Groves vs Smith preview
After a six-month hiatus, the final installment of the World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight tournament returns this Friday, September 28. The main event will feature, WBA Super Middleweight champion George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs) in a the the WBSS finale against Callum Smith (24-0, 17 KOs). DAZN will stream the entire fight card beginning at 9 PM (UK time) and 12 PM (USA Pacific time.)
The two will clash in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
George Groves
Coming into the tournament, many believed the thirty year-old, battle-tested world champion had seen better days; a cruel reality for a fighter whose age doesn’t quite tell the story of their career. Groves, however, was on a mission. Armed with a beautiful jab, a hard right cross, and an abundance of experience, he would dominate each challenger and prove his doubters wrong.
First was Jamie Cox. The undefeated southpaw was knocked out in the fourth round when Groves landed a picture-perfect body shot.
Next, was rival Chris Eubank Jr. Groves skills and physicality would prove to be too much. He outclassed Eubank Jr. over the course of 12 tough rounds. Be that as it may, Groves would sustain a dislocated left shoulder in the bout and require surgery. He has since healed the injury.
Advice to Groves: Don’t force anything. You’re coming off an injury and will need to work your way into the fight.
Callum Smith
With the air of a career-defining victory looming, the opportunity for Smith to shine is as ripe as any he’s had since knocking out Rocky Fielding in 2015. The undefeated Liverpool native entered the tournament favored by many and will look to prove himself on Friday.
Though he performed up to par, Smith’s wins over undefeated fighters Erik Skoglund and Nieky Holzken weren’t as impressive as one would have liked. He went all twelve rounds with both men; never really displaying another level to his game. However, Smith hasn’t gotten to this point by chance. He is a very tough fighter with good fundamentals.
Advice to Smith: Use your height advantage and test Groves’ shoulder early.
Outcome
Smith wins by split decision. Having not fought since injuring his shoulder could catch up to Groves in the later rounds.
By: Cessell Robinson
