The two hard-hitting super middleweights are set to face off at some point this year after initial doubt regarding Groves’s ability to overcome an injury he sustained in his semi-final win against Chris Eubank Jr.
As a result of the injury, there were rumours that Groves’s semi-final victim Eubank Jr. would replace ‘The Saint’ in the WBSS showpiece.
Discussing his brother’s relief at Groves being fit, ‘Swifty’ told exclusively World Boxing News: “Callum’s buzzing, it’s a fight he’s looked forward to; it’s a fight we’ve all looked forward to.
“George Groves is a great name in boxing and rightly so he’s a great champion. It took him four times to win the world title, it’s a great story, he’s been in with great names like Carl Froch.”
Now that Groves has been declared fit, The Londoner’s WBA title has been thrown into the equation alongside the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy.
“He brings a lot of experience to the table being a world champion, Callum wants to beat the champ he didn’t want to go in and win a vacant title. He wants to do it properly and go in and win that title.” Smith added.
The fight has been labelled a true 50/50 fight and that is reflected by the bookmakers who are struggling to split the two men; most making Groves a very slight favourite.
”He’s watched George a lot and I believe he’s got a very good style to beat George,” Smith added. “We’re very confident as a family but I know George is confident.
“I believe Callum will be world champion on the night.”
Groves has been stopped in two of his three losses – both times at the hands of Froch – whereas ‘Mundo’ brings an undefeated record to the table and Smith thinks his younger brother’s power could be a factor.
“I think George will come out and box; Callums tall and big for the weight, he’ll come out with his own game plan and Callum knows himself George is very vulnerable.
It’s no secret, people have seen Groves knocked out and put down in the past and there are some gym stories.
“He is a very vulnerable fighter. Callum has a big knockout ratio and can punch too,” he concluded.
Thomas Davison is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Thomas on Twitter @thomasdavison93
