George Groves (21-2-0) vs Badou Jack (19-1-1)
OK, ok I admit it. I am a massive Carl Froch fan and was an unashamedly biased supporter of ‘The Cobra’ both in Manchester back in 2013 and for the 2014 rematch against George ‘The Saint’ Groves.
However, prior to George not doing himself any favours in the build up to either contest I was also a big fan of Mr Groves. In fact I never wanted the two to meet in the first place, a contest I still feel was fuelled by Carl not wanting to be known as a hypocrite after blasting the great Joe Calzaghe for so many years, granting the young upstart his opportunity to shine.
Groves was flying prior to meeting Froch. Yes, his victory over DeGale was controversial but he still won (Could have gone either way) and he followed it up with solid performances against Smith, Sierra, Johnson, Balmaceda, Barakat and Alcoba. All ending in brutal early stoppages, apart from against the tough Johnson. I just think he got a bit ahead of himself taking on Froch that early in his career, although it could have been a very different story had Froch stayed down in round one in Manchester.
Recovery
Groves doesn’t seem to have allowed the Froch defeats, especially the massive KO loss in London to dampen his spirits.
He wasn’t out the ring for long, challenging and winning the EBU title against the competent ‘Le Iceberg’ Christopher Rebrasse only four months after the Wembley heartbreak.
Denis Douglin followed, Groves finally getting into his rhythm, stopping him in seven.
Jack is up next.
Badou Jack
I was surprised that Jack was given a title shot against Anthony Dirrell back in April. He didn’t have a particularly sparkling CV nor did he have much experience. Jack had drawn against outsider Periban and was on the wrong end of a one round demolition by Derek Edwards.
However Jack took his chance and overcame a lacklustre Dirrell to claim the WBC strap.
Jack does have a decent KO ratio and ultimately did have enough to win a world title, will that be enough against Groves?
Saturday
MGM Grand Las Vegas. It’s potentially Money Mayweather’s final fight, with Groves vs Jack as chief support. The build-up and atmosphere will be electric. Groves will feel this is the stage to take his rightful spot as world champion.
Doubts?
For me the big question Groves has to answer is his fitness. Many say he has a weak chin, but I don’t think that’s his main concern. For me it’s how he has appeared to wilt near the end of some big contests. The DeGale fight for instance (DeGale also struggled) and Froch I.
However I don’t see Jack setting a pace that will particularly punish the ginger Saint.
Off the fence
After defeating DeGale and seeing DeGale boxing in shopping centres in the not too distant past a part of Groves must be slightly bewildered at just how DeGale has been the one to take a world title first.
Jack will pose questions, but for me, not the ones that Groves will struggle to answer. Yes, Jack has shown power in the past but I think Groves will be able to withstand anything thrown at him. I don’t believe that Jack will set a pace to tire Groves.
I feel the time is right for Groves. I feel he’ll deservedly take the belt via a destructive TKO win after six and give Britain yet another world champion super middleweight.
A mega-fight with DeGale awaits.
