George Groves is confident he will be fit to fight in the World Super Series final in June despite dislocating his shoulder in his victory against Chris Eubank Jr.
The WBA super-middleweight champion swept to a clear and unanimous points section in Manchester on Saturday despite suffering the injury in the final round.
He was taken to hospital immediately after leaving the ring in triumph but after initial tests it appears the 29-year-old from Hammersmith has been fortunate and has not suffered bone or ligament damage.
The World Super Series final is to be held on June 2 leaving precious little time for Groves, who has his left arm in a sling, to recover and train fully in camp.
But he told iFL TV: ‘The shoulder is ok. I hope it was clear that it popped out, it is probably one of the most painful injuries I have had.
‘It is back in now, had some x-rays and will see a specialist. I am confident it is hopefully something that is not going to be a big problem.
‘I think it’s only a problem if you’ve damaged a bone and the x-ray showed none of that.
‘I can’t hide the fact I have a dislocated shoulder but I think I will be ok.
‘June 2 isn’t that far away, in terms of a 12-week camp (to prepare). We will seek advice from the specialists, how long it will take until I can get back punching.
‘It doesn’t take long for me to get fit. I always heal quick, I’ve been a good healer. I live a good life, clean life, I think that helps.’
Groves fights the winner of Saturday’s fight between Callum Smith and Juergen Braehmer in the final but if he has not healed there have been suggestion organisers will invite Eubank Jr to take bus place.
But Groves us having none of that and he added: ‘I’m the No 1 seed, I’ve just been involved in a massive, massive event.
‘It wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t in the final. If they have to move the dates for it, so be it.
‘There is the next semi-final (this weekend) and something might happen to the winner of that. I don’t think these dates are set in stone.’
Groves was overjoyed by his victory but praised his opponent’s toughness and maintained there is no bad blood in his part to the Brighton boxer.
‘I thought I was hurting him consistently the whole fight and the was no quitting,’ Groves said.
‘I don’t think the referee was on my side at all, I was catching him with huge shots.
‘Things were in his favour – a freak accident, I’ve never hurt my shoulder in fights – but fair play to Junior. It was nothing personal, just a guy in the way.’
