Thursday 5 January 2017 08:27, UK
Carl Froch has backed George Groves to defeat James DeGale if a rematch between the British super-middleweights goes ahead this year.
IBF champion DeGale is preparing for a world title unification clash with WBC title holder Badou Jack in New York on January 14, live on Sky Sports.
Mandatory challenger Callum Smith is waiting to face the winner, while a return fight with Groves could also be fitted into the schedule of DeGale, who is keen to avenge a majority decision defeat by his British rival in 2011.
Froch won both of his fights with Groves, but has spotted improvements in his former opponent, and believes 'Saint George' could claim another narrow points win over DeGale.
"It's a potential big rematch, with DeGale-Groves," Froch told Sky Sports News HQ. "There is a lot to happen before that. Callum Smith is mandatory for the winner of DeGale-Jack.
"But hypothetically let's says James DeGale meets George Groves very soon in Britain, which would be a great fight on British soil.
I don't think the skill set would be enough, so I would probably tip George Groves to beat him in a tight decision.
"Who wins that? It's a tough one. George Groves is improving his stamina, he's looking fit late on, he's finishing the fight strong now. We've seen that in his last fight.
"He's looking more dedicated and he's still a young man, he's only 28 years old.
"James DeGale has been a world champion, been in America, so I think the skill set of James DeGale against the fitness and hard work, of late, of George Groves.
"I don't think the skill set would be enough, so I would probably tip George Groves to beat him in a tight decision.
"James DeGale will argue differently, as I am sure all his team will, but that's a cracking fight and it would be great to see that this year."
