Groves rumored to be replaced by Eubank Jr. in WBSS finals

Hope this is just a rumour

There are rumors that George Groves will be replaced by Chris Eubank Jr. for the finals of the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament against Callum Smith. This rumor hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s possible that Wednesday’s announcement for the WBSS could include the replacement of WBA Super World 168 lb. champion Groves (28-3, 20 KOs) with Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs) for the WBSS finals match against the unbeaten Callum Smith (24-0, 17 KOs).




Groves, 30, suffered a dislocated left shoulder in his 12 round unanimous decision victory over Eubank Jr. three months ago in their semifinals match in the World Boxing Super Series on February 17 in Manchester, England.
The injury occurred at the start of the 12th, and rather than stopping the fight on the spot, Groves continued to fight for the full three minutes of the round. In hindsight, that was probably wasn’t the smartest move, because he could have done a lot of damage to the shoulder.
In videos since then of Groves working out, his left shoulder has not looked strong. Groves has always been known for having a good left jab, but it doesn’t look like his left is fully back.
Replacing Groves with Eubank Jr. will invite a lot of fan criticism. Eubank Jr. was trounced by Groves. For Eubank Jr. to be given a second chance doesn’t seem right in the view of a lot of fans. Super middleweight contender Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) is reportedly interested in stepping in to replace Groves if he needs to be replaced.




It would be far preferable to have the 27-year-old Uzcategui take the place of Groves for the fight against Callum Smith than it would be for the recently beaten Eubank Jr. to be given a second chance.
There’s nothing wrong with giving fighters more chances, but in this case it’s too soon and it makes a mockery of the tournament. The WBSS tournament already took a big hit when Juergen Braehmer dropped out of his semifinals match against Smith and was replaced by little known former kick boxer Nieky Holzken last February. Uzcategui would be a real problem for Callum Smith. With the movement, size and power of Uzcategui, he might be a step too far for Smith.
If Eubank Jr. replaces Groves, then he’ll have a chance of picking up his old IBO super middleweight title. The IBO 168 lb. title will reportedly be on the line after Groves is said to have chosen not to pay the sanctioning fee to keep.
Eubank Jr. can be reunited with his beloved IBO strap if he beats Smith. Eubank Jr. looked horrible though in losing to Groves last February. If Smith is even at 75% of his normal game, he’s going to beat Eubank Jr. with ease. Groves beat with just his jab for the most part.
It’s too bad the WBSS can’t delay the tournament until 2019 or 2020 for Groves to finally heal up enough to fight.




Groves would be really pushing it if he got back into the ring so soon after dislocating his left shoulder. It’s not worth it for Groves to rush back just so he can fight Smith. Groves has all the time in the world to fight Smith in the future when he’s 100 percent healthy.

I hope this is a rumour too.

Eubank Jr doesn't belong in any world boxing final.

He doesn't have the basics & he doesn't listen to his trainers at all.

They should delay the fight and allow Groves a chance to recover.

Although Eubank v Smith is a good fight in its own right.

If Groves doesn't fight in the final then the whole tournament just becomes a joke, i think the problem is the dates for the venue of the final, i read a while back that they only have a certain window of a few weeks to put on the final at the venue and if Groves is not fit enough in that time frame he'd miss out.

I read the other day that Groves was back in training and comfortably throwing punches again, has he had a setback?

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Originally Posted by Batman

I read the other day that Groves was back in training and comfortably throwing punches again, has he had a setback?

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I read the total opposite to that :-\ that Groves was looking anything but fighting fit with the arm in recent training sessions

Hope this can be arranged around Groves so he can fight in the final but Londons O2 Arena is a massively popular venue and is booked non stop with music concerts, comedy shows etc so there will definitely only be 1 or 2 dates they can do it there.

If i was the organisers i'd look at a smaller football ground in London, there must be loads to choose from as the season will be finished in a few weeks time right the way through till August.

Well Groves team seem pretty confident and there's a little video clip of him punching with both hands in this link, this could just be Eubank Jnr taking shit/starting rumours to get his name back out there, he's hardly said a word since Groves beat him and if he is gonna continue as a fighter surely he needs to fight again soon.

