GROVES IN FINAL PLEA
BOXING Injured champ requests delay
GEORGE GROVES’ request for a month delay for the World Boxing Super Series final is expected to be granted.
But the WBA super-middleweight champion faces a nervous wait for the organisers to green light the change for the decider against Callum Smith.
The final was pencilled in for June 2 at the O2 in London but Groves dislocated his left shoulder in his last-four win over Chris Eubank Jnr.
The 29-year-old Londoner underwent surgery yesterday and revealed he will be fit to fight a month after the proposed date.
Groves said: “The good news is I’ll be fit to fight in the final in July.
“We will be applying to the World Boxing Super Series for a one-month extension and are hopeful of securing this.”
The WBSS is run by a Swiss-backed company called Camosa and their initial plans for the tournament were that any injured fighter would be replaced.
Medical
That happened last weekend when Smith’s semi-final opponent Jurgen Braehmer pulled out with flu at late notice, the Liverpool fighter beating replacement Nieky Holzken to book his final spot.
However, removing Groves now would be farcical, given he is only requesting a month’s delay and the next tournament doesn’t start until September.
The Brit is the No.1 seed and holds the only world title in the competition.
ITV, the UK broadcaster, would also be angered if the main attraction was withdrawn and a lesser-known name was brought in.
But it is understood the organisers are likely to give Groves special treatment.
Promoter Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer for Camosa, said: “The WBSS will address the situation after discussions with George, his team and all the medical experts before a final decision is taken.”