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George Groves says he is “confident” he will fight in the World Boxing Super Series final on 2 June after suffering a a dislocated shoulder in the last round of his win against Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday.
Groves retained his WBA title and added the much maligned IBO super-middleweight strap to his collection with a unanimous points win. Groves moves to 28-3, 20 KOs with the judges calling it 115-113, 116-112, and 117-112. BLH had it 117-111 for Groves.
But “Saint George” was taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder straight after the bout.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Groves said:
”If the date needs to be changed I’m sure the tournament would decide it is better to delay it to get me into the final because it wouldn’t be the same.”
The final will be against either fellow Briton Callum Smith or Jurgen Brahmer of Germany.
”It is vitally important to me in my boxing career to go on and achieve what is now the dream of winning the World Boxing Super Series,” continued Groves.
”I’ve worked so hard. I’ve had two big fights to get into the final. I need to go and see the specialist to find out what the recovery time is.”
“That said, 2 June might still work. We haven’t had that information yet.
”The shoulder feels great after being put back in place. I’m confident that I will be challenging for the Muhammad Ali trophy. This is going to be my trophy - I want it.”
Shane McGuigan, Groves’ trainer, described his fighter’s injury as “a massive concern for the tournament” and explained that the 29-year-old’s “health is paramount”.
On Sunday, 29-year-old Groves posted on social media that there would be a “medical update on the shoulder coming soon”.
World Boxing Super Series promoter Kalle Sauerland confirmed British fighter Eubank Jr would be “on the list” to take Groves’ place in the final.
”We have a scope for when the tournament has to be completed,” Sauerland added.
”We are hopeful. With those type of injuries he could train quickly again, but no-one knows until it’s been diagnosed by an expert.”
In securing his place in the tournament final, Groves produced a composed display to keep Eubank Jr at distance, forcing the 28-year-old swing with an air desperation as the fight drew to a thrilling close.
”He said it felt like it came out,” said McGuigan.
”I think it happened maybe 50 seconds into the last round. There was no towel going in when you’re so far up on points. He was always going to be able to survive the last two minutes.
”Eubank Jr was so fatigued because he’d been hurt, so he wasn’t able to find the finishing touches - George was fully in control.”