George Groves concentrating on WBA 'super' title rather than James DeGale

By Richard Damerell

By skysports.com

George Groves has played down talk of a rematch with James DeGale as he is focusing on a WBA ‘super’ title fight against Fedor Chudinov.

IBF champion DeGale called for another fight against his British rival after he battled to a draw with WBC title holder Badou Jack in January’s super-middleweight unification clash.

But Groves is determined to win his own world title at the fourth attempt and is close to announcing a date and venue for his fight against Chudinov.

I’m only going to concentrate on what I know is in front of me and that’s Chudinov, and that’s the WBA title, which is perfect for me.

George Groves

Asked about a DeGale rematch, Groves told Sky Sports: “It’s been mentioned a few times. I think the best of five has been branded around. Already posters getting made up. It will be a great fight.

“I’m only going to concentrate on what I know is in front of me and that’s Chudinov, and that’s the WBA title, which is perfect for me.

James DeGale has urged Groves to challenge him for IBF title instead of targeting the WBA belt

“I had a long, hard slog last year, worked hard to grind myself into this situation. Once I win that, then there are huge fights out there to be made.

“But never rule anything out. I’ve learned that in my few years of boxing.”

The west Londoner hopes to receive home advantage against his Russian opponent, who travelled to Britain for a points win over Frank Buglioni in 2015.

Chudinov defeated Buglioni by unanimous decision at Wembley Arena

“It’s definitely my best chance,” said Groves. “Mandatory for the WBA, fighting Chudinov.

“We’re still working on the final details, but we’re confident we’re going to be able to bring it to the UK – preferably London – have a big fight to announce in the near future.

“The last two weeks, my promoter Kalle Sauerland has been in touch. They are trying to put together something. It’s a big fight. There are a lot of big fights and it needs to jostle into the calendar somewhere. We’re hoping that we will have something great to announce soon.”

Callum Smith is set to fight Anthony Dirrell for vacant WBC belt

Callum Smith is expected to receive a world title shot against Anthony Dirrell for the WBC belt, which has been vacated by Jack, and Groves has backed him to beat the American.

He said: “I think next in line is Anthony Dirrell, so I think he stands a great chance if he can get that fight in the UK, because the Dirrells don’t like travelling and whenever they have travelled they haven’t boxed well.

“If he gets that fight in the UK, I think we will see another world champion, and it’s another one in the mix for us guys. Hopefully we can have more big fights.”