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Preview: Carl Froch vs. George Groves II - the undercard

Sports Mole previews the fights that are taking place on the undercard of Carl Froch's world super-middleweight title defence against George Groves at Wembley.

British super-middleweight James DeGale will be looking to earn his first shot at a world title when he faces Brandon Gonzales in the headline act on the undercard of the rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley Stadium.

DeGale's IBF eliminator with the unbeaten American will follow Kevin Mitchell's attempt to put himself into a similar position in the lightweight division when he goes up against undefeated Canadian Ghislain Maduma, while Jamie McDonnell will hope that he can secure a second global crown when he meets Thailand's Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat for the WBA bantamweight strap.

The opening contest of the evening will see Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua look to record his sixth stoppage victory when he faces Matt Legg as 80,000 begin to take their seats at the national stadium.

Below, Sports Mole assesses each bout, and makes a prediction regarding the outcome at the final bell.

1. James DeGale vs. Brandon Gonzales

As soon as he won gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, James DeGale was quickly considered one of Great Britain's most promising competitors, but almost three years on from his success in Asia, his emergence in the professional ranks suffered a huge blow when he lost out by majority decision to rival George Groves.

However, since that setback in 2011, the 28-year-old has, slowly but surely, rebuilt his reputation with eight successive victories in the ring, while he has taken a few steps to improving his standing with the British public after his goading of Groves in the buildup to their clash saw him enter the ring to a chorus of boos.

James DeGale (L) of England fights George Groves of England in the British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight Championship during World Championship Boxing on May 21, 2011© Getty Images

But DeGale can be excused for failing to be seen in a positive light until now after finding himself competing in front of poor attendances under his previous promotional banner, and if he can come through his encounter with Brandon Gonzales on Saturday night, he has an opportunity to experience some of the adulation that he achieved by winning Olympic gold.

However, his opponent, under the stewardship of Virgil Hunter, will be the toughest opponent of the Brit's career, and DeGale needs an explosive, clinical performance from the start if he is to discourage a man who has not lost in 20 outings and who will have no fear about the power of the punches coming his way.

Both fighters are technically sound and their will to win cannot be separated, and with a points verdict anticipated, whoever finishes strongly down the stretch is likely to be the victor.

2. Kevin Mitchell vs. Ghislain Maduma

When Kevin Mitchell was stopped inside four rounds by Ricky Burns, it looked as though his attempts to win a world title were over, but after almost a year away from the ring, the Londoner returned with a renewed determination to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Mitchell's undoing in the past has been his lack of focus, but in his four matches since the Burns defeat he has looked sharp and composed, and there has been a spitefulness about the way that he has gone about his work.

British boxer Kevin Mitchell in action against Ricky Burns on September 22, 2012© Getty Images

However, his opposition has been limited at best, especially in his last contest in Liverpool in March, and on Saturday evening, Mitchell will be facing a genuine world prospect who arrives in London with a growing reputation as one of the emerging talents in the division.

Ghislain Maduma has won 10 of his 16 matches by knockout, while he is ranked highly with two of the world governing bodies, and many have tipped the Canadian to have success against the hometown fighter with his power and hand speed.

Mitchell goes into the match as the favourite, but in the eyes of many this is a genuine 50-50 fight, and Mitchell may have to go 12 rounds for the first time in five years if he is going to move on to an encounter with IBF titlist Miguel Vasquez.

3. Jamie McDonnell vs. Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat

Before he was crowned IBF bantamweight champion last May, Jamie McDonnell has progressed under the radar in the eyes of the British public, but the Doncaster man wasn't given the opportunity to defend his newly-claimed belt after being stripped of the strap for failing to face his mandatory challenger.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Yorkshireman, but after switching to Matchroom Sport, he quickly picked up two victories in the space of three weeks to put himself back into world contention.

Neither display was particularly eye-catching, but it was enough to earn him a shot at the vacant WBA title on Saturday evening against Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat, who boasts a record of 52 wins from 54 matches.

While his CV looks impressive on paper, the Thai's record is padded and while he will come to England with nothing to lose and his come-forward style will force McDonnell onto the back foot, the Brit should produce the classier work over 12 rounds to nick the decision.

4. Anthony Joshua vs. Matt Legg

When it was announced that Anthony Joshua would compete on the bill, many were hoping to see the heavyweight given a sterner test than his previous five outings that had all ended with a Joshua win by stoppage.

However, after only recovering from a lingering hand problem over the past month, the 24-year-old will fight a man 14 years his senior in Matt Legg, who recently lost out to James Toney in the latest heavyweight edition of Prizefighter.

Anthony Joshua catches Emanuele Leo during their Heavyweight bout at O2 Arena on October 5, 2013© Getty Images

While Legg was willing against the veteran American, he was ultimately outclassed, and it is likely to be a similar story against Joshua, who will relish the opportunity to compete in front of a capacity crowd in London.

After taking part in limited sparring, Joshua might take a round or two to find his rhythm, but if Legg can continue past the first quarter of the fight, it will be deemed a success as Joshua looks to continue his road up the heavyweight ladder.

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Carl Froch and George Groves in action during their IBF & WBA World Super Middleweight Title fight on November 23, 2013
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