George Groves vs Callum Smith 2018-09-28

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Event
George Groves vs Callum Smith

Date
Fri 28th September 2018 (UTC)

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00:00:00 UTC

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League
Boxing

Season
2018

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0

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Description

On 13 February, it was announced that the final of the super-middleweight tournament would take place at the O2 Arena in London on 2 June 2018. The final was made up after George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs) defeated Chris Eubank Jr. on 17 February and Smith defeating Holzken on 24 February. On 26 February, Groves tweeted that he would be going into surgery. He wrote, "We will be applying to the @WBSuperSeries for a one-month extension and are hopeful of securing this." He hoped to return to the ring by July. On 9 May, Kalle Sauerland explained that Groves could potentially be replaced by Chris Eubank Jr. in the final of the tournament against Smith, however there would be confirmation on the final in the next 10 days. Sauerland stated, “We're working at the moment on all the solutions and scenarios, where George is fit and where he isn't. We’re hopeful , so we’ll see. You can’t start the tournament and then have the final lingering into the next tournament. I’m sorry, that’s not going to happen. We can push a month, but we can’t push it back by three or four months. We have a substitute system. We said that from day one, and that’s the situation. We want Groves in the final, but if that’s not possible and he doesn't declare himself fit in the next 10 days, we have to find a solution." On 28 May, it was said that Groves would be declared fit with the fight to take place on 14 July. By 6 July, there was still no date set, however according to Kalle Sauerland, the bout was expected to take place in September and likely not in the UK, with some rumours hinting there was a strong interest from Las Vegas and Middle East. Smith's trainer Joe Gallagher confirmed contracts had been signed. On 27 July, Sauerland announced the fight would take place at a 10,000 capacity arena at the King Abdullah Sports City Complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 28 September 2018. It was revealed the prize money on offer for the final was £6.1 million, with the winner taking a larger percentage.

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Result List

Result Description
After a tight match with the fighters level on the judges' scorecards, Smith defeated Groves by round 7 knockout.[77] The size difference was noticable as the fight was fought closely throughout the the opening 6 rounds with back and forth action. Early in the fight, Groves established his jab whilst trying to avoid any power shots from Smith, whilst Smith was connectng with his right hand. Smith had more success in round 3 after a counter-right hand buckled Groves legs. In round 6, Smith backed Groves against the ropes and landed two strong jabs. He later landed a clean left hook which forced Groves to move back. Midway through round 7, Groves landed two body shots, however leaving himself open, Smith landed a left hook, which again shook Groves and forced him to retreat backwards. Groves was hurt at this point and Smith went after Groves against the ropes and landed numerous shots, including a hard body shot and an uppercut, ultimately sending Groves to the canvas. Groves managed to get to one knee, before referee Luis Pabon finished the 10-count, giving Smith the win. After the fight, Smith said, “It’s been a long time coming, and there’s times when you think, ‘I’ve waited this long for chance. If I don’t take it, when will another one come?’ … I’ve said for a long time I’m a big believer in me own abilities. I know how good I am and I knew I’m good enough to become a world champion and become the best on the planet, and I believe I’ve done that." Groves made no excuses, claiming the shoulder was never an issue in the fight. He also ruled out retirement. Muhammad Ali's daughter presented smith with the trophy. Smith claimed the WBA super-middleweight title along with the vacant Ring Magazine title. Smith became the third super-middleweight after Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward to win the Ring belt.[78][79][80] There was four official judges scorecards. One judge had it even after 6 rounds at 57–57, two judges had Groves ahead 59–55 and 58–56 and one judge had Smith ahead 59–55.[81][82]

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