George Groves (26-3) this weekend begins his path in the Super Middleweight World Boxing Super Series at the SSE Arena, Wembley in his hometown of London. Groves will kick off proceedings against domestic rival Jamie Cox (24-0) at the tournament’s quarterfinal stage.
Groves will be making the first defence of his WBA Super title that he won in May after he had inflicted the first stoppage loss of Fedor Chudinov’s career in the 6th round. ‘The Saint’ appeared in a confident mood as he stressed that the size and strength advantages in his favour will prove significant on fight night.
“I’ve always done well against guys I’m naturally bigger than” Groves stated, before going on to say “Jamie is not so big, so if he comes in heavy he is going to be slow. He fights at middleweight and could probably even make super welter if he needed to”. Groves seemed intent on letting it be known he feels Cox is a manufactured super middleweight fighter. On the other hand, he feels that he is a man in optimum condition when at the limit of 168lbs.
Groves also went on to draw comparisons with his recent matchup against the rugged Martin Murray who also moved up from middleweight to challenge ‘The Saint’. “Murray was similar. He wasn’t as big as me. He couldn’t find his range and I was landing big heavy shots on him … I was in full control”.
Groves then explained he feels he will land similar shots against Cox but unlike his meeting with Murray he doesn’t feel Cox will be able to weather the storm. Furthermore Groves said “Once I set a few traps and he falls for them, I’m going to land big shots and he’s going to go”.
Jamie Cox also gave his account of how he feels the fight is going to go, arguing that upcoming fight will be a matter of who wants it more and raw hunger as opposed to just simply who is bigger.
“George Groves has been eating lobster, while I’ve been eating crisp sandwiches”. Cox went on to explain he feels both fighters live completely different lives and that will prove pivotal this weekend. “We live completely different lives. I’m the hungrier fighter. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m going to take it”.