Only other thing that might have started these rumours is that Groves has very recently injured the shoulder again in training?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/box...me-injury.html

EXCLUSIVE Chris Eubank Jr ‘absolutely’ in running to replace George Groves, says Kalle Sauerland


KALLE SAUERLAND today told Boxing News that Chris Eubank Jr is in the running to replace George Groves in the super-middleweight World Boxing Super Series final against Callum Smith, but no final decision had been made. What is certain, though, is that Sauerland won’t wait indefinitely for Groves to recover from his shoulder injury.
Groves defeated Eubank Jr in March yet dislocated his shoulder in the final round of their semi-final. Groves – who has been promoted by Sauerland Events for several years – has since been racing to get fit. June 2 was the proposed date for the final, but that has since been postponed as the promoters give Groves time to return to fighting shape.
“We’re working on solutions where Groves is fit, and where Groves is not fit,” Kalle told Boxing News. “We’re not going to postpone finals months because it goes against the whole principal of it. I’ve been there and done it, with the Super Six, so people can tell me what they like about finals.
“The tournament is bigger than any fighter, and that’s just the way it is. We’re hopeful [Groves will be fit], so we’ll see.
“What I don’t understand is people presuming we’re ‘booting Groves out’ of the tournament. We go back a long way and we’ll do what we can for him. At the end of the day, if you’ve put a sh*t load of money into a concept like this, you can’t turn around and say we’ll wait forever. You can’t start the tournament and then have the final lingering into the next tournament. I’m sorry, that’s not going to happen. We have to make this a success through independent decision making.”
Eubank, then, is very much in the running to take George Groves’ place?
“Absolutely, yes. A lucky loser. It’s a common sporting term. Would I want to watch Callum Smith-Eubank Jr outside of the tournament? Absolutely. It’s a great fight.
“We can push a month, but we can’t push it back by three or four months. We have a substitute system. We said that from day one, and that’s the situation. We’re still hoping it’s George Groves, of course we are.
http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/word...VES-EUBANK.jpg
“I always said the tournament doesn’t stop for anyone and we’ve almost gone against that already. We had a June 2 date and venue booked for the final, and we’re already going later than that. As a promoter you have to rule out August, so the final will happen in July. But at the moment, it’s not clear.”
Sauerland added that a fighter who had not been involved from the start would not be brought into the final, but admitted that Eubank Jnr is the first choice to replace Groves should the WBA champion not declare himself fit within the next 10 days.
“I think he would [be the first choice]. You’d have that UK feel which I like, and the super-middleweights have always been driven by the UK. We want Groves in the final, but if that’s not possible, we have to find a solution.”

I don’t even want to contemplate all this bullshit. :mad:

It would be a very anticlimactic final if this happened. Like has already been stated, not that it’s a terrible fight if Eubanks steps in but it isn’t the actual final.

Fucks sake, we get rid of one absolutely cunt in Haye and then Jr gets given a platform again, and all this with Khans recent comeback as well.

If anything they should give the other semi finalist Braehmer who had to pull out through injury the first offer as technically he remains undefeated in the WBSS.
Thing is Eubank Jnr is the much bigger name. $£$£$£

I can’t be silent on this anymore. They’ve even put this on the Boxing Scene website. What a fucking joke!
And as for all this “it’s a decent match up” bollocks, why?
Eubank Jr. Was CRUELLY EXPOSED as a fucking novice against Groves. It was also evident that he’s not a big SMW, Callum Smith is. And I know Smith hasn’t uprooted any trees in this tournament, but he’s done a whole lot more than Eubank Jr.
If they need a replacement for Groves , they should be looking at:
Braehmer - didn’t lose
DeGale, Ramírez, Benavidez - all have proper belts to give the final kudos.
Uzcategui , Zeuge - both have better belts than Eubanks’s IBO sham.
All of these DESERVE to earn $4 million more than Eubank does.
If fucking LOSERS are gonna get rewarded just because they talk big, then I won’t be long for this sport!

