James DeGale has targeted a rematch with George Groves if he beats Andre Dirrell in their IBF super-middleweight title fight next Saturday.
DeGale, who made his name at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, is attempting to become the first man to win gold for Britain and go on to claim a world title. Dirrell has lost only one of his 25 bouts – against Carl Froch in 2009 – but DeGale is confident of overcoming the American and has already begun considering future opponents.
The 29-year-old London fighter lost to Groves on points in 2011 but hopes a rematch will be possible. “That’s a fight I would like,” said DeGale. “I’ve just got to win this world title, then I can start half-calling the shots.
“A lot of people talk about Groves and Froch, I do like those fights because they sell bigger here, but I want to fight the best. I want to fight Andre Ward, Arthur Abraham, Gilberto Ramírez, I want to box the best.
“Once I win this fight I’m going to get a lot more respect. Andre Dirrell is known to be a good fighter. Winning over there will make all the difference to me.”
Of his rivalry with Groves, DeGale added: “Of course, it means something to beat George Groves to winning a world title. I’m too good to get too many chances at titles, people aren’t going to fight me for a voluntary defence, so I have to take this opportunity against a good opponent.”
