George Groves and James DeGale have both teased the prospect of coming out of retirement for a rematch.
Groves sent social media into a frenzy after posting a photo alongside DeGale in London recently, 13 years on from their bout which the former won by majority decision to take the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles.
The pair, who were reunited on Groves’ podcast, both admitted that ego scuppered a much-anticipated sequel, although DeGale, who has made few public appearances since hanging up his gloves in 2019, insisted he would reverse his retirement decision for a second outing with his former rival.
“I’m 38, he’s 35, George we’re still kind of young, let’s do it,” DeGale said.
“I would never make a comeback.
“My world title days are done. Being the very, very best of the sport, being at the top of the sport, those days are done.
“But I’d come back for a couple of fights and George is at the top of the list.”
The British duo, who’s rivalry stems from their amateur days spent at Dale Youth Club, are on far better terms than they were in their fighting days, although they engaged in a friendly, yet heated debate over who had the more successful career.
DeGale, a 2008 Olympic Gold medalist, won the IBF crown in 2015, two years prior to Groves securing his maiden world title at what was his fourth attempt.
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‘Saint George’, who called it a day in 2018 after losing his title to Callum Smith in the final of the World Boxing Super Series, concurred with ‘Chunky’ that he would be the only person that could tempt him to return.
“People always say to me, ‘would you ever come out of retirement?’ the 36-year-old said.
And I always say, ‘never say never.’
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“It’s been five, probably six years since I’ve boxed and I am thinking no.
“But, if there’s one dude that would be worth it, he’s sitting right there.”