I've got a lot of time for Saurland, having been to his shows in Germany, he is a quality promoter, compared to ours. I think he may have bitten off a bit more than he can chew with this 'knockout' format WBSS. As adventurous as it is it is capable of being bedevilled by injuries, thus disrupting the promotional schedule , and leaving the promoter open to criticism, or even accusations of favouritism over his choice of subs. If he has no subs it buggers his WBSS system if there are injuries and the whole WBSS thing takes 3 bloody years and everybodys lost interest. Overall I think it was a good effort to rejuvenate boxing interest, but in danger of going tits up now. All credit to Kalle for trying something new, but bad luck with the injuries. Oh, I forgot to mention that if EU Jr was re-instated I would throw a shit fit.

Sauerland is the front man for the tournament it's not his dough or sole promotion.

As a standalone fight Eubank-Smith is excellent. Smith hasn't proved himself at top level, hasn't fought anyone close to a Groves or Saunders, in fact he's never faced anyone that can be regarded top 10-15-20 in the independent supermiddle rankings. Jr is a big step up for him. Great matchup.

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Originally Posted by smashup

If anything they should give the other semi finalist Braehmer who had to pull out through injury the first offer as technically he remains undefeated in the WBSS.
Thing is Eubank Jnr is the much bigger name. $£$£$£

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Braehmer was my thinking, then have the winner face Groves in the final at a later date. I think he had a falling out with the promoters tho.

The Smith/ Eubank fight could be a semi final to face Groves once he's back, Smith got an gimme really.

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by smashup

If anything they should give the other semi finalist Braehmer who had to pull out through injury the first offer as technically he remains undefeated in the WBSS.
Thing is Eubank Jnr is the much bigger name. $£$£$£

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Braehmer was my thinking, then have the winner face Groves in the final at a later date. I think he had a falling out with the promoters tho.

The Smith/ Eubank fight could be a semi final to face Groves once he's back, Smith got an gimme really.

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Whilst I hate the thought of Jr getting the nod it would be unfair on Smith to force him to take another fight (not to mention it's probably against the contract) and what happens if he got injured would Groves have to take another fight in the meantime

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Originally Posted by Fenster

Sauerland is the front man for the tournament it's not his dough or sole promotion.

As a standalone fight Eubank-Smith is excellent. Smith hasn't proved himself at top level, hasn't fought anyone close to a Groves or Saunders, in fact he's never faced anyone that can be regarded top 10-15-20 in the independent supermiddle rankings. Jr is a big step up for him. Great matchup.

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I'm sorry, but how the fuck is Jr. "a big step up" for Callum Smith? It's no good quoting Groves and Saunders's names when the both completely OUTCLASSED him. so he fought them , Big fucking deal! Chisora has fought loads of the top guys , but he's never fucking beat one has he?

Smith's victory over Rebrasse at the time was after he gave Groves a very tough fight (much tougher than Jr. did.) and Smith BEAT him. he didn't just fight him.
At the time , Smith's Victory over Skjelocka was also better than anything or anybody that Eubank has ever beat.
The lesser Chudinov comes closest (at MW) and the geriatric version of Abraham was meaningless.
furthermore, Smith is a SMW , and a big one at that. Eubank doesn't carry any size or power advantages up to SMW. I know Smith has traded water for the last year or so, but he hasn't been EXPOSED.
my god, some people have such short fucking memories. :rolleyes:

The very fact you've named Rebrasse as Smith's best opponent proves my point.

1. Groves beat him 12-0. The only reason it was considered a tough fight is because a) it was considered a mismatch beforehand and b) Rebrasse is granite, which nobody knew, including himself, until after the fight.

2. Rocky Fielding and Hadillah Mohoumadi, two 1st round Smith sparko victims, have victories over Rebrasse, so how you rate him top is beyond me. The man is hard-as-nails but low-level European class at best. Skjelocka (come on mate, talk about push the boat out) the same. So, either way, Smith has never faced anyone considered independent top drawer world-level. Fact.

3. However much you downplay Eubank Jr it doesn't change the fact he's proven at a higher level than Smith. Old Abraham, Spike, even Blackwell and Yildrim and Quinlan all have mixed it in and around world-class, they have wins over Geale and Periban and Ryder, they are/were all independently ranked higher than Rebrasse or Skjelocka. I don't even need Groves or Saunders to show Jr has fought at a higher level to Smith.

