The former WBA Super-Middleweight World champion George Groves will stand ringside on Friday night, swapping gloves for the microphone, as Wasserman Boxing welcomes in a new era of Channel 5 boxing.

Casting his keen eye over all of the action, the former British Super-Middleweight champion is excited to see who comes out on top in the main event. A tremendously even and exciting bout for the British Middleweight Title between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley, that is guaranteed to get hearts racing.

“I think this is a really great domestic fight, one of them that people can get behind and really enjoy. They’re both long, loose punchers. They’ve both shown that their styles can leave them a little bit open defensively as they’re so committed with trying to attack, so it could end up being a case of who catches who.

“They’ve got exciting styles, and they punch with spite and venom, and they’ll probably be looking to take the other guy out,” said Groves.

Twice a former ABA Middleweight king, the opportunity to win a domestic title is an experience ‘Saint George’ can relate with. Amongst all the accolades available to boxers, the main event will offer the fighters an all-important chance at cementing their legacy in British boxing folklore.

“It’s one of them ones you really want in the locker to look back on. Even if you’ve got ambitions to go on and unify at world title level, you still want to pick up the British Title and have it as part of your history. Bentley had it before and lost it, but both men will be in there to win it.

“It’s a magnificent belt, and it still carries its weight in terms of its presence and its appeal. When two fighters come for the British belt, you always feel like you get a little bit more out of them, a little more entertainment. Both of them will be desperate to win it.”

Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly has kept the boxing world in suspense, and looks refreshed and excited ahead of his return fight live on Channel 5. Kelly suffered his first career loss against David Avanesyan last time out, but such a moment can make a fighter.

Groves has experienced the feeling of a high-profile loss in his career, but it never stopped him achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a champion of the world. He is eager to see positive changes in Kelly, expecting the time out the ring has been used to add to his world class talent.

“It’ll be tough, and he’ll have to show some mental resilience. Boxing is a tough game, and there’s some brutal decisions. I hope that’s what he’s been working on for the last year and a bit, filling in the gaps between his skillset and his explosive one-punch stuff, tightening up his defense, and just being comfortable with the pressure,” said Groves.

“It has been the ideal time for him to rebuild. I want to see something a little different from him on the night as well. He’s a tremendously talented fighter, and he’s still a work in progress. I am excited to see him back as he can still be one of Britain’s stars, if he can just make them adjustments.”

Harlem Eubank will be looking to leave Friday night with his hand raised and another win to add to his unbeaten record. The Adam Booth trained fighter will be looking to lean on his coach to continue progressing him through the ranks with a solid performance. Groves knows very well of ex-mentor Booth, and the gym in which so many champions have been moulded. Booth, a solid figure and an intelligent mind to have in your corner, can offer the home for Eubank to continue thriving.

There will be no guarantees of a walkover come Friday evening though, as Birkenhead’s experienced Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd will come to give viewers their money’s worth, live on Channel 5.

“Eubank will have been getting great work in with the guys at the gym, I’m sure. It’s a very talented gym he is a part of, and he seems like someone who is always in great spirits too. He talks well, always confident, thirteen wins and no losses – he’s moving along nicely.

“He’s in there with Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd, someone who is vastly experienced but does have a few losses on the record now. It should be a really good fight, one that Eubank will be expecting to win. Dodd will certainly make things difficult for him as the experienced professional he is.”

A fight card with massive potential, and all available for the terrestrial audience. Groves beat Eduard Gutknecht on Channel 5 in 2016, and has welcomed the return of the sport to the channel under Wasserman Boxing.

“These viewers may not all be sports subscribers, they may not be sports driven, but they’ll tune in to the boxing at the weekend. They’ll see a name, note a performance, and want to follow them from there.

“It’s another channel who are committed to boxing; Channel 5 have shown boxing for years now and they’ve had plenty of the elite fighting on there. They’ve shown it’s a good place to develop serious talent and cement yourself as a big name in British boxing. If you think about your (Josh) Kelly’s, your (Josh) Taylor’s, your Chris Eubank Jr’s – they’ve all been here before. Channel 5 should see there’s no ceiling to their ambition, and that they can take on the world.”

As for the involvement of George Groves, could standing that close to a boxing ring again rekindle the fire in his belly?

“I do enjoy standing on the safe side of the ropes now. It’s nice to be on the mic, throwing my two-cents in; I never knew I could talk so much,” said Groves.

“I’m thankful that Channel 5 have wanted me to come and dip my toe into the boxing world from a safe distance. I live it, breathe it, and study it; so now I have the chance to give my account of what we’ll see. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The hotly anticipated British Middleweight Title clash between Linus Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) and Denzel Bentley (15-1-1, 13 KOs), the return of Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) against Xhuljo Vrenozi (18-4,3 KOs) and Harlem Eubank (13-0, 5 KOs) versus Sean Dodd (17-6-1, 3 KOs) will top a stacked card in the capital as Wasserman Boxing launch their first free-to-air event live on Channel 5 on Friday May 13 at the Indigo at the O2, in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Limited tickets are still available via www.wassermanboxing.com

BRITISH boxing idols Tyson Fury and George Groves are in disagreement over the sensational heavyweight showdown between the division’s leading prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

The vacant British heavyweight title will be on the line when Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Lineal world heavyweight champion Fury is firmly in the camp of his cousin Gorman and has been helping him in early stages of training.

The pair have been sparring at the gym of Ricky Hatton who trains the hopeful and Fury has been on hand to give advice.

Former WBA super-middleweight champion Groves is sold on Dubois and believes he has the potential to become a boxing great.

Fury who is preparing to fight Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on June 15 dismissed the claims of Groves.

He is confident Gorman will triumph and roared in a recent training session: “Daniel Dubois, he’s coming!”

Gorman confirmed “Tyson is backing me one hundred per cent. He fully believes I have the ingredients to beat Daniel. It’s good to be around him, it’s fantastic to have him in the gym.”

Groves first spotted KO artist Dubois several years ago when he trained at his old amateur club.

