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Home » Exclusive: Sauerland talks Groves future, DeGale and 10% split offer

Exclusive: Sauerland talks Groves future, DeGale and 10% split offer

Groves lost out on claiming the WBC belt at the weekend on the back of two losses to Carl Froch at world championship level and the Briton has recently stated that he intends to evaluate his options before announcing any next move.

WBN have now been given an update on Groves’ situation by promoter Kalle Sauerland, who says ‘The Saint’ has plenty left to offer at just 27 years of age and could now build towards a rematch with arch-rival James DeGale.

“Of course we have been talking to George since Saturday night, but it is a process and we will check what the best path possible is,” Sauerland exclusively told World Boxing News on Thursday.

“George is with us long term and together we have to decide what is best moving forward.”

Referring to the possible DeGale rematch, Kalle added: “I am sure it will happen, the question is when. Losing a split decision on foreign turf for a world title that does not change much in the complexion of this fight.

“George has beaten James as an amateur and as a pro, so I think that James would want to try and put the record straight. George has always said he is ready to give him a chance to do that.”

DeGale, who currently holds the IBF version, has been quoted as offering Groves as little as a 10% purse share to agree a second fight following the loss, although Sauerland is sure that the statement was more tongue-in-cheek than a serious statement.

“I think that a bit of banter between James and George. At the end of the day this fight does not have anything to do with champion status,” said Sauerland.

“They fought once already on PPV for the British Championship and this would be a fight between two outstanding super middleweights who have a history of bad blood and who come from the same amateur club in West London.

“Yes, on the one hand, James is world champion but on the other hand George has fought often on PPV and sold very well. James has only boxed on pay-per-view once and that was against George,” he added.

The pair last fought in May 2011 at a packed O2 Arena in England’s capital, with Groves coming out on top by a wafer thin decision after twelve action-packed rounds.

A second helping would surely be welcomed by all involved not to mention the UK fans, although Groves would need one or maybe two victories beforehand – meaning the fight could be at least a year away from coming to fruition.