Now lets be honest, you despise Eubank Jr so will downplay anything I say about him, you're already probably typing about how shit Yildrim and Blackwell are and what not. But all that shit is irrelevant, compared to Smith's previous competition Jr is a step up in class.

Not sure what "short memory" means? I've never said Jr was tom-tit or claimed his loss to Groves was the end of his career. In fact the opposite. I believe Jr has proven that if matched with an elite level fighter whose style suits, he has a great chance of winning, therefore is a possible "world" champion at least.

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Originally Posted by Fenster

The very fact you've named Rebrasse as Smith's best opponent proves my point.

1. Groves beat him 12-0. The only reason it was considered a tough fight is because a) it was considered a mismatch beforehand and b) Rebrasse is granite, which nobody knew, including himself, until after the fight.

2. Rocky Fielding and Hadillah Mohoumadi, two 1st round Smith sparko victims, have victories over Rebrasse, so how you rate him top is beyond me. The man is hard-as-nails but low-level European class at best. Skjelocka (come on mate, talk about push the boat out) the same. So, either way, Smith has never faced anyone considered independent top drawer world-level. Fact.

3. However much you downplay Eubank Jr it doesn't change the fact he's proven at a higher level than Smith. Old Abraham, Spike, even Blackwell and Yildrim and Quinlan all have mixed it in and around world-class, they have wins over Geale and Periban and Ryder, they are/were all independently ranked higher than Rebrasse or Skjelocka. I don't even need Groves or Saunders to show Jr has fought at a higher level to Smith.

Now lets be honest, you despise Eubank Jr so will downplay anything I say about him, you're already probably typing about how shit Yildrim and Blackwell are and what not. But all that shit is irrelevant, compared to Smith's previous competition Jr is a step up in class.

Not sure what "short memory" means? I've never said Jr was tom-tit or claimed his loss to Groves was the end of his career. In fact the opposite. I believe Jr has proven that if matched with an elite level fighter whose style suits, he has a great chance of winning, therefore is a possible "world" champion at least.

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The very fact you've named Rebrasse as Smith's best opponent proves my point.

1. Groves beat him 12-0. The only reason it was considered a tough fight is because a) it was considered a mismatch beforehand and b) Rebrasse is granite, which nobody knew, including himself, until after the fight.
Scores wise, Groves beat Rebrasse as easy as he did Eubank, but Rebrasse was way more competitive than Eubank was and gave Groves a lot more trouble than Eubank did. you can either go by what you actually see or you can make stats read what you want them to read. up to you, but I know what I prefer.

2. Rocky Fielding and Hadillah Mohoumadi, two 1st round Smith sparko victims, have victories over Rebrasse,
All about timing really. the Rebrasse that Fielding beat had already had a lot taken out of him by Groves. Also , I happen to think that Fielding would probably beat Eubank at SMW.

so how you rate him top is beyond me. The man is hard-as-nails but low-level European class at best. Skjelocka (come on mate, talk about push the boat out) the same.
Again, at the time, better than anyone Eubank has actually beat.
So, either way, Smith has never faced anyone considered independent top drawer world-level. Fact.
And the only times Eubank has , he's been embarrassed. FACT.

3. However much you downplay Eubank Jr it doesn't change the fact he's proven at a higher level than Smith. Old Abraham, Spike, even Blackwell (fuck me, now who's pushing the boat out?)
and Yildrim and Quinlan all have mixed it in and around world-class,
Really? :rolleyes:
they have wins over Geale
(finished chasing paydays at higher weights.)
and Periban
(6 years too late)
and Ryder,
Who I also think beats Eubank.
they are/were all independently ranked higher than Rebrasse or Skjelocka. I don't even need Groves or Saunders to show Jr has fought at a higher level to Smith.

Now lets be honest, you despise Eubank Jr
Very true, undeniable
so will downplay anything I say about him, you're already probably typing about how shit Yildrim and Blackwell are and what not.
so if you know that , why put them in?
But all that shit is irrelevant, compared to Smith's previous competition Jr is a step up in class.

