Groves confident of shoulder injury recovery, Virus rules Braehmer out of Smith bout

George Groves celebrates after his unanimous points decision win over Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday in the WorldBoxing Super Series semi-final. Photo: Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

George Groves celebrates after his unanimous points decision win over Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday in the WorldBoxing Super Series semi-final. Photo: Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Published Feb 20, 2018

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LONDON - George Groves vowed to be fit for May's World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) final despite dislocating his shoulder in Saturday's semi-final victory over Chris Eubank Jr.

"I'm a fast healer. I broke my jaw in May and I was back training soon after. I have fought two times since then," said Groves, whose shoulder popped out during the final round of a unanimous points victory over pre-fight betting favourite Eubank.

"I keep myself in shape, I live a clean life and it all aids to recovery time. The final is fast approaching and that is exciting for me so my body will re-heal fast. I'm in a confident frame of mind."

Groves also defended his World Boxing Organisation super-middleweight belt against his domestic rival and the 29-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for the final.

"I will get a few more scans and see a specialist and we will look to see what the recovery time is. I have no pain now, I'm sure that is a good sign," added Groves.

Smith and former European light-heavyweight champion Braehmer meet in Nuremberg on Saturday.

Meanwhile, German boxer Jurgen Braehmer has pulled out of the second WBSS semi-final against Liverpool's Callum Smith on Saturday in Nuremberg because of a virus.

"Unfortunately, there is no way of fighting in this condition," said Braehmer, who has 49 wins, 35 knock-outs and three defeats in his career.

"It's not possible to climb into the ring like this and I want to apologise to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to the bout against Callum."

Braehmer's place in Saturday's super-middleweight semi-final bout against the unbeaten Smith, 27, will be taken by former kick-boxer Nieky Holzken, 34, of the Netherlands.

Braehmer's absence means he forfeits his shot at the Muhammad Ali Trophy which will earn 50 million dollars (40.5m euros) for the winner of the WBSS tournament.

The 39-year-old German is a two-time former light-heavyweight world champion and most recently lost his WBA belt to Welshman Nathan Cleverly in October 2016.

AFP

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