He said: “I remember seeing Daniel Dubois in Dale Youth amateur gym. I look back and think; ’Why didn’t I go back in time and sign him’?

“He has so much more to develop and learn. He can become the best if not the best in the heavyweight division.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, but there is something about him and it’s a good thing –

It is like having a young junior who still looks boyish and you know what a handful he’ll be when he gets his man strength. It’s the case with Daniel.

“Dubois has phenomenal punch power, but I feel like the nitty gritty boxing skills and know-how will come with experience.

Recently retired Groves told the 5 Live Boxing Podcast with Costello & Bunce that the battle has Fight of the Year potential, adding: “I am happy for this fight because they are young enough for the loser to rebuild.

“It’s a good fight for both of them and the winner will go onto something else. They are both willing to put it on the line and it’s a real fight.

“It is fascinating that they know each other so well and it’s good for them to be in a real fight.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Former super middleweight titlist, George Groves has announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“After taking a little time to reflect on the recent events in my career, I have decided that it is time for me to retire as a professional fighter,” Groves said in a statement.

“In 2017, I boxed in front of a home crowd in Sheffield and became the WBA super middleweight world champion,” Groves said. “After four attempts I had finally fulfilled my childhood dream, and the experience was as great as I had always imagined it would be. It was without doubt the best moment of my career.

“Some of you may think it’s odd that I’m choosing this time to retire. I’m still young, still fit and healthy, and there are still some big fights out there for me. But it’s for these reasons that I am choosing to retire now. I have a young family at home; it’s time to spend some of my better days with them. I don’t want there to be a time where I’m ‘too old’ to box on, or where an injury retires me in or out of the ring. Over the years I have seen and sadly known the dangers of the sport, and I want to respectfully bow out while I’m at the top of my game.

“I’ve learned that doesn’t always mean coming off the back of a win. I’ve boxed at the highest level, all over the world, I’ve been a champion and I’ll be leaving the sport (relatively!) intact.”

“Boxing has been good to me and I believe I have been good for boxing,” Groves said. “I hope I have entertained you all; I have always strived to be the best fighter I can be. Although we step through the ropes on our own, of course every fighter is backed by a team, and not just the ones in the corner. There are many, many people that have helped me on the way to fulfilling my boxing dreams and I would like to take this opportunity to thank as many people as I can.”

(Chicago – October 2) Callum Johnson is targeting a ‘Callum win double’ and follow gym-mate Callum Smith’s World title win with his own stellar triumph at the elite level when he challenges IBF World Light-Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Saturday night (October 6) live on DAZN.

Johnson’s fellow Joe Gallagher-trained banger Smith knocked out George Groves in Saudi Arabia to win the World Boxing Super Series and bag the WBA Super, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight crowns.

Boston banger Johnson (17-0 12 KOs) knows he has to put in the performance of his career against Russian wrecking machine Beterbiev (12-0 12KOs), but after returning to action with a stunning first round KO of Frank Buglioni in his last outing in London in March – and the 33 year old predicts a violent showdown with the champion on Saturday, and another memorable night for Gallagher’s gym.

“Callum’s win has just inspired me even more to win here,” said Johnson. “It was a stunning performance and he’s the number one in the division now, and that’s what I want to become at Light-Heavyweight.

“I’ve dreamt of moments like this since i was a kid. No one else wants to fight him but I can’t wait to get in there with him. I’m living the dream and I genuinely believe I will shock the world.

“I know about him, if I wasn’t confident I wouldn’t be here. We were amateurs around the same time but we never came across each other to fight, but I would have done then and now we are fighting and it’s on a massive stage for a World title so it’s even better.

“He is a strong, powerful beast and he’s a very good fighter, it’s a tough ask, but it’s a challenge that I am up for and I’m full of belief.

“We’re not going to have to look for each other. He likes to KO people and so do I. We’ll meet in the middle of the ring and let the bombs go. There will be thought involved and we can both box, but we both want to take people out with bog shots, so it’s going to be exciting

“I shocked people [against Buglioni] and I don’t really know why. People had forgotten about me, out of sight, out of mind, but I showed them what I am capable of against Frank. I’ve been written off again and maybe rightly so, but I can KO any Light-Heavyweight in the world, and he’s no exception.

“People said ‘he’s never boxed anyone as good as Frank Buglioni’ – no disrespect to Frank, but I could name 20 fighters I’ve boxed that are better than Frank. Yes, it was in the amateurs with headguards, but just because people hadn’t seen me do it in the amateurs, doesn’t mean that I couldn’t. There’s still a lot more to see from me, my best has not come out in the pros.”

Johnson’s battle with Beterbiev is part of a massive night of action in Chicago, topped by the WBC Silver Welterweight title clash between Jessie Vargas and Thomas Dulorme.

Daniel Roman defends his WBA Super-Bantamweight crown against another Brit, second time World title challenger Gavin McDonnell, Brooklyn’s brash Heavyweight star Jarrell Miller meets Polish legend Tomasz Adamek and local favorite Jessica McCaskill can make history as Chicago’s first women’s World champion when she challenges Erica Farias for the Argentine’s WBC World Super-Lightweight title.

Three debutants grace the bill as Team USA talents Reshat Mati, Nikita Ababiy and Nkosi Solomon lace them up for the first time.

Along with these World stars and promising youngsters, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson joining McCaskill on the card.

Tickets for October 6 are on sale now priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Online at Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07005506EDA47F37

Phone: (312)791-6900

By Bart Barry-

Friday in an excellent conclusion to the World Boxing Super Series’ excellent first season, super middleweight edition, England’s Callum Smith stopped England’s George Groves in round 7 to win the tournament and become The Ring world champion. The match happened in Saudi Arabia on DAZN, a broadcaster that, in six days, at a weekly rate of $2.33, featured the world’s best heavyweight and the world’s best super middleweight, each, in competitive matches that ended with knockouts.

Let that sentence mark how much our beloved sport will miss HBO.