Not sure what "short memory" means? I've never said Jr was tom-tit or claimed his loss to Groves was the end of his career. In fact the opposite. I believe Jr has proven that if matched with an "elite level fighter whose style suits",
by that you clearly mean someone who stands there and lets him get his punches off and doesn't have a lot of ringcraft. The only flaw in your belief is that not many get to "elite level" without those qualities. Cue AA! yes , only the Abraham Eubank beat was not the Abraham that got anywhere near to "Elite level." not dissimilar to the Haye that Bellew beat being a shadow of the Haye that got to elite level for example.
he has a great chance of winning, therefore is a possible "world" champion at least.
Well because people have orgasms just at the thought of his name, unfortunately he is going to get more opportunities than he rightfully earns or deserves. But hey, he's been IBO champion of the World hasn't he? :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Primo Carnera

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Originally Posted by Fenster

The very fact you've named Rebrasse as Smith's best opponent proves my point.

1. Groves beat him 12-0. The only reason it was considered a tough fight is because a) it was considered a mismatch beforehand and b) Rebrasse is granite, which nobody knew, including himself, until after the fight.

2. Rocky Fielding and Hadillah Mohoumadi, two 1st round Smith sparko victims, have victories over Rebrasse, so how you rate him top is beyond me. The man is hard-as-nails but low-level European class at best. Skjelocka (come on mate, talk about push the boat out) the same. So, either way, Smith has never faced anyone considered independent top drawer world-level. Fact.

3. However much you downplay Eubank Jr it doesn't change the fact he's proven at a higher level than Smith. Old Abraham, Spike, even Blackwell and Yildrim and Quinlan all have mixed it in and around world-class, they have wins over Geale and Periban and Ryder, they are/were all independently ranked higher than Rebrasse or Skjelocka. I don't even need Groves or Saunders to show Jr has fought at a higher level to Smith.

Now lets be honest, you despise Eubank Jr so will downplay anything I say about him, you're already probably typing about how shit Yildrim and Blackwell are and what not. But all that shit is irrelevant, compared to Smith's previous competition Jr is a step up in class.

Not sure what "short memory" means? I've never said Jr was tom-tit or claimed his loss to Groves was the end of his career. In fact the opposite. I believe Jr has proven that if matched with an elite level fighter whose style suits, he has a great chance of winning, therefore is a possible "world" champion at least.

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The very fact you've named Rebrasse as Smith's best opponent proves my point.

1. Groves beat him 12-0. The only reason it was considered a tough fight is because a) it was considered a mismatch beforehand and b) Rebrasse is granite, which nobody knew, including himself, until after the fight.
Scores wise, Groves beat Rebrasse as easy as he did Eubank, but Rebrasse was way more competitive than Eubank was and gave Groves a lot more trouble than Eubank did. you can either go by what you actually see or you can make stats read what you want them to read. up to you, but I know what I prefer.

2. Rocky Fielding and Hadillah Mohoumadi, two 1st round Smith sparko victims, have victories over Rebrasse,
All about timing really. the Rebrasse that Fielding beat had already had a lot taken out of him by Groves. Also , I happen to think that Fielding would probably beat Eubank at SMW.

so how you rate him top is beyond me. The man is hard-as-nails but low-level European class at best. Skjelocka (come on mate, talk about push the boat out) the same.
Again, at the time, better than anyone Eubank has actually beat.
So, either way, Smith has never faced anyone considered independent top drawer world-level. Fact.
And the only times Eubank has , he's been embarrassed. FACT.

3. However much you downplay Eubank Jr it doesn't change the fact he's proven at a higher level than Smith. Old Abraham, Spike, even Blackwell (fuck me, now who's pushing the boat out?)
and Yildrim and Quinlan all have mixed it in and around world-class,
Really? :rolleyes:
they have wins over Geale
(finished chasing paydays at higher weights.)
and Periban
(6 years too late)
and Ryder,
Who I also think beats Eubank.
they are/were all independently ranked higher than Rebrasse or Skjelocka. I don't even need Groves or Saunders to show Jr has fought at a higher level to Smith.

