George Groves may failed to capture world honors twice against Carl Froch, but it hasn’t hindered his confidence going into his next title shot on September 12th. The Brit will be challenging WBC title holder, Badou Jack, with the Super Middleweight scrap set to take place on the Mayweather vs Berto card.
Groves expects to be asked very little of by Swedish-born Jack, believing he is on another level to the Mayweather camp fighter.
“I’ve seen Badou up close and personal and as of yet, we can’t find anything that will cause me a problem,” Groves told Boxing News. “We plan to take the belt back to the UK. I think I’m better than him in most aspects. If I go out and perform it’s an easy night’s work for me.”
Groves acknowledged his pro career has suffered its downfalls, but assures his nightmare second encounter with Froch will seem like a distant memory come September. The 27-year old Londoner, who has rebounded with wins over Christopher Rebrasse and Denis Douglin, said his training camp at California’s famous Big Bear gym couldn’t be going better.
“Everything in training camp has been perfect. We’re adjusting to the time difference and the altitude, which takes a couple of days, but everything is going really well. We’re ahead of schedule.”
And for anyone suspecting potential ring rust (given Groves hasn’t fought since November 2014):
“Rust is more mental than anything. You only hear a fighter talk about ring rust after a fight because it’s an excuse. We’re in the gym performing, sparring partners are getting beat up and there’s no excuse to not take it into a real fight.”
Not that Jack (19-1-1, 12 KO) is intimidated by challenger Groves (21-2, 16 KO). The 31-year-old champ plans on defending his title, and in explosive fashion.
“I think I’m the overall better fighter,” Jack said, who captured the belt from Anthony Dirrell in April. “He’s going to try to knock me out and I’m going to try to knock him out. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m definitely going for the knockout.”
Who are you picking here? George Groves? Or the champ, Badou Jack?
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
