DeGale and Groves, who met in a hate-filled encounter in 2011 with the latter edging a close decision, were participating in the final formalities of their respective fights with Marco Periban and Denis Douglin when they bumped into each other backstage at St. Georges Hall in the City Centre.
According to Hearn’s account given after the dust had settled, it wasn’t just the boxers who engaged in the spat as both teams were present with the British contenders at the time of the incident.
“The two camps came together and James DeGale and George Groves were face to face. Family members and team members were involved and both fighters’ security were called and they were pulled apart,” Hearn explained to The Daily Mail’s Sportsmail on Friday.
No sign of what had transpired between the pair previously was evident as DeGale and Groves made weight without a problem in front of a packed crowd, although the argument may fuel more rumours that a rematch could be on the cards in 2015.
DeGale is the current number one contender with the IBF to Carl Froch’s 168lb title, whilst Groves is on the verge of sealing a shot at WBC champion Anthony Dirrell.
As Froch has stated his unwillingness to meet DeGale in the ring, the Londoner should be fighting for the vacant title in the first quarter of next year and Groves being put forward as the next challenger would certainly stir up interest.
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