Britain’s George Groves is well aware of the opportunity at hand when he challenges Las Vegas-based Swede Badou Jack on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather/Andre Berto fight on September 12th, and he plans on seizing his 3rd shot at a world title by snatching the “Ripper’s” WBC 168lb strap in considerable style.
The Hammersmith fighter – currently training at Abel Sanchez’s Summit facility in California in preparation – is looking forward to seeing his star rise as a result, and wishes to rubber stamp his name into the consciousness of the American fight fans with victory.
“I want to announce myself as the best fighter in the division and I’m planning on doing that September 12,” said Groves. “There won’t be any question marks. After I win this fight, I’ll have proof.
“I’m a valuable commodity in the UK and it’s about time I started building my brand in the States. This is a huge opportunity being on the Mayweather card. The under card will not be overlooked this night.”
Groves, who has faced criticism from some quarters who claim he isn’t the fighter he was before the two back-to-back losses to Carl Froch, (given below best performances against Christopher Rebrasse and Denis Douglin), has promised that the best possible version will turn up against Jack, and he is going to bring excitement.
It’s also almost a foregone conclusion that getting a decision in Vegas against a Mayweather fighter is going to be extremely difficult, something Groves is seemingly well aware of.
“Every fight is more important than the last. It doesn’t matter who you fight, it can affect you in a big way. I have a style that will naturally engage with the fans. People like to see me fight. I look to take the opponent out and that will be the same on September 12.
“Once Badou Jack leaves an opening, I will take it. I plan to look very good doing so.”
Should he secure the victory, then big fights with IBF super-middleweight champion James DeGale – who Groves beat in 2011 – or even St Helen’s Martin Murray, could await Groves in the UK, but he is insistent he’s not looking past Badou Jack and September 12th.
“I’m fully immersed in this fight with Badou Jack. Everyone wants to know about the future plans, but I leave that up to the promoters. My main concern is winning that WBC belt,” he said.
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