George Groves vs Chris Eubank: Only one winner here

In one of the 2018's most highly anticipated match-ups, 'Saint' George Groves defends his WBA super-middleweight title against Chris Eubank Jr. on 17 February in Manchester, in what could prove to be a classic all-British bust-up.

This is the first of the semi-finals in the World Boxing Super Series in which Groves knocked-out undefeated Brit Jamie Cox while Eubank Jr. defeated Avni Yildirim in a relatively easy fight for the man who has moved up from middleweight to enter this tournament.

Both men seem, as always, very confident going into this fight but it is Groves who should be feeling the most confident come February.

The London-based fighter has seen it all during his 30-fight career having almost stopped Carl Froch up in Manchester, to losing to the highly underrated Badou Jack to then knocking-out Russian terrier Fedor Chudinov up in Sheffield in May to finally realise his dream of becoming a world champion.

Eubank Jr., on the other hand, has not fought anywhere near to the level Groves has faced in the ring. He suffered his only loss to Billy Joe Saunders in a humbling defeat where he came on strong in the last three rounds but simply did not do enough to beat the now WBO champion.

His wins against ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and Nick Blackwell were impressive however, remain domestic victories while his defeat of legendary German Arthur Abraham was perfect timing considering Abraham can barely make it to the ring he is so old.

I am expecting another stellar performance from Groves, who has looked back to his very best since teaming up with Shane McGuigan in 2016. His jab has always been a class above all of his opponents while his ring IQ compared to Eubank Jr.’s is on a different planet.

Eubank Jr., like all of Groves’ other opponents, will be looking for the Londoner to gas later in the fight however, Eubank Jr. will not have the strength to get on top of Groves and cause him any issues like Jack was able to do.

I am expecting the fight to trend in a very similar pattern to the Chudinov fight with Eubank Jr. looking to outmuscle Groves but simply not being able to do so. Eubank Jr.'s is dangerous when he gets on the inside with that uppercut he possesses however, he will expend so much energy trying to get into scoring positions he will not have any impact when there.

The fact Groves is not even favourite with the bookies is an absolute joke but their loss will be our gain and at 11/8 he looks like an absolute steal. Groves is a massive 168 pounder and his strength alone will be too much for a man moving up from 160 lb.

Prediction: George Groves 

Tom Eckett

@boxingguru44

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