LAST CHANCE SALOON
Ahead of his fourth world title tilt, Groves is well aware that it’s now or never, writes Paul Wheeler
THREE times George Groves has entered the ring to challenge for world supermiddleweight honours, and three times he has left the squared circle heartbroken. Bitter rival Carl Froch denied Groves in November 2013 and May 2014 – stopping him in the ninth round, then the eighth. Badou Jack was the next man to wreck George’s dreams, outpointing him via split decision in September 2015.
On Matchroom’s Brook-spence stadium show this weekend – live on Sky Sports Box Office (UK) and Showtime (US) – the Hammersmith “Saint” is aiming to overcome Russia’s Fedor Chudinov and, in doing so, secure the vacant WBA super-middle crown in his fourth world title try.
Following a trio of fruitless attempts at grabbing global glory, the 29-year-old Londoner is under no illusions about the definitive nature of his upcoming world championship chance. “It’s now or never,” Groves acknowledged. “There’s definitely no more time to be wasted, and ultimately it should be my last crack, because how many chances can one guy have, you know? I’ve fallen short [in the past]. I climbed to the top of the mountain and I just didn’t do that last 10 feet. I’ve come back down again, and now I want to go to the very top.”
Despite George’s previously listed highprofile defeats, it would be unfair to suggest that the former British, Commonwealth and European titlist has never shone on a big stage. Six years ago, he claimed a majority verdict victory over fierce enemy James Degale, who currently reigns as the IBF 168lb king. Six months later, Groves fought another top
‘THERE’S NO MORE TIME TO BE WASTED. IT SHOULD BE MY LAST CRACK’
Brit, Paul Smith, and impressively halted him in just two rounds.
Last year was a busy one for George, 25-3 (18). With new trainer Shane Mcguigan in his corner, he racked up four wins out of four, including clear unanimous points triumphs over ex-world title challengers Martin Murray (June) and Eduard Gutknecht (November). Tragically, following the latter bout, Gutknecht required surgery due to a bleed on the brain. He remains hospitalised today.
Unlike Groves, Chudinov, 14-1 (10), flew under the radar for the first five years of his pro career, during which time he registered a dozen straight successes. In his first major test two years ago, he came up against the vastly experienced Felix Sturm. Fedor won via split decision on away turf in Germany, but seemed to have done more than enough to earn a unanimous call. Another trip to hostile territory followed for the Serpukhov man four months later, when he travelled to Wembley to unanimously outpoint the brave but outgunned Frank Buglioni.
Back on the road again in February last year, a rematch with Sturm – once more in Germany – resulted in a highly controversial majority decision defeat for Chudinov. The outcome cost Fedor the WBA super-middle strap (he had been upgraded from a secondary beltholder) and was described in Boxing
News’ ringside report at the time as “incomprehensible”. And that was before it was revealed that Sturm had failed a post-fight drug test.
Inexplicably, despite Sturm’s B-sample also testing positive for a banned substance, the result of the contest was upheld. While Chudinov can feel rightly aggrieved that he still has a loss on his record, the fact that he has not taken to the ring since – 15 months in total – does not bode well for the 29-year-old, especially considering Groves has been highly active during the same period.
Occasional defensive lapses have seen George floored in the past, but Chudinov’s guard is not watertight either. The visitor thrusts out an accurate, methodical jab from his upright stance, yet Groves’ lead hand is even more effective. Shooting out from a widelegged crouch, the Englishman’s jab is quick and sharp to both head and body. Feints and jerky head movement allow George to find openings for his booming overhand rights.
Boasting a high workrate, smart footwork and solid right hook, the robust and aggressive Chudinov is functional in his approach, peppering his opponents with consistent combinations, and systematically targeting the midsection. However, with Groves being bigger at the weight, and possessing the greater onepunch power, the odds are seemingly not in Fedor’s favour.
A pair of vacant Commonwealth title fights feature on the bill. Popular Conisbrough heavyweight Dave Allen, 11-2-1 (8), meets Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Jamaican portsider
Lenroy Thomas, 20-4 (10), while at super-feather, Barnsley’s former British title contestant Andy Townend, 18-4 (12), faces Ashton under Lyne’s Jon
Kays, 22-5-1 (5), who has challenged for both the Lonsdale Belt and the Commonwealth crown in the past.
Swindon southpaw and ex-commonwealth super-welterweight champ Jamie Cox, 21-0 (12) – now boxing at super-middle – makes his Matchroom debut over 12 against Dronfield’s Lewis Taylor, 19-3-1 (3), who has previously vied for the Commonwealth middleweight belt.
Three 2016 Olympians see action over four. Liverpudlian 160-pounder Antony
Fowler makes his pro bow, while Cardiff lightweight Joe Cordina, 2-0 (2), and Hackney cruiser Lawrence Okolie, 2-0 (2), have their third paid outings.
THE VERDICT
Groves has one final opportunity to shake off his ‘nearly man’ tag.