In an exclusive interview, Fulham boxer and true gentleman George Groves explains how he’s planning to leave it all in the ring on his fourth world title fight.
Fulham boxer George Groves hopes to make it a double celebration on Saturday. The Hammersmith prizefighter is aiming to clinch his first world title on the same day his beloved Chelsea FC play in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The national stadium was the setting for his loss to hall of famer Carl Froch in front of 80,000 spectators in 2014 on his second world title attempt.
His fight against the stubborn Russian Fedor Chudinov at Bramall Lane in Sheffield for the WBA super belt in the super-middleweight division will be his fourth title shot and Groves knows his career depends upon it.
“After my world title losses I had to dust myself down and look in the mirror,” George said.
“It was a tough period for me but it has only made me stronger and more determined to get my hands on the belt. I know what I have to do. I just want to get in the ring and let my hands go. This is the biggest fight of my career,” added the 29-year-old.
“I have been here before after my previous world title fights and I want to make sure that I leave nothing to chance. Leaving it all in the ring. Now is the time that I get my hands on the world title once and for all.”
The former Dale Youth fighter is on a four-fight winning streak since pairing up with Shane McGuigan – son to the legendary Barry McGuigan – and looks to be at the height of his powers in the pro game.
It should not be forgotten that Groves has 25 victories to his name with his sole defeats in world championship bouts – twice against Froch and then Badou Jack who bitter rival James DeGale drew with to retain his IBF world title in January.
Victory on Saturday night will move the titantic domestic dust-up between Groves and former stable-mate DeGale one step closer and a football stadium will certainly be the venue.
Groves would obviously prefer it to be at Stamford Bridge but Chunky is unlikely to agree to that especially with the fact he is an Arsenal fan.
“Everyone wants to see DeGale and I go at it again and we both want the fight too. I don’t like him and he isn’t too fond of me either,” added Groves.
“The feud goes back years. We have got older but the rivalry is just as intense. But to be honest, I am not looking that far ahead right now. I need to do the business against Chudinov and become a world champion.”
The Saint is disappointed he won’t be at Wembley tomorrow as Chelsea look to secure the double in Antonio Conte’s first season at the Bridge. But he has his own final in Sheffield to worry about now.
Come on champ! We are all behind you.
