Matchroom Boxing Signs George Groves To Promotional Deal

George Groves has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The unbeaten Commonwealth super middleweight star will box for the first time under his new promoter Eddie Hearn on the ‘London’s Finest’ bill at the Wembley Arena on London, live on Sky Sports.

Groves is also the first fighter to be confirmed for the undercard of the huge Sky Box Office clash between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler in ‘Warrior’s Call’ at the O2 Arena in London on May 25.

The 24 year olds biggest win came on a Sky Box Office bill at the O2 when he saw off bitter rival James DeGale in May 2011, and the Hammersmith talent has since destroyed Paul Smith in two rounds, travelled to America to deposit Francisco Sierra in six and heavily outpointed Glen Johnson in east London.

Groves will now seek a path to World title glory under Hearn and the popular Londoner is excited at the next stage of his career.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity for me,” said Groves, who faces Argentine Dario German Balmaceda over ten rounds on Saturday, the second live fight on Sky Sports. “I’ve known Eddie for quite a while now, he’s doing great things promotionally and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“It’s great to be boxing in London and Wembley is a great Arena to box in so I’m really excited about getting in there on Saturday. I’ve had three fights in 18 months which is not ideal so it will be great for me to get out regularly, I’m healthy, I’m training hard and Eddie has promised to keep me busy so everything is looking good and I’m raring to get back into action.”

Groves’ chief-support slot on the Froch vs. Kessler bill will land just over two years since he beat DeGale in an enthralling contest and Groves expects to be in a huge fight on May 25, and is targeting the winner of Arthur Abraham vs. Robert Stieglitz, as well as holding more than a passing interest on the main event at the O2.

“It is massive worldwide exposure for me and a step in the right direction,” said Groves. “I’m at that level now where I’m knocking on the door for World titles and working with Matchroom and being on Sky Sports should help me get closer to that dream.

“I expect that will be a big fight as chief-support to the main event. I’ve had to give up my spot as the mandatory for the European title but hopefully that door isn’t shut and it’s still a possible route, but I’m well ranked in the governing bodies and I want to fight for a World title.

“I’m ranked number one with the WBO and Abraham vs. Stieglitz and fight for that in a few weeks so I’ll be keeping a keen eye on that and I’ll have just as close an eye on the Froch vs. Kessler fight as I really believe I could get a crack at the winner and I think Eddie knows I want that fight so it ties in nicely.

“The DeGale fight was the best atmosphere I’ve ever boxed in and I have still got loads of friends and family and the guy on the street that still talk to me about that night and say it was the best atmosphere they’ve ever experienced.

“I imagine that the way that the tickets have sold and with all the hype that will build closer to the fight that Froch vs. Kessler that we’ll experience similar things. Obviously those two have a much healthier relationship than I did with DeGale but it will be incredibly exciting and great to be back at the O2 Arena and in a massive fight.”

Hearn added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the Matchroom stable. He’s a tremendous talent and a real star in the super middleweight division – not just in the future but today. His debut for us on Saturday is a great addition to an already top class bill, and he’ll play a huge part in the Froch vs. Kessler night on May 25.”

Tickets for ‘London’s Finest’ are on sale now priced £20, £30, £40, £60 and £80 from the Wembley Arena box office on 0844 815 0815 and www.wembleyarena.co.uk. VIP tickets priced £150 are available through Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.