Groves: I’ll find the target and the night will be over

George Groves isn’t making much of Callum Smith’s height and reach advantages heading into Friday’s WBSS finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Groves says he’s overcome those obstacles before and that he has the style to nullify those advantages, using his footwork to keep his preferred distance.

“Smith has slow feet-hand speed, his punch power is good but he will not have a target and once I hit him, he has never been as hard like he will do against me. I don’t think it will be over early but after a few rounds, I’ll find the target and the night will be over.”

Following Friday’s bout Groves also says he’ll have to weigh his future options. Retirement is of course an option, but Groves will also be looking at a second fight with James DeGale — who is being lined up to fight Chris Eubank Jr. on Dec. 8. Groves won a close majority decision to DeGale in 2011 and there’s been talk of a rematch ever since.

“I wouldn’t mind another dance with James DeGale, that fight is always there, or another crack at Badou Jack at light-heavyweight and try to put the decision right. We will have to wait and see.”

Regardless of what may come, one can surmise that a lot of Grove’ future will depend on his performance this weekend.