The only man to train both James DeGale and George Groves reckons a future showdown world title shot between them will come down to an extra sweatdrop of desire.

Mickey Delaney has been head coach at Dale Youth BC in Westbourne Grove for 40 years, and was first to look after world champion DeGale from Harlesden and Hammersmith’s Groves as amateurs.

There was an acrimonious falling-out between DeGale and Delaney ahead of the former’s Olympic gold medal win in 2008, and the trainer pulls no punches on whom he wants to win.

World champion: James DeGale (R) celebrates winning the IBF crown

But wearing only his shrewd boxing hat, Delaney reckons the winner of a second, third, if you count their one amateur scrap, would be sliver thin.

DeGale lifted the IBF crown with a narrow win over Andre Dirrell in Boston on Saturday, and Groves is set up for a WBC shot against champion Badou Jack in the autumn.

Groves was a close winner over DeGale exactly four years ago this week when they clashed for the British and Commonwealth titles at the O2 Arena.

But Delaney thinks the beaten then has become a better boxer, and there may well be a nasty taste left in Groves’ month after he was knocked out by Carl Froch fighting for the world title in 2014.

Jack and then King? George Groves

Groves bounced back to beat little-known Denis Douglin in November, but Delaney wondered out loud if the Froch ordeal took its toll.

“I think George was unlucky in the first bout against Froch,” Delaney said. “But a knockout is not the greatest for anyone’s career.

“He still has to beat Jack, but inevitably he will fight Chunky (DeGale) again. The pair could probably retire on the proceeds if it was fought in London.

“Both now go for the head hunting shots that score big points. George has an almighty dig, but Chunky moves well.

“In the end it’s going to come down to whoever has that bit more desire. It really is too close to call.”

A man who knows: Mickey Delaney

DeGale’s promoter Eddie Hearn reckons his man is ready for all-comers.

He said: “James will take on anyone in the division. If I went to him tomorrow, there’s not one fighter that he would turn down.

“He will return to London in October and we will fill up a great arena. James will be the superstar that he all thought he would be.”

DeGale wants a showdown with Groves next summer, providing his west London arch nemesis can defeat Jack.