Smith won a world title exactly as you are supposed to turn the feat, with one’s opposite number beaten till he cannot continue – whether via unconsciousness or in Groves’ case a deep desire to relent. Groves was awake and headshaking halfway through the count, Friday, emptied, beaten in every sense of the word.

Groves’ foldings ever come suddenly. While nothing incriminating happened much before the Smith lefthook that made Groves consider other careers, something happened between the men in round 6. Groves became a touch more theatrical and Smith more cunning. Groves began an incongruous tactical pairing of throwing punches harder while circling wider. Smith ignored Groves’ noisy punches and inferred Groves’ true signal. Groves’ twitching did little to dissuade Smith in the fight’s opening and much less as Groves did connect with what blows his feints threatened. And all the while Groves made the much wider circles on the blue mat, and Smith knew conditioning’d become a factor eventually.

It wasn’t conditioning that turned Groves into Smith’s dandy hook – “a peach” as DAZN christened it properly – but it was fatigue that made a fully conscious Groves decide to rise at 10 1/2 and not bother protesting as he did when Carl Froch origamied him 4 1/2 years ago. With a minute to go in round 7 Groves had every right to continue and no desire whatever. It taught Groves a little something new about himself, which is ever the most devastating thing you can do a fighter like George Groves.

Groves more than most considers a prizefight a search for character weaknesses and believes his weaknesses fully inventoried before any opening bell rings. He fancies himself both introspective and psychologically superior; Groves has answered every one of hundreds of questions he’s asked himself about George Groves but he’s not so sure you’ve done the same. There’s a fragility to you Groves sees, while any fragilities you sense in him are mere traps, blemishes on his facade he applied like decals to fool you, definitely not cracks. This set of autobeliefs has taken Groves pretty far indeed, confirming him twice the second best man in his weightclass while getting him stamped number 2 by getting stomped by numbers 1. Groves has tangible talents – quickness and form, a good chin and fitness, interesting offense and an eagerness to counter – but not championship intangibles in the ring to match what brand awareness and marketing intangibles he employs outside it.

Smith on the other hand has these intangibles, not unlike Froch – which is not, yet, to liken one to the other. Each beat the spark out Groves, but the comparisons stop there. Smith does things classical well, and he recognizes as an enormous super middleweight he begins any match with what initiative the other man must seize. By virtue of his size and technique Smith enters any title fight at 168 pounds up a round or two, and he does nothing to squander this lead. He maintains a masculine poise, or perhaps it’s juxtaposition coloring this Yank’s view of things.

Twenty-four hours before Smith unmanned Groves an entirely different sort of confrontation happened before American eyes. The testimony of a man who would be, and probably still improbably will be, a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. What follows is neither political nor partisan; it is instead a measure of what sort of public manliness Brett Kavanaugh tried to display, Thursday, a performance subverted effortlessly by Callum Smith’s manly comportment on a small and foreign platform Friday.

Sniffling and barking, his face contorted in something mean and measly, Kavanaugh sought to intimidate septuagenarians and women with a performance he no doubt imagined wrathful. Instead he disgusted most, the septuagenarians wishing they were 20 years younger to punch his mealy mouth, and every woman knowing perfectly well what he was up to. The performance, Americans quickly inferred, was not for us but for our President, alone, a man whose timing and method were learned in the improvisational crucible of professional wrestling. There was something a touch regional about it, too, the audiencemembers on Kavanaugh’s stageleft hailing from professional-wrestling hotbeds like the Carolinas and Texas, those on his right hailing from places where ice-hockey tryouts often outpopulate even football, states like Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Minnesota. Professional wrestlers are gigantic and flamboyant performers who publicly swear to inflict unthinkable violence on other men before (albeit athletically) enacting rehearsed and premeditated spectacles. Ice-hockey players, conversely, are men of comparatively unexceptional physiques who publicly compliment their opponents before committing nightly acts of unpremeditated assault.

On a spectrum of masculinity, with a five-year-old Shirley Temple at one pole and a 25-year-old Roberto Duran the other, Brett Kavanaugh was no nearer Duran than Temple during his Thursday performance. And on Friday, Callum Smith damn near touched the Duran pole by coolly separating George Groves from his aggression while showing no fear and evincing no weakness to a man both desperately seeking it and possessed of the tools for its discovery.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Callum Smith won the WBA Super Middleweight title as well as the World Boxing Super Series titles with a 7th round stoppage over George Groves in Saudi Arabia.

Smith buckled Groves with a hard right in round three. Smith had some swelling under his right eye in round four.

In round seven, Smith landed a wicked left hook that hurt Groves, who then retreated into the corner. Smith was all over Groves with lefts and rights and put Groves down with a body shot for the ten count at 2:04.

Smith of Liverpool, England is now 25-0 with 18 knockouts. Groves of London is 28-4.

Former world title challenger Chris Eubank, Jr stopped JJ McDonagh after round three of their scheduled ten-round super middleweight bout

In round one, Eubank dropped McDonagh with a left hook to the head. Eubank continued to dominate the bout, and McDonagh did not answer the bell to start round four from what looked like a shoulder injury.

Eubank, 167.9 lbs of Brighton, UK is 27-2 with 21 knockouts. McDonagh, 165.1 lbs of Ireland is 16-5.

Darren Surtees stopped Kane Baker in rouns two of their eight-round super lightweight bout.

Surtees scored two knockdowns, and the fight was stoped.

Surtees, 141.3 lbs of Durham, UK is 9-0 with six knockouts. Baker, 143 lbs of Birmingham, UK is 8-5.

Zuhayr Al Qatani remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Mohammad Mahmoud in a super lightweight bout.

Al Qatani, 139.6 lbs of Saudi Arabia won all cards 39-37. Mahmoud, 141.5 lbs of Plymouth, UK is 0-6.

Mikael Lawal stopped Tommas Kozma in round three of a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout.

Lawal dropped Kozma with a right to the top of the head, and the bout was stopped at 2:19.

Lawal, 198.4 lbs of London is 8-0 with six knockouts. Kozma, 188.7 lbs of Hungary is 6-7-3.

