Booth "DeGale Groves Purse Won't Happen"

The live press conference bet made between James DeGale and George Groves in London on Thursday will not be followed through according to Groves’ trainer and manager. Adam Booth, who also trains heavyweight champion David Haye has confirmed that his fighter will not break the British Boxing Board of Control rules.



British super-middleweight champion DeGale, 25, offered Groves the bet live on Sky Sports in a blatant attempt to coerce the Commonwealth titleholder into betting his entire purse on the outcome of the fight. After the press conference, the 23 year-old’s coach has sought the advice of Robert Smith, secretary of the BBBofC and he confirmed the bet was invalid.

"I have been on to the British Boxing Board of Control and they have told me they will not allow this bet to go ahead," explained Booth.

"Their members, which include both George Groves and James DeGale, are not allowed to bet or profit from any betting on the outcome of any bout."

Whether the wager, which stands at over £300,000 would still go ahead behind closed doors is highly unlikely and DeGale’s stunt will seemingly generate no profit if his is victorious, but he did get the desired effect. Interest in the bout is set to far exceed Nathan Cleverly’s first world title defence on the O2 show and have fans on the edge of their seat from the ring walk to the final bell.

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