How did he not control the action or pace? That's exactly what he wanted to do, and that's what he succeeded in doing. Groves' gameplan was a slow paced boxing match off the back foot, and that's what worked. DeGale's aggression was pathetic, as the heart of the fight was still the slow paced boxing match that favoured Groves. I scored it 9 rounds to 3, and that was being generous to DeGale. DeGale looked lost and confused, against a superior, more skilled fighter. Even Frunk Werren thought Groves won.
I thought De Gale won at the time and having watched it again I thought the win was even clearer. It's one of those fights where the guy retreating gets points just for stopping the other guy in his tracks since it seems like he's 'controlling him' by making him break stride and reset. This is irrespective of whether he's landing the shots that do it, which he generally wasn't. Allot of Toney fights got scored than way and I've never agreed with it. De Gale - Rd 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 Groves - 2, 5, 10, 12 Even - 3
I'm bemused at how steve & mex scored the fight that wide for Groves. No way did Groves win 8 or 9 rounds, that's just ludicrous. I believe their minds have been clouded with their hate for DeGale. I'm disapponted!
You're a good man Hut, it's relieving to know that there are some people here who know how to score a fight. Stavros_Davros and Mex had me worried there.
Your scorecard would make sense if this was called General Ballet Discussion, but it isn't, and you're wrong.
So he owns a QPR jersey, big deal. Minds have been clouded allright. The fact of the matter is, James DeGale is an average fighter. He was average before and he's been average after the Groves fight.
Adam Booth did a fine job with Groves. They avoided the blender. Avoiding the blender is key to their plans. They do not like being blended. They remained unblended and were thus victorious.