Kem Ljungquist stopped Murad Omar after round two of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

Ljungquist hurt Omar badly in round three, and the bout was stopped.

Ljungquist, 229 lbs of Denmark is 5-0 with three knockouts. Omar, 256.6 lbs of Cairo, EGY is 4-2.

The much-anticipated Ali Trophy Super-Middleweight Final between George Groves & Callum Smith is set to go ahead later this summer.

Contrary to some reports on social media that the Hammersmith fighter had been replaced, Comosa AG, the company behind the World Boxing Super Series, will be delaying the British super-fight until late August or early September to allow Groves as much time as possible to take part in the concluding night of the 168lb competition.

The WBA Super Champion (28-3, 20KOs) dislocated his shoulder in the final round of his semi-final win over Chris Eubank Jr in February. There had been the desire from Comosa AG to complete the competition by late July, but after boardroom discussions and consulting the public demand it has been decided to postpone the final further.

“As is the nature of injuries, especially the type of injury that George suffered, getting an exact recovery date is nearly impossible,” said Comosa AG’s Head of Boxing Kalle Sauerland.

“We have been clear that the tournament has to finish within a certain timeframe, but we also realise that Groves vs Smith is the most ideal final. By pushing the super-middleweight final date back as far as we can, we are giving fans the biggest chance of seeing this incredible match-up!”

“It is nice to get a provisional date,” said Groves. “We have got something to work towards now. I have been in the gym for a while now, so when we get an exact date we can focus in.”

“We know about Smith, we have seen him for a long time and obviously I boxed his brother. We are supremely confident of getting the win and getting a good win. We already have some good sparring lined up, fighters similar to Smith. I am looking forward to getting back to work and winning the Ali Trophy.”

On his recovery from the injury suffered late on against Eubank Jr, Groves said: “The injury recovery has been fine, it is just like we said it would be. It was a dislocated shoulder that required surgery to stabilise the joint.”

This will be Groves’ third defence of his WBA Super World title, with all three fights involving British opponents – Jamie Cox and Chris Eubank Jr.

“Yeah, it is funny how these things work out. It means that you always know you will be fighting at home, well at least in the UK! When you both speak the same language, you can delve a little more into their psyche, find out a little more about what makes them tick and maybe get in their head a bit.”

The delayed Final date will also give WBC Diamond belt holder, Smith (24-0, 17KOs), the chance to finally challenge for a World title, having been in mandatory positions over the last few years he has yet to have had his shot.

“It is great to finally to get the fight,” said Smith. “It is the one I have wanted for a long time. I am really happy it is going to be Groves rather than anyone else, it is the fight the fans want too.”

“I’ve been ticking over in the gym and staying prepared, but now I can switch on and aim towards a late summer date. Now that we have the date, even a rough one, I’m excited.”

“The fact that the final of the Ali Trophy is against George and for his title, I am made up. I have been waiting for a world title fight and feel like I have been unlucky at missing out on opportunities, but now I’ve finally got it.”

The revised date and venue for the George Groves vs Callum Smith Ali Trophy Super-Middleweight Final will be announced in the coming weeks.

Super Middleweight champion George Groves will seek a 2nd opinion on his injured shoulder to see when he can face Callum Smith in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Comosa AG has advised George Groves that Comosa AG will arrange a second medical opinion — as soon as reasonably possible — to ensure proper evaluation of George’s physical condition. A high level of medical scrutiny is in line with Comosa AG’s corporate policy, to respect the athlete’s health at all times, the World Boxing Super Series tournament rules and the principles of fair competition,” the company said in a statement.

“Comosa AG needs to protect the integrity of the athlete’s long-term health. It also has a responsibility to its partners and boxing fans around the globe to ensure a competitive final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy with two boxers that are fully fit. Once Comosa AG has received the full medical advice in regards to George Groves’ fitness it will then make the decision as to the date and location of the final. Comosa AG wishes George a complete and swift recovery and looks forward to him being able to take his place in the final of the Ali Trophy.”

Callum Smith booked a place in the Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final after defeating Nieky Holzken on points in Nuremberg.

The judges scored it 118-110 and 117-111 twice all in favour of the English WBC Diamond Champion.

The Liverpudlian was due to fight German veteran Jurgen Braehmer but he was forced to pull out early in the week due to illness.

“I’m looking forward to the final,” Smith after his win. “Groves is the one everyone wants to beat. He’s the number one seed and it’s the fight I wanted,” said tournament 2nd seed.

Said Holzken, who showcased a big fighting heart, over the 12 rounds. “I thought it would be tougher, but he did a good job behind the jab. Congratulations to him, but I will be back!”

George Groves faced off with Smith immediately after the Liverpudlian’s win.

“I’ve had two great wins, this is the fight people want to see. I need to get in the ring and win the trophy,” said Groves. “It’s exciting to see your opponent fight live – I can’t wait to get back into the gym. It will be an explosive final. I don’t expect it to go the distance – I’m confident, of course.”

The WBA super-middleweight champion was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital moments after his unanimous points win over Chris Eubank Jr.

The 29-year-old was practically fighting with just one arm for the last couple of minutes of the Ali Trophy semi-final at the Manchester Arena.

After attempting to throw a left jab, it became clear that his shoulder had popped out of place.

“The left shoulder just popped out in the 12th round,” said Groves. “The medical advice was to go straight to the A&E and have a look. They gave me a few X-rays and put it back in. I will get a few more scans and see a specialist and I we will look to see what the recovery time is. I have no pain now, I’m sure that is a good sign.”

The Ali Trophy super-middleweight finalist feels confident the injury will not affect his preparations for the final.

“I’m a fast healer. I broke my jaw in May and I was back training soon after. I have fought two times since then. I keep myself in shape, I live a clean life and it all aids to recovery time. The final is fast approaching and that is exciting for me so my body will re-heal fast. I’m in a confident frame of mind,” said Groves with a smile the day after Saturday’s dramatic fight.

“I was levels above Eubank in terms of boxing ability. Junior just felt short.”

