Boxing

Masterful Groves outclasses Eubank Jr in title showdown

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George Groves showed his class by beating Chris Eubank Jr on points in Manchester.

Groves was on top from the start, retaining his WBA super-middleweight title and progressing to the final of the World Boxing Super Series in fine style.

The Hammersmith fighter, who also picked up the lightly-regarded IBO belt Eubank held, will face either Germany’s Jürgen Brähmer or fellow Englishman Callum Smith in the final.

Groves nullified his opponents’ crude, often amateurish attacks, using his excellent jab to good effect and landing with a number of powerful shots.

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Hampered by a nasty cut over his eye, suffered in the third round, Eubank was consistently off-balance as Groves used his experience and boxing skills.

Increasingly desperate – and clearly hoping the West Londoner, whose stamina has been questioned, would tire – Eubank continued to charge forward and appeared to be wobbled by a couple of powerful shots in the ninth round.

Groves did appear to be hurt – certainly tired – during a frenetic final round in which Eubank had some success, but he saw the fight out for a resounding win.

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The judges had it unanimously in Groves’ favour, scoring the bout 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113.

Groves, who suffered a shoulder injury in the final stages, said: “I’m very, very happy with the performance.

“The better man won, but credit to Junior for getting through the match because I hurt him a lot. He dug it out.”



This post was last modified on 19/02/2018

James Ross
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James Ross