‘Saint’ George Groves will reign as King
By Liam McInerney
On August 22nd George Groves will achieve every fighter’s dream of becoming a world champion.Timing in boxing is essential.
By defeating Badou Jack in Las Vegas, the 27 year old Londoner will obtain the WBC Super-middleweight title. But he won’t stop there. His rule will have only begun.
James DeGale wants to avenge his loss to bitter rival Groves which he suffered four years ago.
DeGale became IBF Super-middleweight champion by beating Andre Dirrell in May. Despite executing two knock downs in the second round he wasn’t overly impressive in the decision victory.
With the confidence of already conquering DeGale and the air of invincibility that comes with being a world champion, Groves will have no problem meeting his foe again to unify the belts.
Wembley Stadium is being mentioned for the potential clash and their palpable mutual dislike would ensure a spectacular British event. What better place for the ‘Saint’ to be crowned than in front of 80,000 spectators in his home city.
So before he’s even 30, George Groves could be the IBF and WBC Super-middleweight champion.
Andre Ward is superior to all the fighters in the division but the Californian is expected to step up to light heavyweight to compete with the likes of Sergey Kovalev. That places Groves comfortably at the top of the Kingdom.
Arthur Abraham, WBO title holder, may attempt to dethrone the ‘Saint’ but at 35, the younger combatant should triumph over the German.
Critics point to Carl Froch’s wins over Groves in the hopes of shutting up the cockey cockney.
But he displayed excellence in that first Froch contest. He boxed beautifully and referee Howard Foster prohibited him from maybe remaining undefeated.
The Cobra improved at Wembley but again he wasn’t dominating. It was a stellar punch that ended Groves’s hopes, one that not many athletes could take. But his ambition has persisted and now he rises. His pursuit for greatness is as aforementioned, ideal timing.
Once he has unified the division he will then possibly defend his distinguished titles against up and coming prospects like Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding who are worthy challengers. Another domestic battle could be Martin Murray.
But for now its George Groves’ moment to claim gold. Barring Andre Ward, he knows he can beat everyone at that weight class.
Carl Froch is now retired. Groves must put the pain of his encounters with Froch in the past. Because in the not so distant future, he could be a multiple world champion.
On August 22nd, the ‘Saints’ reign as King of the Super-middleweights shall commence.