Watch the full Groves vs Eubank Jr – The Day After documentary here.

https://www.facebook.com/WBSuperSeries/videos/1054133751391149/?t=1

Follow all the action as George Groves defends the WBA Super Middleweight title against Chris Eubank, Jr. in the semifinal of the World Boxing Super Series.  The action begins at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT and 10 PM in the UK

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Round 1: Groves land a jab…jab..Eubank lands a jab

Round 2 Jab from Eubank..Right from Groves..left..Good right from Eubank..Jab from Groves..

Round 3 Left and right from Groves..Hard left and right from Eubank..Eubank cut over the right eye..jab from Groves..Cut caused from an accidental head clash.

Round 4 Good right from Groves..Lead left and right from Eubank..Left hook

Round 5 Lead left hook from Eubank..Uppercut and left hook..Chopping right from Groves..Right on inside from Eubank

Round 6 Lots of rough housing..Right from Groves..Jab..

Round 7 Good right from Eubank..Jab..Right from Groves..Hard right

Round 8 Right from Groves..Right from Eubank..Long right..Guys swinging wild

Round 9 Eubank going after Groves..Lands an uppercut…Combination at the bell

Round 10 Lead left from Eubank..Jab..jab from Groves..1-2..Left to body from Eubank..Eubank lands good body shots on the ropes..

Round 11 Left hook from Eubank..Hard right from Groves..Jab..Eubank throwing desperation punches

Round 12 Good right from Eubank…Groves ducking punches on the ropes..Good right uppercut from Groves.Hard right from Eubank Huge shots by by both guys,,,Big right from Eubank..Uppercut from Groves

117-92 Punch advantage for Groves

117-112; 116-112; 115-113 FOR GEORGE GROVES

George Groves retained his WBA Super Middleweight title with a hard fought 12-round unanimous decision over Chris Eubank, Jr. in an entertaining bout and thus Groves advances to the final of the World Boxing Super Series.

The bout took place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

In round three, Eubank was cut over the right eye.  The pace picked up as the fight went on with both guys throwing and mostly missing wild shots.  Groves deep pedigree seemed to be the difference as when the fight was fought at distance, it was Groves jab that was the difference in the fight.  Each guy landed several power shots, and the final round was extremely entertaining as both guys stood toe to toe which was much to the delight of the packed house at The Manchester Arena.

Groves won by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 and he is now 28-3.  Eubank is 26-2.

“The better man won on the night,” said Groves. “Credit to Junior for getting through 12 rounds, I didn’t think he would. Chris didn’t lie when he said he was going to grit it out. That was a terrific fight for the fans.”

“I couldn’t see out of my right eye for most of the fight but a cut’s a cut and you have to deal with it,” said Eubank Jr.

“George has got the heart of a true champion and did what he had to do. I thought I did enough in the later rounds to win it. But hopefully, we’ll get the rematch on.”

“My shoulder feels pretty sore but I wasn’t going to let anything beat me tonight.”

Ryan Walsh and Isaac Lowe battled to a 12-round split draw in a featherweight contest.

Walsh took a card 116-114, Lowe won a card 115-114 and a 3rd card read 115-115.

Walsh is 22-2-2.  Lowe is now 14-0-3.

Tommy Langford won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jack Arnfield in a middleweight bout.

Langford, 159.2 lbs of Birmingham, UK won by scores of 116-111, 116-113 and 117-111 to raise his record to 20-1. Arnfield, 159.2 lbs of Blackpool, UK is 25-3.

Zach Parker stopped Adasat Rodriguez in round two of their scheduled ten-round super middleweight bout.

Parker dropped Rodriguez in round two from a hard left hook. With just seconds remaining in the round, Parker landed a series of crunching rights that sent Rodriguez down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Parker, 168 lbs of Woodvail, UK is 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Rodriguez, 168 lbs of Santa Cruz, Spain is 16-7-2.

Luther Clay won a decision over Danny Craven in a six-round middleweight bout.

Clay, 147.7 lbs of Southhampton, UK won by a referee score of 58-57, and is now 7-1. Craven, 154.3 lbs of Warrington, UK is 3-2.

George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. went nose to nose and eye to eye for a very last time at a tense weigh-in before their Ali Trophy semi-final Saturday at the Manchester Arena.

“I told him he’s not ready, I can see it in his eyes … ,“ said Eubank Jr. after weighing in at 76 kg in front of a packed crowd.

“George doesn’t want to be here. I want this more than anything I’ve ever wanted. He doesn’t realize the danger he’s in. I am going to knock him out cold!”

Groves (75,8 kg), who is the underdog with the bookies, said:

“I’m excited, I made weight, I’m ready to go!”

“I’m in the prime of my career, fighting better than ever.”

On an enticing 50-50 undercard of Saturday’s semi-final, Tommy Langford (72,2 kg) defends his British middleweight title against Jack Arnfield (67,2 kg) and Ryan Walsh (57 kg) faces Isaac Lowe (57 kg) for the British featherweight title.

For details on how to watch the hotly anticipated Ali Trophy semi-final and the undercard, go to itvboxoffice.com.

A limited number of tickets are available here.

Callum Smith believes he will face George Groves in the final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

“Groves-Eubank is a good fight, a very good one. The winner will become an even bigger name after the weekend,” said Smith.

Smith is fully focused on his semi-final against Germany’s Juergen Braehmer next weekend at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Nuremberg.

But he is keeping an eye on Saturday’s event in Manchester.

“I have been following the build-up a bit and I will watch the fight at home. One of them will be my opponent in the final and as a boxing fan, it’s a good fight. I am fully concentrated on my own fight, but I will watch this one on the telly.“

“They both have strength and weaknesses at different points. Groves has got the jab, the boxing brain and the size on his side. I think his weakness is his stamina issues whereas Eubank’s strength is his stamina. Eubanks weakness might be his boxing ability at distance, where I feel Groves is the better man.”

“If would have to pick, I will pick Groves on points. I believe he will win the early rounds, a few rocky moments later on, but in the end, he will win on points,” said Smith before talking about his upcoming challenge:

“I am very confident that I will beat Juergen Braehmer next Saturday in Nuremberg. And I am confident that I will beat the winner of this weekend’s semi-final. I entered this tournament to win it.”

