It took seven minutes to sell out the Ali Trophy semi-final bout between WBA Super World Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO-Champ Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1,20 KOs) at the Manchester Arena on February 17, 2018.

Europe’s largest purpose-built indoor arena will be at capacity to witness what promises to be the biggest Super Middleweight night in years.

“This is a sensational start to the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series and the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy,” said Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa’s CEO.

“I said before we went on sale that the fight between Groves and Eubank Jr. represents the boxing event fans cannot afford to miss, and I am happy to say that I was right.”

Said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer: “This is clearly the fight everyone wanted and I am sure this super-fight will capture not only a nation but a generation of fight fans.”

“The build-up is going to be huge and we can’t wait to go to Manchester for a sold out event between two spectacular rivals and world-class fighters.”

“We will work hard over the coming weeks to release extra tickets to meet the huge demand for this fight.”

The build-up to the all-British grudge match begins today when Groves and Eubank Jr. come face-to-face at a kickoff press conference at 2 pm in London.

ITV will be live streaming the press conference on ITV Box Office, YouTube and Facebook.

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17.

IN OTHER NEWS: Sunny Edwards is looking forward to a massive 2018 after claiming his first professional title with a stoppage victory over Ross Murray in London on Monday night.

Former Team GB amateur star Edwards (6-0) picked up the WBO European super-flyweight title with an impressive fourth-round stoppage against Glasgow’s Edwards in an all-MTK Global battle on a Frank Warren charity fight night in aid of DEBRA.

The 21-year-old Croydon native is already looking ahead to even bigger fights next year as he plans to campaign for a British title shot at flyweight in the new year.

“It was a step up in terms of opponent and the hardest fight yet when you look at who I’ve fought,” said Edwards on his win over the previously undefeated Murray (6-1). “I weighed in just above the flyweight limit, so really it was my second fight at flyweight and I’ve stopped both opponents. I feel strong at the weight and I was buzzing with my performance."

“There was pressure on in a sense, but these are the fights I live for and I really enjoy. These are the days you grow up dreaming about and getting my first title is a massive step."

“Obviously I’ve got the world ranking now at super-flyweight, but I’m a flyweight really so I’m looking to compete at domestic level and clean up over the next year because I think that’s the best way to make your name and it’s what the fans want to see.”

Edwards has some big names in his sights with fellow MTK star and two-time Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes, British champion Andrew Selby and Commonwealth title holder Jay Harris all on his hit-list for 2018.

“There’s three names I’d be interested in fighting,” said Edwards. “Paddy Barnes is a fantastic fighter, a three-time Olympian. Then you’ve got Andrew Selby, a brilliant boxer who I’ve looked up and I’m friends with, but he’s the British champion and unless he vacates it I have to go for it. They’re the best two at flyweight, domestically."

“Then Jay Harris is someone else I’d be interested in fighting domestically. He’s a good fighter and I respect him, but I’d like to fight him and I want that tobe for a meaningful title."

“I think I’ve got a big 2018 ahead,” added Edwards. “I’m in this game to fight the best.”