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George Groves is keen to face James Degel in a bare-knuckle boxing bout – even though the former world champion believes traditional boxers should ‘stay away’ from the brutal sport.
Degel and Groves shared both an amateur and professional rivalry for a decade, with the former losing to the latter in the amateurs before winning gold at the 2008 Olympics.
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The pair then fought each other in the professional ranks, with Groves defeating Degel by majority decision in 2011 to secure the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles.
Despite the two men falling out over the years, Groves admitted he was ready to fight his old rival in a new arena.
Asked if he would face Degel in a bare-knuckle contest, Groves told IFL TV: “Absolutely, yes.
“The bare-knuckle scene? I’m interested in it, and I enjoy anything that has a little bit of exhibitionism in it. I don’t know everything about it.”
Degel made his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut in September, winning a tough contest against Matt Floyd in Manchester. A few days after stating his intention to become world champion in the sport, Degel announced he would be leaving bare-knuckle boxing, citing the brutal nature of the BKFC.
Groves agreed that bareback fighting is not for everyone, saying that it requires a different kind of fighter.
He continued: “I don’t think I’d be able to top that in terms of bare knuckle. You have to be built differently – first of all you don’t have to be brittle.
“A lot of boxers are weak. We have bandages, our hands are wrapped, we still break our hands with gloves.
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“Imagine having to hit someone on the button! It’s not necessarily being able to take shots, it’s the toughness that you need. There may be guys out there who do well in tough cases.
“Paul Malignaggi lately, I don’t think he was very successful. Frankie Gavin had a crack, think he lost. Degel didn’t surprise the world, it was a tough decision. Jamie Cox, a big punching amateur and pro boxing for a world title, he went in and didn’t do well.
“Maybe the older boxers should stick to that, and stay away from bareback.”
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