Now lets be honest, you despise Eubank Jr
Very true, undeniable
so will downplay anything I say about him, you're already probably typing about how shit Yildrim and Blackwell are and what not.
so if you know that , why put them in?
But all that shit is irrelevant, compared to Smith's previous competition Jr is a step up in class.

Not sure what "short memory" means? I've never said Jr was tom-tit or claimed his loss to Groves was the end of his career. In fact the opposite. I believe Jr has proven that if matched with an "elite level fighter whose style suits",
by that you clearly mean someone who stands there and lets him get his punches off and doesn't have a lot of ringcraft. The only flaw in your belief is that not many get to "elite level" without those qualities. Cue AA! yes , only the Abraham Eubank beat was not the Abraham that got anywhere near to "Elite level." not dissimilar to the Haye that Bellew beat being a shadow of the Haye that got to elite level for example.
he has a great chance of winning, therefore is a possible "world" champion at least.
Well because people have orgasms just at the thought of his name, unfortunately he is going to get more opportunities than he rightfully earns or deserves. But hey, he's been IBO champion of the World hasn't he? :rolleyes:

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Great debate/argument, still sceptical about the hipsters favourite throwing the first six rounds away every time he meets a real boxer.

There is no debate, it's just two opinions, one fella (primo) thinks Eubank isn't worthy of sharing the ring with Callum Smith, the other fella (Fenster) thinks it's a 50-50-ish matchup.

@primo - You just repeated everything you originally said (which I predicted)

Rebrasse gave Groves more barney than Jr? Fine. Fielding and Skjelocka better than anyone Eubank beat? Fine. Fielding would beat Eubank (love to see you put your mortgage on that)? Fine.

Oh this was new, Ryder beats Jr (actually that's a decent comeback fight for Jr, most people didn't see Blackwell smash Ryder to bits, as it was tucked away on one of those big PPV events).

Why did I bring up Eubank's victims? Because YOU said I wasn't allowed to mention Saunders or Groves!!! (;D)

Look mate, I don't give a monkies about what fighters "deserve," i'm just interested in great matchups. Obviously you think Jr is useless whereas I don't. There's nowhere else to go with this. :)

I think Smith/ CEJ is a decent match up. I don't think it should be the final tho.

Ryder's on a decent little run.

I'm not sure why the organizers aren't willing to postpone the final for a couple of months, Groves/ Smith sells well I'm sure, so why the rush to push through with an inferior final?

I think Eubank Jr contesting the final would be a big shame for the tournament too, it all went so great then we've had both finals falling through. However, they're probably rushing it through because they need to end this comp before starting the new ones.

Ryder was actually a substitute for this tournament in the event of a pull out, however, the truth is they need the right guys to sell the event too. Unfortunately Callum Smith isn't selling out any major venue like the 02 without a famous name opposite him.

Looks like this isn't a rumour anymore, they are due to make an announcement and Jr has got the nod.

One good thing is that if Smith beats him then that is 3 domestic rivals that have beaten Jr

I get that they can’t wait around for Groves forever , that’s very unfortunate, but fair enough. Let’s be fair , a shoulder injury for a Boxer could be career ending.
I just think that with the rumoured purse being banded around , some are saying $4 million,
a. Surely one of the champions would want that and it gives the tournament a bit of the kudos it deserves. And
b. A “Lucky loser” shouldn’t be getting that.
Smith/Eubank could well be a decent match up, but not for everything this is for.

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Originally Posted by Primo Carnera

I get that they can’t wait around for Groves forever , that’s very unfortunate, but fair enough. Let’s be fair , a shoulder injury for a Boxer could be career ending.
I just think that with the rumoured purse being banded around , some are saying $4 million,
a. Surely one of the champions would want that and it gives the tournament a bit of the kudos it deserves. And
b. A “Lucky loser” shouldn’t be getting that.
Smith/Eubank could well be a decent match up, but not for everything this is for.

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Agreed. For that money, I feel like somebody else would step up and fight. It would be one thing if Eubanks lost a close fight with Groves, but he got beat easily. It is a very anticlimactic ending the the tournament.

