really pleased for Groves, a really nice kid and he must be pissed off they didn't keep the bet on now ! DeGale will be back, he's too good not to, and obviously needs some tactical advice and maybe a bit more experience in his corner

[leforge]

Defail Also lets hope sky tell frank to eff off too! The bill was shit!

DReadful bill without Braehmer Clev (ok no their fault) but the mismatches on the undercard were poor.

Never thought I would be praising Don King but his big PPV shows were strong.

The Cleverly fight stoppage was a joke. For 200 quid I want to see some competitive fights, there was about 30 minutes with no boxing

[JamesH]

That's a fair post.

The trainer issue is very interesting. We all know that McDonnell is great at chasing after people in the gym and whipping them into terrific physical shape but can he bring on a technical fighter? It is possible to regress technically if you are not challenged accordingly in training. Rumours are that DeGale was sparring the army team. I don't know if that's true. What I do know is that army boxers are always very fit but usually poor technicians. DeGale would learn absolutely nothing from sparring them. Sparring Cleverly is Okay but, for example, De La Hoya was sparring real world champions from the get go so his technical development would continue.

I'd missed that about the army sparring, but if true, it's certainly not as effective as the calibre of sparring Groves was getting. What Eubank said is appearing more relavent, is De Gale having it too easy? I feel harsh saying it but it sometimes looks like McDonnell is just pleased to have De Gale on board, and that De Gale is the one calling the shots. There's no doubt De Gale was in good shape as he was (finally) pushing in the last part of the fight, but does he need more? I wonder how De Gale would get on with someone like Jimmy Tibbs? Whoever coaches him, it sounds like he needs vast improvements in the variety and quality of sparring opposition.

[palooka]

Defail Also lets hope sky tell frank to eff off too! The bill was shit!

DReadful bill without Braehmer Clev (ok no their fault) but the mismatches on the undercard were poor.

Never thought I would be praising Don King but his big PPV shows were strong.

The Cleverly fight stoppage was a joke. For 200 quid I want to see some competitive fights, there was about 30 minutes with no boxing

I was moaning a bit about 15 quid. You put that into perspective

[JamesH]

I can imagine that he, in person, is very different to how he has presented himself. That people haven't taken to him is entirely his own fault. Lots of the pre fight 'stuff' was unnecessary, personal and unpleasant. He came across as an arrogant bully, if that were an act it were his choice to play it and he played it well.

Oh I completely expect the general public to be disgusted by the sort of insults De Gale was throwing at Groves, and I did feel for Groves during some of it. However things happen in the build up to big events and boxing fans generally make more allowances than non-boxing fans as they understand some of the factors involved. I am just suprised HOW anti-De Gale everyone is. He's a character, he's loud, he's cocky, some will always love to hate him - but it was only 2 or 3 years ago this very forum were crying out for someone with such traits to bring back some interest to boxing.

[dragons]

Keeping up his reputation for oozing class.

And he didn't acknowledge Groves at the end when he came over to him.

Booed into the ring and out of it. I dearly hope he is the next Audley. He's clearly not gonna pull in the punters on his own.

Degale came in the ring trying to be the new Naz. Left the ring more like Audley Harrison
Well done Groves !

[leforge]

DReadful bill without Braehmer Clev (ok no their fault) but the mismatches on the undercard were poor.

Never thought I would be praising Don King but his big PPV shows were strong.

The Cleverly fight stoppage was a joke. For 200 quid I want to see some competitive fights, there was about 30 minutes with no boxing

I was moaning a bit about 15 quid. You put that into perspective

Very poor bill won't be going to warren show again!

[Realistic]

Most fighters give an interview after the fight no matter what happens. The amount of bollocks he spouted before the bout, it's embarrassing that he ran from the interview after it.

Wasn't even a clear cut win for Groves. So close and could have easily gone the other way, and DeGale could have easily debated the decision.

But credit where it is due, 29/31 in the profession gave it to Degale beforehand. I thought that was amazingly harsh on Groves. Bookies were equally clueless. Got 4/1 on GG and lumped a score on. Great night.

I got 10/1. that said the bookies go the way the general public are betting, obviously a lot of money was on JD

[bigjack]

R5L grabbed hold of him afterwards. He twice said that the decision was "bullshit".

Twat.