Tickets for the Ali Trophy semi-final Smith vs. Braehmer at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung, Germany on February 24 are available via eventim.de.

https://www.facebook.com/WBSuperSeries/videos/1051528814984976/

WBA Super Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO World Champion Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs) exchanged words for at last time before their Ali Trophy semi-final clash on Saturday at the Manchester Arena.

“I have been involved in big fights before and I’ve learned a lot along the way,” said Groves. “This is a tremendous fight but it’s not my biggest fight to date. But I am in the form of my life, certainly I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in through my career. I’m fully prepared to go out there and retain my world title in style.”

“It’s not an expression that I particularly like but it comes down to levels and I’m levels above Junior.”

“I’ve sacrificed a lot and I’ve been through some terrible times to get here. Desire is one thing I’ve always had in abundance. I’ve picked myself up from the lowest points and now I’m at the top and enjoying it. I won’t be taking my eye off the ball.”

“I’m the number one seed and I will go on to win this tournament and win it well. I started last year and will continue this week. I’m ready and hopefully, he is too.”

Said Chris Eubank Jr.: “What motivates me is becoming the number one super middleweight in the world. This is my stage, my time, my opportunity to show everyone that everything I’ve been saying is real. It’s time to prove the doubters, the nay-sayers and keyboard warriors wrong”

“I’ve been dreaming about fighting on a stage like this since I was 14 years old. Two of the best super middleweights in the world are putting it all on the line and me being victorious on Saturday night. That’s my motivation.”

“The talking has been done and the levels and preparations and weight are irrelevant now. It’s just about going out there and performing. I’m willing to do that, but I don’t think George is fully committed to giving everything to win.”

“There is nothing George can do that is going to stop me.”

“This is a defining fight for me. It can propel me to the top of the sport. It gives me the right to say I’m the number one super middleweight in the world. Two world titles. That’s every fighter’s dream but this is just the beginning.

“It’s collecting season and I’m coming for all the belts. After the tournament, every other belt holder is on the hit list. George Groves is just the first.”

“The only thing Shane McGuigan needs to worry about on Saturday is having that white towel ready.”

Said Shane McGuigan, Groves’ trainer: “I’m not going to give away our tactics but we’ve prepared well. This has been the best camp we’ve ever had. We’ve sparred many, many rounds with some top quality operators.”

“I don’t think Chris Eubank has prepared the way we have, not in terms of the top quality experience that we have had.”

“We need to go out and execute the gameplan and come away with the win and that’s that.”

Said Ronnie Davies, Eubank Jr.’s trainer: “I’m with Chris seven says a week, we work together. He’s a phenomenal talent. Angelo Dundee never told Muhammad Ali what to do. He is a phenomenal fighter and he’s had good sparring, enough sparring with about 15 different opponents of good quality.”

“Chris is so talented that no matter who you put in front of him he’ll more than likely beat them up.”

Said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer: “It’s great to be here. Manchester is a great fight city and some great fights have taken place here before. And something special is taking place here this Saturday.”

“The World Boxing Super Series set out to do a number of things, unify championships, create storylines and build characters all the way from the draw to the final in the O2 Arena in London on 2nd June. This fight does that.”

“It’s a credit to the tournament that it’s put together a fight that would otherwise take years to make. It will capture the nation, I think it’s captured the nation already. It’s a fight between two athletes with vast amounts of talent in different areas. They are two gladiators putting it all on the line.”

For details on how to watch the British gladiators, on how to watch the hotly anticipated Ali Trophy semi-final, go to itvboxoffice.com.

George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs) entertained hundreds of fans at the National Football Museum ahead of their Ali Trophy semi-final on Saturday at the Manchester Arena.

“I am not for one second taking him lightly,” said Groves. “Junior definitely has a good engine but as soon as I hit him, I am going to hurt him and put him away.”

‘The Saint’ puts his WBA World Super-Middleweight title on the line on Saturday against the IBO Champion Eubank Jr., with the winner fighting countryman Callum Smith or German Juergen Braehmer for the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Eubank Jr. tells he is living the dream this week and see himself go all the way to the final.

“It is the biggest fight of my career. I have dreamed of being part of such a big fight since I started boxing,” said Eubank Jr. “Groves will not last 12 rounds. He should enjoy the last days with that WBA belt because on Saturday I’m going to take it and proceed to the final.”

For details on how to watch the fight, go to itvboxoffice.com.

https://www.facebook.com/WBSuperSeries/videos/1050914891713035/

https://www.facebook.com/WBSuperSeries/videos/1050970595040798/

Undefeated British super-middleweight Zach Parker (14-0, 10 KOs) has been confirmed as the reserve for the blockbuster World Boxing Super Series semi-final between domestic rivals George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. on February 17 at the Manchester Arena.

Parker, who was recently announced as the mandatory challenger for Rocky Fielding’s British Super Middleweight title, will be on standby to enter the tournament in the unlikely scenario of one of the original participants being unable to continue.

Assuming Parker is not called upon to participate, the 23-year old from Derbyshire will face Spain’s Adasat Rodriguez (16-6-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round contest on the undercard of Groves and Eubank Jr.’s hotly anticipated clash.

“It’s been a crazy year for me. It’s all come so quickly,” said Parker. “18 months ago I was boxing on the small-hall shows, and now I’m boxing on the biggest stage possible. I want to show people that I’m the best of them all!”

However, Parker faces a formidable opponent in former Spanish Light Heavyweight champion and WBC Mediterranean Super Middleweight titleholder Adasat Rodriguez.

The 31-year old from Tenerife, who has previously shared the ring with World Boxing Super Series quarter-finalist Erik Skoglund, suggests his British opponent is in danger of overlooking him.

“This is a massive opportunity for me on the biggest stage,” said Rodriguez. “Boxing people all over the world will know about me after I beat Parker. People like to talk about Parker’s power, but I’m the bigger puncher!”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. as well as the exciting undercard will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17. Fans can purchase the fight now at www.itvboxoffice.com where they can also get full details of how to watch.