The thing is that the delusional fool actually believes that he beat Groves so he will feel as though he is the rightful finalist anyway

I can see Eubank Jr turning into a UK version of Adrien Broner. He’s still be a draw, even though nobody rates him.

But Kalle is adamant that the final won't be put back.

• Quater-finalists got around $1miilion each.
• Semi-finalists got 2.5million.
• The 2 finalists will be sharing $8million or more.

So even though Eubank's Jr lack of technical ability and discipline were seriously exposed by Groves he could walk away with 6 and half mill.

Smith v Groves is a cracking 50/50 fight but I'd lean towards Smith at this point. If the final consists of any combination other than Smith and Groves then it's a failure in my eyes.

I liked Jr but he let himself down very tough but he seemed very limited in his boxing ability Groves schooled him he looked very poor and his stock has gone down with the fans.!

GEORGE GROVES looks set to take up his place in the World Boxing Super Series final against Callum Smith despite having shoulder surgery less than three months ago.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxi...s-Callum-Smith

I hope he is fit and ready because I do not want tha shoulder poppoing out against Smith and Groves retiring and losing through injury.

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Originally Posted by Master

I hope he is fit and ready because I do not want tha shoulder poppoing out against Smith and Groves retiring and losing through injury.

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If he steps in that ring, there's no excuses.

Groves really does need to be in the final tho.

Watch the video in the above link, he looks ready to go to me but hitting pads for 30 seconds and getting in the ring are miles apart so the longer the fight goes the riskier it is for Groves Shoulder to fuck up again.
Maybe Groves will go for a quick KO and come out like he did against Froch in their first fight?
Smith has a massive 6 inch reach advantage over Groves and a 4 inch height advantage at 6ft 3 tall to Groves 5ft 11 tall so has all the physical advantages.
Groves relies heavily on establishing his superb jab but might struggle to against a guy with much longer arms?

Just see Smith as tough yet limited in overall body movement and skill
Groves more all round and able to establish himself no matter what happens

Heard Smith was saying he would prefer to wait for Groves for the final. Hopefully they can get it sorted.

I've just heard they will wait for Groves after all and not replace him.

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Originally Posted by smashup

I've just heard they will wait for Groves after all and not replace him.

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That is great news and common sense prevails.

Inevitable conclusion.

They saw sense and realised that despite cost of moving the date, this matchup of the right people completes the competition that way it should be.

World Boxing Super Series: George Groves fit to face Callum Smith in WBA title fight

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cp...ith_getty2.jpg

WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves will be fit to contest the World Boxing Super Series final against Callum Smith in late summer.

Groves, 30, dislocated his shoulder in his semi-final win over Chris Eubank Jr, prompting doubts over his fitness.

Eubank Jr was then on a list of replacements for the final.

But the bout has been moved back from June to late August or early September, meaning Groves and Smith will fight for the WBA title and Super Series crown.

Groves has undergone surgery to stabilise his shoulder joint and is "supremely confident" of beating fellow Briton Smith, who has never challenged for a world title.

"We already have some good sparring lined up, fighters similar to Smith," said Groves. "I am looking forward to getting back to work and winning the Ali Trophy."

Tournament organiser Kalle Sauerland had said Eubank Jr was one of the names on the list to replace Groves should the Hammersmith fighter have been unable to compete.

But many within the sport called for the final to be delayed in order to ensure the intriguing clash between Groves and Smith could take place.

"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," Sauerland said.

"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."

Unbeaten Liverpudlian Smith started the tournament as favourite and holds a natural size advantage over his opponent, who carries greater experience with six world title fights - including losses to Carl Froch twice and Badou Jack - on his record.

Smith, 28, said: "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 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 winner of Groves-Smith will not only walk away with the WBA title currently held by Groves, but also a cash bonus and the Muhammad Ali Trophy handed to the Super Series winner.

Groves carries a record of 28 wins and three defeats into the final, where Smith - unbeaten in 24 outings - will face the toughest test of his career to date.

The super-middleweight and cruiserweight divisions have been part of separate tournaments in the first season of the Super Series, with both competitions set to conclude this summer.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/44287228