DeGale wants Groves clash at Loftus Road

James DeGale wants a rematch with George Groves at QPR’s Loftus Road ground.

Harlesden’s Olympic gold medallist lost a close points decision against his unbeaten arch-rival and fellow West Londoner when they met at the O2 Arena two years ago.

And the DeGale camp say they want Groves to agree to an eliminator for a super-middleweight world title fight later this year.

DeGale, cousin of former QPR winger Lee Cook, claims Chelsea fan Groves is keen to avoid another showdown.

He said: “I’d box Groves in my next fight, but I swear to God he does not want to box me. He doesn’t want it.

“That’s a massive fight. That could sell out QPR football stadium.

“I’d love to fight there. That’s my local club. I was brought up on that club – my granddad is a mad supporter.”

DeGale continued his march towards a world title challenge with a comprehensive victory over Croatian veteran Stjepan Bozic on Saturday.

Hammersmith prospect Groves, who also beat DeGale as an amateur, is himself on the cusp of a world title opportunity.

Both men have declared that they want to face Nottingham’s IBF champion Carl Froch.

But DeGale’s promoter Mick Hennessy said: “Why not a final eliminator with George Groves for the WBC title [where] everything’s on the line?”

Sakio Bika of Cameroon and Mexican Marco Antonio Periban will fight for the vacant WBC belt later this month.

Germany-based Russian Robert Stieglitz, the WBO champion, has also been touted as a possible future opponent for Groves.

An injury forced Groves to withdraw from a proposed clash with Stieglitz last year.

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