I really hope he is suffering big time today,he must be thinking of all the stupid childish things he has said over the last few weeks and be cringeing,couldn't of happened to a nicer fella,w.arren included,his face last night after the fight was class,he looked like he was sucking on a lemon,tosser

[Superheavy]

Re the hatred for DeGale: people don't like arrogance, even when someone is talented. That's why it's hard to like Khan. DeGale is cocky, a bit of an idiot and disrespectful of his opponents - hardly endearing traits. While Nas was all of those things too, he was smart enough to give the impression that it was all tongue in cheek. DeGale really needs help.

[ed robinson]

James DeGale did leave the ring instead of doing a ringside interview - his choice - and went straight to see the Board doctor in the medical room because of the cuts. However, he did turn up at the post fight press conference to face everyone and answer every question put to him. Both fighters took a risk so early in their careers and both should improve for it. However they are perceived I've found them both really easy to deal with, friendly and personable with lovely families. For what it's worth I had Groves one up and thought Adam Booth's strategy was audacious to say the least - planning to outbox a southpaw Olympic champion from the outside. Wow! All credit to him.

There's lot of talk about Groves struggling with sparring in the build up but Adam Booth publicly stated that they wanted to put stress on George in the gym. Pro boxers often have trouble with amateurs for a few rounds, partly because of the pace they set. Also Gary Logan, who has been involved with George in the past, has always told me that he rates him very highly but that he's better fighting than sparring - some guys are just like that. Plus form in the gym doesn't always mean too much - apparently Holyfield struggled to win a round in the gym before the first Tyson fight.

[alexpaterson]

I actually like DeGale, I think he tries to put on an arrogant persona but it doesn't suit him he's not sharp enough to pull it off! He will definetly come again though

[Lenny]

James DeGale did leave the ring instead of doing a ringside interview - his choice - and went straight to see the Board doctor in the medical room because of the cuts. However, he did turn up at the post fight press conference to face everyone and answer every question put to him. Both fighters took a risk so early in their careers and both should improve for it. However they are perceived I've found them both really easy to deal with, friendly and personable with lovely families. For what it's worth I had Groves one up and thought Adam Booth's strategy was audacious to say the least - planning to outbox a southpaw Olympic champion from the outside. Wow! All credit to him.

There's lot of talk about Groves struggling with sparring in the build up but Adam Booth publicly stated that they wanted to put stress on George in the gym. Pro boxers often have trouble with amateurs for a few rounds, partly because of the pace they set. Also Gary Logan, who has been involved with George in the past, has always told me that he rates him very highly but that he's better fighting than sparring - some guys are just like that. Plus form in the gym doesn't always mean too much - apparently Holyfield struggled to win a round in the gym before the first Tyson fight.

Great post Ed

Hayemaker took a big risk with Groves, going on a Warren show to fight their golden boy. Paid for the best sparring available, came up with a gameplan nobody expected (and one Degale had mocked the idea of on Ringside) and came away victorious. Great for both fighters to come up against each other so early and both will be better fighters for it. I expect at least 2 more fights between them during their careers (hopefully with a little bit more action)

[goldenears]

I actually like DeGale, I think he tries to put on an arrogant persona but it doesn't suit him he's not sharp enough to pull it off! He will definetly come again though

yep and it's not who he REALLY is. He's a nice fella trying to sell fights, but as you say, not quite sharp enough to pull off a Naz/Floyd style image - buckets of talent though

[stujones]

I have the feeling Degale is a very nervous, possibly shy person away from the public attention. He's always been fascinating to try and figure out (even back in his amateur days).

He seems to find ways to alienate himself from fans. I remember a print interview he did with Ben Carey (I think) where he talked about the amount of shag's he has had since he won gold.

He then made alot of bold claims and put in what most people (I do not) considered a poor debut display, which ended in a PR disaster post fight. Following that, I remember him playing this really nice man act. Being really humble, thanking the fans, press all the right buttons - but at the same time sounding a bit "false".

Since then he has been playing a mixture of nice guy until it comes to George Groves and then his tune changes. I'm sure he is not a bad person, probably gone a bit bellow the belt when it comes to Groves, but then nothing we aint heard before. I definately get the impression that he wants to be a "star" and is really conscious of the fans - but is struggling to really be "himself" to the fans, and fans cannot take to him. Probably needs a Max Clifford on board.

On a similar note, anyone else notice Adam Booth's reaction immediately as Jimmy Lennon announced Groves' name. Its more clearly shown at the very end of the PPV, with the end credits. Not exactly the most mature and humble response in what was a razor tight decision.

[Ezzard]

100% agree. DeGale needs better PR. I watched the fights with guys in the biz and we all agreed.

Also, when the pundits were saying that he looked so confident and cool I was shaking my head in disbelief...