By Elliot Foster
George Groves has indicated that he will fight for the European title again soon.
The Hammersmith super middleweight, who won the title back in September, 2014 against Christopher Rebrasse, is now mandatory for the same belt.
Groves will have to face Callum Smith, the undefeated Liverpudlian (19-0, 14 KOs), if he wants to win back his old prize.
The pair were forced into private negotiations for the mandatory defence by the EBU after world number one Smith, 25, demolished previous holder Hadillah Mohoumadi inside a round earlier this month to clinch the crown.
‘Saint’ Groves was last in action on April 9, as part of the pay-per-view undercard to Anthony Joshua’s IBF heavyweight title win at the O2 Arena in London, against David Brophy, who he stopped inside four rounds to pick up the fringe WBA International title.
The EBU stated that a purse bid would be called if mutually agreeable terms were not reached between both parties after they ordered the fight.
But now, after getting back to winning ways following his third world title defeat back in September, Groves –– who is now 23-3 (18 KOs) –– has insisted that his second at the continental crown is on the cards.
“My EBU [title] challenge [against Callum Smith] is one step closer today,” Groves wrote on social media at the weekend.
“[There will be an] [a]nnouncement, hopefully soon, and [it is] likely [that the fight is] London-bound.”
Further details from the promotional teams of each fighter –– Matchroom Sport and Team Sauerland –– regarding the showdown are expected to be revealed in due course.
