George Groves says Chris Eubank Jr is “a stepping stone” for his career.
The ‘Saint’ will defend his WBA ‘super’ super-middleweight title against Brighton’s IBO titlist on February 17, at the Manchester Arena in the semi-final of the inaugural Ali Trophy, and feels unconcerned with any rhetoric coming from his opponent having made that mistake before against Carl Froch.
“I disliked Froch and I don’t care about Junior. That’s probably the difference,” Groves said.
“I took exception to people thinking that I was going to get knocked out by Carl Froch, I didn’t understand it.
“I was in a different frame of mind. I fell out with Adam Booth and other members of that team. I was going through a legal case where I felt that people were trying to steal my money that I’d worked so hard for and stuff like that. So I wasn’t in a peaceful frame of mind. Now I’m at peace.
“I don’t care about Junior. I’m not looking at him as an easy fight but he is a stepping stone. I’m world champion now.”
Eubank Jr booked his place in the semi-final with a third-round knockout victory over Avni Yildrim in October, whilst Groves brutally stopped Jamie Cox to set-up the all British clash.
The Brighton fighter has repeatedly stated that he believes Groves is not the same fighter since losing to Carl Froch twice, but the ‘Saint’ has rubbished such claims by stating that his version of the world title makes him No 1 at 168lbs.
“I am the best in the division,” Groves said.
“I still feel I haven’t really achieved my full potential. There’s a lot more to come from me. Fortunately I’m in this tournament [the World Boxing Super Series] where I can display that and even after that, there’s good options for me.
“Eubank looks good if he’s on the bag. He can punch hard and fast from his ankles, when he’s whacking something that don’t actually move. But if he’s going to get in with a fighter that has a knowing eye, that understands distance control, who can dictate the pace of the fight, he needs to work on the jab first and foremost.
“We’re all guilty of picking the opponents that make us look good. He’s done it to such an extent and unfortunately for him the profile has way outweighed the level of competition he’s been in with.
“My distance control is fantastic, my reach is longer than people give credit to, my jab’s a lot faster than it used to be. These are all things that are going to cause Junior nightmares.”
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