GROVES’ FINAL WARNING
Groves is doubtful for the supermiddleweight showpiece at The O2 on June 2, after dislocating his shoulder in the final round of his unanimous points win over Chris Eubank Jnr.
The WBA Super champ does not yet know how long he will be out, but claims the World Boxing Super Series should delay the final for him because he is the No.1 seed.
Groves, 29, said: “Who wants to watch the WBSS final without me in it? If the dates need to be changed slightly, then I’m sure they’ll do that.
“We’ll get the medical report first and then see. If I was them, I wouldn’t want to replace me.”
Doctors put Groves’ shoulder back in when he went to hospital, and he is due to have more scans in the next 24 hours.
“The doctors said it looked good and they couldn’t see any floating bone,” he said. “If you break that ball-and-socket, that’s a lot more trouble.
“I’m going to go and see a specialist and have more MRI scans, so should have a full idea by Tuesday.”
Groves’ promoter and tournament chief Kalle Sauerland claims they cannot delay the final for too long because the next tournament will be launched in June.
“If it’s a case of a few weeks, then of course we would look at moving the final,” said Sauerland, who suggested Groves’ rival James Degale as a possible replacement.
“But, if it’s a question of months, there’s not a chance. It simply can’t be done because the tournament moves in a cycle. Those are the unfortunate circumstances, but Wimbledon moves on without Federer.”
Groves would be a huge loss to the final and he delivered a polished tactical display against Eubank Jnr as he boxed behind his jab to frustrate the challenger.
Eubank had to resort to rushing Groves, often swinging and missing, and the champion outlanded him 117 to 92 punches.
Groves said: “In a fitness test, he would beat me, but in a fight that means nothing. I’m more efficient, bigger and better.”
Groves taught Eubank some harsh lessons and he should consider appointing a trainer and going back down to middleweight after this second pro loss.
Eubank, 28, whose vision was hampered for nine rounds by a cut above his right eye, trained himself and wrapped his own hands in a bizarre first for a world-title fight. “In a defeat, there are always things you should look to change,” he said. “What those things are, I don’t know yet.” Eubank Jnr should also tell his dad to take a back seat, although, for once, Eubank Snr talked some sense.
“He didn’t perform,” said Eubank Snr of his son’s display. “He didn’t show any combinations – just power.”