James DeGale has shrugged off talk of a rematch with bitter rival George Groves as he aims for bigger things in the super-middleweight division.
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The IBF world champion faces Lucian Bute in the first defence of his title in Quebec on November 28, having won the vacant strap with his points win over Andre Dirrell earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Groves fell short in his bid to win a world title after being defeated by Badou Jack last month, and so the balance of power has certainly shifted significantly over the last 18 months.
Groves won the pair’s first meeting in 2011, as well as defeating his rival during their amateur days. However, it doesn’t appear as though revenge is on DeGale’s mind at this point after spending years calling for a rematch with his fellow Londoner.
The 29-year-old insisted that he wants the likes of Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham next, who he considers the “elite” fighters in the division, but he will be well advised to keep his focus on Bute who will be aiming to win back the title that he held for five years before losing it to Carl Froch.
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