How the bookies are calling George Groves v Jamie Cox

Boxing’s World Super Series middleweight tournament is providing an interesting all-English affair this weekend as WBA titlist George Groves takes on 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Jamie Cox.

After two fantastic calls in Golovkin v Alvarez and Linares v Campbell, we’ve called on our boxing trader and guru, Tommy Young, to tell us what we can expect.

Ladbrokes News: Tommy, initial thoughts on the bout between Groves and Cox?

Tommy Young: It is slightly surprising that we are seeing this match-up at this stage of the tournament. Groves is the top seed and so was able to pick whomever he liked for his first bout.

A few eyebrows were raised when he chose to face Cox as there looked to be plenty of weaker opponents in the pot. I’m not complaining, though. It’s an interesting bout to see who will face Chris Eubank Jr in the semi-final.

LN: What can we expect off Groves?

TY: Well, Groves is currently the 1/7 favourite here and is in the form of his life after finally getting a World Title at the 4th attempt with a very impressive win over Fedor Chudinov.

The Hammersmith boy has looked excellent ever since the loss to Badou Jack and the switch to trainer Shane McGuigan has paid dividends.

His fitness has improved to go with the ability he has always shown and is well fancied to get the job done.

LN: And what of the challenger, Cox – has he a chance?

TY: Cox is also a talented fighter but his temperament is slightly questionable. He could have been disqualified in a real farce again Martin Fidel Rios last year (Rios had 3 points deducted, Cox had 2).

Against someone like Groves, if Cox loses his head then he will be punished severely. Even if he can keep a cool head Cox has never fulfilled on his promise from the amateur ranks as a professional.

It’s pretty wishful thinking to hope it will suddenly all fall into place for him against one of the best fighters in the division.

LN: You’re painting us a fairly clear picture already here, Tommy – what way are you calling it?

TY: I’m predicting a pretty easy night for Groves with him getting the job done early. I’m going for Rounds 1-6 at 12/5.

In case there are complications, I’ll also put up my old favourite, To be Knocked Down and Win on Groves at 5/1.

This is based on the fact he was caught cold and down in the first round against Jack in that defeat discussed earlier.

McGuigan fighters have occasionally been caught out early in fights (Frampton vs Gonzalez in Texas) and maybe Cox’s rangy southpaw stance can cause issues.

Click here for the latest Groves v Cox odds

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing