Before Floyd Mayweather’s final ring outing gets underway on Saturday night, Groves vs Jack will unfold at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. It sounds competitive, and looks even more so on paper. But who will be leaving with the WBC Super Middleweight title? Will the explosive, cunning George Groves capture his first world strap, or will the solid, versatile Badou Jack successfully defend his belt?
Going in, Groves is 21-2, 16 knockouts, and Jack 19-1-1, 12 knockouts. Let’s get straight to it…
Groves vs Jack Prediction
The Fight in a Nutshell
Before Badou Jack handed Anthony Dirrell his first defeat in April, George Groves would’ve been the favorite to beat Jack. But that’s all changed now. In beating Dirrell and picking up the WBC strap, Jack, 31, proved he’s world class and one of the division’s best fighters. Jack, who possesses underrated power, knows how to effectively apply pressure, and will be looking to make another career-defining win on Saturday. But Groves, a highly motivated fighter with explosive power, won’t be easy to defeat. The 27-year-old is one of the greatest fighters in boxing yet to capture a title, who proved his exceptional ability during two blockbuster bouts with countryman Carl Froch. Both defeats came as heavy blows, but will further fuel Groves’ world title dreams.
Extended Tale of the Tape
If you haven’t already, catch our Groves vs Jack Extended Tale of the Tape for every must-read detail going into the fight.
Keys to Victory
Groves
- Counter-right: Jack’s only defeat (a 1st round KO against Derek Edwards) began with a counter-right; Groves is already remembered for dropping Froch with the same shot, and should employ here
- Be explosive: it’s hard for Groves to be anything else, but it will certainly pay dividends against a slower, more-upright fighter like Jack
- Respect Jack’s power: Jack’s power is often underrated, as shown on his record, but it would be unwise for Groves to get carried away and have his whiskers checked
Jack
- Keep tight defensively: Groves is a renowned counter-puncher with fight-ending power, particularly in his right-hand; a lazy left-glove could mean lights out for Jack
- Push forward: Groves is fast and has good movement, but he can be caught going backwards, particularly on the ropes as Carl Froch found in both their fights
- Feint and mix it up: Groves is an economical puncher who waits for openings, making him naturally defensive; Jack needs to feint to lure Groves into a range, and also needs to avoid predictable attacks
Boxing Base Prediction
This fight could go either way, with the victory most likely coming by knockout. But Groves just looks that little bit more special and refined. His angles, awkwardness, and fleet-footedness make him hard to pin down. Combine that with instant-KO power and he could be very bad news for Jack, indeed. It’s easy to see Groves taking out Jack with a counter-right at any stage of the fight, and with two solid European wins since two straight knockout defeats to Froch, Groves seems to have regained his confidence.
This encounter seems to favor the smarter fighter, and Groves is the opportunist-type who exploits opponents’ weakness to great effect. Jack has a good chance of winning, but will have to play the bully and drag Groves into the trenches to leave with the W. There are also a few unknowns. Jack fights out of the Mayweather gym, and that in itself could suggest he has some surprises up his sleeve.
Though Groves stands out, this isn’t the easiest of fights to call since both men are yet to clock up 25 fights. We know a fair bit about Groves, but not quite enough about Jack. Which only adds to the intrigue of this match-up. Here’s how we see the fight going…
After a cautious, perhaps cagey Jack is out-boxed for 3 or 4 rounds, it is then that he begins to open up. In the 5th round he begins to feel Groves’ power shots, and is then knocked down in the 6th courtesy of a Groves counter. If Jack can beat the count, he will not be able to weather the violent storm that follows. It sounds like a bold prediction, but we’ve a feeling Groves will have extra fire in his belly going into this one.
Boxing Base Prediction: Groves wins via 6th round KO/TKO
You can catch all the action live on Showtime PPV September 12th. UK fight fans can have their fill of entertainment via Boxnation.
You’ve heard our prediction, now we want yours! Fire away with your own take on Groves vs Jack in the comments below.
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