George Groves: record, next fight and profile →
James DeGale is very motivated ahead of his super middleweight collision with Chris Eubank Jr. Last week they met face-to-face at the Hotel Cafe Royal in central London to officially announce their highly-anticipated blockbuster showdown on February 23rd at The O2. The contest ill be carried by ITV Box Office.
James DeGale has denied that he is just boxing for money – despite admitting to giving up his world title to chase money-spinning fights. The 32-year-old won back his prized belt in Las Vegas last year with victory in his rematch against Caleb Truax. DeGale was dethroned by the unheralded American back in December 2017 in London but he quickly won the return in April.
In the preview piece for Friday’s World Boxing Super Series final, it was noted that promise is only a possibility until it’s fulfilled in the ring. Callum Smith fulfilled his promise in Jeddah with an excellent performance and decisive knockout win over George Groves. Using his long jab, hammering right hands, and a nasty left hook, Smith won the WBA belt, Ring Magazine’s recognition as the champion at super middleweight, and walked away the tournament winner in a field where his place as the second seed looked more speculative than earned. The knockout at least saved him from having to hear what looked like some oddly scored cards through the first six rounds.
Callum Smith arrives home photos gallery - Britain's Callum Smith knocked out his compatriot George Groves in Saudi Arabia Friday, dethroning the more experienced fighter to claim the World Boxing Association super middleweight title and the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Smith, Groves Fight Photos Gallery - Callum Smith wins the World Boxing Super Series Super middleweight final with a dramatic seventh round knockout over countryman George Groves. The all British clash came to a fair conclusion when Smith struck the defining blow in the seventh. Up until that point, Smith had been the dominating fighter, after a nerve wrecking, chess-like opening of the fight.
Callum Smith is a world champion after three years of waiting. The 28-year-old super-middleweight knocked out George Groves to claim the status of the best fighter on the planet in his weight division. Smith had success in parts in the fight, as did Groves, but the third round of the fight was the start of the end for the outgoing champion.
George Groves has ruled out retirement despite losing his world title. The former WBA Super world super-middleweight king was stopped inside seven rounds in the World Boxing Super Series final on Friday night. Groves was in against 28-year-old Scouser Callum Smith, exclusively live on ITV Box Office, at the indoor arena at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. But after early success in the fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Groves was swarmed upon by Smith after ‘Mundo’ landed a left hook and unleashed a barrage of shots to force referee Luis Pabon to call a halt to proceedings.
King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah - In the final fight of the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament, Callum Smith (25-0, 18 KOs) closed the show in style with a seventh round knockout of George Groves (28-4, 20 KOs) to capture the WBA title and retain the WBC Diamond belt.
Groves, Smith Scorecard BoxingScene Live - George Groves and Callum Smith both made weight today ahead of their historic Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final tomorrow night at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
George Groves considered retiring after dislocating his shoulder, but he now intends to use the “agony” suffered on his road to recovery to overcome Callum Smith. The WBA super-middleweight champion, 30, makes the latest defence of his title in the final of the World Boxing Super Series and in the unusual location of Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City.