James DeGale and George Groves are always talking about a rematch, so The Panel gave their prediction

James DeGale has been given the backing of arch-rival George Groves ahead of his IBF super-middleweight title fight with Andre Dirrell this Saturday night.

Groves handed DeGale his one, and only career, defeat back in May 2011 at O2 Arena in London, winning by a majority decision.

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Four years on from their first clash, The Panel have their say on who they think would come out on top if the British pair met for a second time in an eagerly awaited rematch.

Johnny Nelson

I picked DeGale towards the end of last year and I would stick with that. I know he lost to Groves, but that was the best thing that could have happened to him. He had to lick his wounds, it made him humble and he had to get serious about the game.

I hate to say it, but after Groves lost to Carl Froch, he has deteriorated. It was a tough year for him, while James is on the rise, so right now, he is the top dog of the two.

Carl Froch

DeGale has improved so much since the fight between them four years ago. I actually watched him a couple of months ago and having seen it, he has not only got better, but Groves has gone downhill.

I am not being arrogant or big-headed, but since I flattened him not once, but twice, he just has not looked good. In fact, he's looked terrible and, if they do fight again, it would be an easy win for DeGale. Very easy.

Jamie Moore

Just before this fight was made, you would have to say Groves. But now that James is boxing for a world title on Saturday, you would have to say him. For Groves, coming off a heavy loss in the rematch with Froch, it's difficult coming back from that.

DeGale can pick up a world title at the weekend, but Groves is right behind him and I don’t think he will be far away from winning one himself. Then we've got a really tasty rematch on our hands.

Jim Watt

I would pick DeGale this time. Two heavy defeats to Froch can't have done Groves any good, but it doesn't look like it has affected him - unless he's a very good actor. Groves got it right with his game plan against DeGale and, although it was not a classic fight first-time round, people want to see this one again now.

It is one I will look forward to, but, this time, I am just leaning towards DeGale. Mind you, I also thought he'd nicked the first fight.

It is one I will look forward to, but, this time, I am just leaning towards DeGale. Mind you, I also thought he'd nicked the first fight.

Glenn McCrory

Let's give DeGale his chance against Dirrell and then we can see if he can succeed where Groves failed, by taking a world title in his big opportunity. You can judge them after that.

DeGale's career is motoring again and it almost feels like he's been given a second chance. He's eager to show what he's got and it's a lot. A win for DeGale in America for a world title would elevate his whole personality, his whole stature as a man and a fighter. We saw what Groves did with his opportunity, now let's see what DeGale does with his big chance. 

Watch DeGale v Dirrell live on Sky Sports 1, from 8.00pm, this Saturday.