Arfan Iqbal (12-0, 5 KOs) will defend his English Cruiserweight Title against Simon Vallily (12-1, 3 KOs) at the Manchester Arena, February 17.

The thrilling encounter will take place on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight Semi-Final clash between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr.

Arfan Iqbal, the 26-year old current title holder from Derby, is delighted to be given a chance to showcase his skills on such a big show.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity my whole career,” said Iqbal.

“Vallily is a decent fighter. But you have to be a lot better than just ‘decent’ to beat me. He almost got stopped by a journeyman in his last fight, so just imagine what I will do to him.

I’ve knocked out opponents a lot stronger, more skillful and more experienced than Vallily before, so I predict that I’ll KO him early.”

Simon Vallily, the 32-year old mandatory challenger from Middlesborough, is a former Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and his only defeat came against World Boxing Super Series semi-finalist Mairis Briedis last year.

“I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vallily.

“I’ve boxed on some big TV shows before but this is by far the biggest.

It will be a great honour to become English Champion, and it’s also a great stepping stone for me to go on and win bigger titles.

Iqbal and his team are a bit deluded, they’ve been deceived by my record and some of my performances. They’re in for a real shock come fight night! The best version of me will have no problems beating this guy.”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. as well as the exciting undercard will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17.

Ryan Walsh (22-2-1, 11 KOs) will defend his British Featherweight Title against Isaac Lowe (14-0-2, 5 KOs) at the Manchester Arena, February 17.

The all-action contest will take place on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight Semi-Final clash between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr.

“This is such a great platform for me to showcase my skills,” said 31-year-old Walsh.

“The Ali Trophy semi-final with Groves and Eubank is a mega fight, and I’m so happy that I am a part of this massive occasion.”

The intriguing match-up between Walsh and Lowe is more than just fight a between two skilled British featherweights. It is a genuine grudge match which began on social media:

“This is personal between me and Lowe. I’m going to make him pay for every stupid thing he has tweeted,” said Walsh, the defending British champion.

“Lowe is good, young talented and hungry fighter. But he seems to be a very angry person. If you tweet up, be prepared to get beat up. And that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to beat him up and teach him a life lesson.”

Lowe revealed his delight to be boxing in his hometown of Manchester once again, and the 23-year old insists that the pair’s styles will gel perfectly to make a crowd-pleasing encounter.

“I’m so pleased to be boxing again in Manchester in front of all my own fans. I cannot wait to finally prove myself on this platform and make a massive statement. The fans better get their popcorn ready, because this has the potential to be the fight of the year!”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. and Walsh vs. Lowe will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17.

Heated words were exchanged at the kickoff press conference before the Ali Trophy semi-final bout between WBA Super World Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO-Champ Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1,20 KOs) at the Manchester Arena on February 17, 2018.

“The hype behind this fight will be huge,” said Groves at Tuesday’s press conference in London.

“I hope the fight justifies it. On paper this is billed as a 50-50 fight with Eubank Jr. maybe even being made the favourite. But I don’t really understand that.

“I think the form, the history, the experience, the ability all lie in my favour and I’m looking forward to a big night. It’s a semifinal in a tournament I expect to win so it’s a stepping stone, another step on the way for me.”

“Chris Eubank Jr. puts on a façade that he’s able to do everything himself, that he’s a one-man band. But it’s very difficult doing stuff on your own so we’ll see if he starts to make changes and adapt. He’ll have to. Obviously, this is his first really big fight, definitely at super middleweight, and I believe that he is going to fall short in a lot of categories.”

Said Eubank Jr.: “I’ve had many big fights but this is probably the biggest in terms of profile and the tournament and the hype. But at the end of the day I always rise to the occasion. The bigger the fight the better I perform.”

“George seems to be hung up on what I’ll do. He needs to worry about himself. Thinking about me isn’t going to get him anywhere. I’m a man of my word and George, you will not see the end of the twelfth round.

“He doesn’t have the speed, his defence is poor and his stamina is average at best. The fact that he’s lacking in those things means he won’t be able to compete with me. I’m not a stepping stone. I’m Mount Everest and you’re not going to climb me.”

“This is a special fight,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer.

“When we saw the original eight fighters in the line up it was a dream in the distance. But on February 17 in Manchester the battle of Britain will commence. Groves vs Eubank Jr is a super-fight that surpasses the normal standard of boxing’s big fights. It really is a mega fight.

It’ll be an enthralling build up between two unbelievable athletes, two unbelievable characters who are both great for the sport. The storyline was written by the tournament. It came alive in the hot atmosphere of Stuttgart where we saw a sublime performance by Chris Eubank Jr. and a week later George Groves took care of a very talented challenger in Jamie Cox.

It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to and I think the whole country will too. It’s the super-fight to make at the moment. The World Boxing Super Series set out to deliver these fights and now it’s happening.”

Manchester Arena, Europe’s largest purpose-built indoor arena will be at capacity to witness what promises to be the biggest Super Middleweight night in years.

“We will work hard over the coming weeks to release extra tickets to meet the huge demand of this fight,” said Sauerland.

Said Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa’s CEO: “Already by the semi-final stage the Ali Trophy and the World Boxing Super Series brand has achieved a lot. Fans are following us in a tremendous way and here we are presenting a semi-final which is indisputably one of the best sporting events in the UK in 2018.”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17.

It took seven minutes to sell out the Ali Trophy semi-final bout between WBA Super World Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO-Champ Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1,20 KOs) at the Manchester Arena on February 17, 2018.

Europe’s largest purpose-built indoor arena will be at capacity to witness what promises to be the biggest Super Middleweight night in years.

“This is a sensational start to the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series and the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy,” said Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa’s CEO.

“I said before we went on sale that the fight between Groves and Eubank Jr. represents the boxing event fans cannot afford to miss, and I am happy to say that I was right.”

Said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer: “This is clearly the fight everyone wanted and I am sure this super-fight will capture not only a nation but a generation of fight fans.”

