Eubank brags: I’ll end Groves’ career

Chris Eubank Jr

Chris Eubank Jr insists he will beat George Groves so emphatically the WBA super-middleweight champion will have to retire.

Brighton-based Eubank faces Londoner Groves in Manchester this weekend in the World Super Series semi-finals.

And in their final press conference Eubank Jr was not backward in predicting that he will give his opponent a harsh boxing lesson in front of a huge armchair audience captivated by the fight.

There has been precious little love lost between the pair in the build up to what could be a real classic and one to remember for the ages.

Junior has been accused by Hammersmith-born Groves of running his mouth at every opportunity and he has not been impressed by some of his comments.

Eubank is renowned for being a big puncher in the ring and he didn’t hold back with the verbal jabs when he peppered Groves with a barrage of pot shots straight from the lip.

He predicted that he will be the dominant factor from the opening bell and warned that the outcome will be so devastating Groves will have to hang up his gloves.

‘On Saturday, I will be on top of George from round one, punishing him for having the arrogance for stepping into the ring with me,’ Eubank Jr said.

And the 28-year-old, speaking to BBC Sport was not kind about his rival’s past when he added: ‘You just don’t want this more than me George.

‘He knows how to lose, he has been definitively beaten. His chin has an off button, mine doesn’t. George will take the loss in his stride, maybe a retirement afterwards.’

Eubank Jr was referring to the two knockout defeats Groves suffered against Carl Froch when he failed in his first two attempts to become a world champion by claiming the WBA belt.

He then lost a split decision to Badou Jack when he was out down in the first round as he attempted to win the WBC strap.

But Groves, one year older than the south coast fighter at 29, was clearly in no mood to be bullied into submission by Junior’s outburst.

He was not at all impressed by the comments and replied: ‘I don’t think it has anything to do with who wants it more. I have been through some terrible times to be where I am now. I have had to pick myself up from low points and I have desire in abundance.’

About the Author

Danny Griffiths
A freelance journalist who has worked for local and national newspapers, he has covered boxing across the spectrum including the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand and the 2012 London Olympics. His favourite interviews were lengthy, early morning calls from New York with Paulie Malignaggi... and Mike Tyson.