By John Angus Macdonald

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport will be announcing the addition of a “big name” to the undercard of the rematch between bitter rivals Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew later this week, with George Groves believed to be the front runner.

Groves, 20-2 (15), has expressed his desire to fight once more in 2014 and his promoter, Kalle Sauerland, confirmed via his Twitter account that Groves “will definitely be out again this year”.  Sauerland and Hearn have a close working relationship and have a deal in place to televise Groves’ fights exclusively on Sky Sports in Britain.  The promotional outfits co-promoted the 26-year-old’s successful European title tilt against Christopher Rebrasse last Month.

If Groves is added to the November 22 bill at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, he will join his old enemy, James DeGale, 19-1 (13), and rising star Callum Smith, 14-0 (11), in a showcase of domestic Super middleweight talent.  DeGale is risking his status as mandatory challenger for Carl Froch’s IBF crown when he faces former World title challenger, Marco Antonio Periban, 20-2-1 (13).  Groves would find himself in a similar situation as a loss would see him lose his mandatory shot at WBC champion Anthony Dirrell.

Despite being a professional for less that two years, Smith, 24, will take his first step towards a World title as he fights Nikola Sjekloca, 27-2 (8), in an eliminator for the WBC strap. The two blemishes on Sjekloca’s record are points defeats to former WBC champion Sakio Bika and WBO titlist Arthur Abraham.  If Smith can get rid of his opponent within the distance then calls for him to get in the mix with the likes of Groves and DeGale—sooner rather than later—will become louder.