“The build-up is going to be huge and we can’t wait to go to Manchester for a sold out event between two spectacular rivals and world-class fighters.”

“We will work hard over the coming weeks to release extra tickets to meet the huge demand for this fight.”

The build-up to the all-British grudge match begins today when Groves and Eubank Jr. come face-to-face at a kickoff press conference at 2 pm in London.

ITV will be live streaming the press conference on ITV Box Office, YouTube and Facebook.

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17.

Tickets for the Ali Trophy semi-final bout in the super middleweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series between WBA Super World Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr. go on sale on Tuesday November 28 at 9am via eventim.co.uk and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com with prices starting at £30.

The mouthwatering all-British clash will take place at the Manchester Arena, United Kingdom on February 17, 2018.

Said Roberto Dalmiglio, CEO of Comosa: “The Ali Trophy keeps increasing its global appeal. The Battle of Britain will showcase once more the winning concept that Comosa deployed during its successful quarter-final phase. This semi-final features two of the most recognised fighters on the world stage; this fight represents the boxing event fans cannot afford to miss.”

“There are fights that can capture a generation of fight fans, on February 17 in Manchester we have one,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer.

“Groves vs Eubank will not only be one of the richest fights in UK history, it will be a fight and build up that will capture an entire nation. The Ali Trophy has made a sensational start across the globe but the largest indoor arena in Europe is a fitting stage for a fight that transcends the sport of boxing.”

Both Groves and Eubank Jr. have expressed their desire to win the Muhammad Ali trophy and both fighters impressed in their quarter-finals. 28-year-old Eubank Jr. went to Stuttgart in Germany on October 7 and produced a clinical display at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle to stop Turkish Avni Yildirim inside three rounds.

29-year-old Groves excited in London on October 14 when he defeated fellow British fighter Jamie Cox at the SSE Arena with a crumpling fourth-round right-hook body shot.

“Eubank Jr. has improved over the years but he hasn’t boxed anyone on my level,” said Groves. “I came into this World Boxing Super Series as the number one seed, and I will go out as the winner with the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

Said Eubank Jr., the tournament’s third seed: “As far as I’m concerned, I’m the number one seed and soon people will know why. We have an opportunity to put on a mega fight not only for UK fight fans but for boxing all over the world. I can’t wait, this fight is going to be epic!”

Groves and Eubank Jr. come face-to-face at a kickoff press conference on Tuesday November 28 in London with tickets going on sale in the morning at 9am via eventim.co.uk and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com with prices starting at £30.

Fans can sign-up for Ticket Alerts to be notified when tickets go on sale here: WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com/TicketAlerts

The World Boxing Super Series bout between George Groves and Chris Eubank, Jr. will takes place on February 17th in Manchester, England, According to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

WBA super champion George Groves defeated fellow countryman Jamie Cox in the Ali Trophy quarter-final with a fourth-round knockout and paved the way for a British superfight semi-final with Chris Eubank Jr.

“We have an opportunity to put on a mega fight. I can’t wait, it’s going to be epic!” said Eubank Jr. after facing off with Groves.

Groves ended Cox’s unbeaten record Saturday night as he delivered a stunning right hook body shot to floor Cox.

“I was landing big body shots on Jamie, in the end it was a right hook to the body, it’s a crippling shot – I don’t blame him for not getting up,” said Groves now looking forward to fighting Eubank Jr.

“It’s going to be a great fight. Eubank has always been all-action. He has improved over the years but he hasn’t boxed anyone on my level. I know if I boxed like I did tonight, he doesn’t stand a chance.”

Cox worked furiously and fought with intensity from the first bell, but in the end he could not handle Groves’ greater power.

“He placed the shot greatly and he’s a very good champion. He prepared well, I made a mistake and he made me pay. It was a great fight until then,” said Cox.

“It was an honour being a part of this great tournament.”

WBA Super World Super Middleweight champion George Groves (75,8 kg) (26-3, 19 KOs) and Jamie Cox (76,1 kg) (24-0,13 KOs) are ready for Saturday’s Ali Trophy quarter-final clash at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

“I have worked hard all my life to become a world champion,” said Groves.

“Now I will work hard to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy. I am in great shape, I have great experience and I know exactly what it takes to win this tournament. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

Jamie Cox has been confident in the build up for the fight and says he is ready to cause a stir against the number one seed in the super middleweight division of the World Boxing Super Series.

“I am relaxed,” said Jamie Cox.

“I have got my team, my friends, my family and my fans here. I am ready to go, I have trained hard for this.”

“It is obviously my first world title fight and I am ready for the occasion. When I looked into George’s eyes a saw a scared man. I am predicting a great, great win.”

A limited number of tickets are on sale ranging from £35 to £130 at stubhub.co.uk.

Eubank Jr.: Groves’ experience gives him the edge against green Cox

Chris Eubank Jr. is predicting a victory for George Groves (26-3, 19 KOs) over his Ali Trophy quarter-final opponent Jamie Cox (24-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

Eubank Jr. earned his spot in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series when he dominated and knocked out Turkish Avni Yildirim in round three in Stuttgart last weekend.

A superb performance that paved the way for a potential semi-final clash with former sparring partner George Groves.

“After my performance against Yildirim, it’s hard to see anyone as the tournament’s favourite apart from me. I can beat everybody in the super middleweight division. Anyplace, anywhere, anytime,” said Eubank Jr. before predicting the outcome of Saturday’s all British match-up.

“Nothing is certain, anything can happen in boxing, but I want George Groves to win. We have a history and this is the fight the public has demanded for many years, so hopefully he gets through the fight and then we can get in the ring in January.

“I am not a betting man, but if I had to put money on one I’d say George because of his experience. Cox is unknown, he is green. I’ll give George the edge of the fight.

“If George is my opponent in the semi-final then we can stop talking about favourites and let the hands do the talking. And my hands will be talking loudly at him!”

Tickets for the quarter-final clash Groves vs. Cox on Saturday in London are on sale ranging from £35 to £130 at axs.com.