James DeGale should RETIRE: George Groves gives verdict after Chris Eubank Jr loss
JAMES DEGALE needs to retire after suffering a tough defeat against Chris Eubank Jr, according to his old enemy George Groves.
DeGale was bested by Eubank over 12 rounds at the O2 Arena, with the Brighton man claiming the IBO super middleweight crown.
It was the third loss of DeGale’s career, and the second in his last four fights.
The first came against Groves, in a 2011 classic all-British dust-up.
After losing to Groves, he went on to win the IBF world super middleweight title, before drawing with Badou Jack in a unification bout.
But against Eubank he looked a shadow of his former self.
He was knocked down twice by the younger man, and failed to have any success trying to smother the Brighton boxer.
Groves was part of the ITV commentary team, having fought - and beaten - both men.
And after the final bell, the recently-retired fighter called for DeGale to call it a day.
“James, I’m sorry mate,” he said.
“You called it, and it was the retirement fight.
“He ain’t got it no more, he wasn’t there at the races.
“He’s had a fantastic career, he’s achieved everything he set out to achieve.
“He’s got a lovely house in St Albans, he’s made a few quid.
“Good on him, fair play to him.
“What he needs to do now is hang up the gloves, and I hope he does.”