How the bookies are calling George Groves v Callum Smith
Published:
George Groves and Callum Smith’s hugely-anticipated World Boxing Super Series final takes place this Friday at last.
Boxing fans have had to be patient for this one, but it could be well worth the wait. Ahead of the big bout, we chatted to our boxing trader Tommy Young to get his thoughts…
Ladbrokes News: Hey Tommy, what’s on the line when these two get in the ring?
Tommy Young: The belated final of World Boxing Super Series is upon us on Friday night in Jeddah. As well as the Ali Trophy, George Groves’ WBA Super World Super Middleweight title and The Ring magazine’s belt will be on the line, so it’s a huge night of boxing out in Saudi.
LN: How did Groves make it to the final?
TY: George Groves is coming into the fight as 4/6 favourite having beaten Jamie Cox and Chris Eubank Jnr on his way to the final. Groves was excellent against Eubank and was a class above in taking a one-sided decision.
The only downer about that night was that Groves’ left shoulder was injured in the 12th round and he was forced to have surgery, which is what has caused the delay to the fight that was scheduled for July.
LN: What about Smith?
TY: Smith is 5/4 for the fight and has had an easier route to the final. He beat relatively-unknown Swede Erik Skoglund in his quarter-final, and then totally unknown Dutchman Nieky Holzken in the semi-final. Holzken was a late replacement for Juergen Braehmer.
LN: Groves is the favourite here, but do you think there’s much chance of an upset?
TY: Smith looked set to be a superstar when he recorded consecutive 1st round knockouts over Rocky Fielding (now WBA regular champion at super middle) then Hadillah Mohoumadi, but he hasn’t really kicked on since. He was not overly impressive when beating Skoglund and I think he will have his work cut out for him against Groves.
As far as I’m concerned, Groves is superior in almost every department. I think he has quicker hands than Smith, I think Groves has better footwork and I’d say they hit with about the same strength.
LN: But could Groves’ shoulder injury be a factor?
TY: The reason I think Groves isn’t a much bigger favourite is the slight doubt over how he has recovered from the injury sustained against Eubank. He will have had to have a lay off after the surgery which could have affected his training.
There’s always the risk his shoulder is not the same after being operated on too.
That doesn’t worry me though. I’m fully behind Saint George to do the business and am backing Groves by unanimous decision at 9/4 and Smith to be knocked down at 2/1.
Click here for the latest Groves v Smith odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
