SWINDON boxing coach Paddy Fitzpatrick can claim a helping hand in the rise to fame of George Groves.

In a sensational fight at London’s o2 Arena, dubbed ‘The Grudge’, Groves caused a massive upset by defeating favourite James DeGale by majority decision to claim the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles.

Just three weeks before the fight, Fitzpatrick was called into Groves’ corner by his trainer Adam Booth. And as Fitzpatrick explained, the pair devised the perfect game plan which eventually proved DeGale’s downfall.

“I’m good friends with Adam Booth and he asked me my opinion on the fight,” revealed Fitzpatrick. “I told him if George let his emotions get the better of him then DeGale would win.

“Adam asked me about a game plan so I went up to his gym and showed him what I thought. Between us we devised a game plan - we spent hours just going over it.

“One day we spent 12 hours just discussing the best way to approach the fight.

“For the three weeks before the fight we just talked and talked about the fight. Our plan was simple.

“Technically I could not believe how easy the fight looked. DeGale is a counter puncher so George just had to move, make him miss and then make his move.

“It worked and I couldn’t be happier for George.

“I feel privileged to have lent a helping hand. It’s great that Adam wants to listen to my advice because most trainers would never do that. Adam and I just seem to see eye to eye most of the time and without being disrespectful to James DeGale because he is a fantastic fighter, we couldn’t believe how easy it was to beat him.”

DeGale’s promoter Frank Warren is now demanding a rematch but Fitzpatrick says Groves should set his sights higher than the former Olympic gold medalist.

“George has beaten James twice now. He has nothing to prove,” added Fitzpatrick. “What does George gain by accepting a rematch? Nothing.”