The second World Boxing Super Series Final takes place in Jeddah. A lot of momentum from the other final and semi finals has died down, which part of the blame has to go to the venue. Why this fight, between two British fighters, is not taking place in Britain still confuses me. Neither fighter will complain of they win the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

George Groves won his world title on his fourth attempt

Groves is the current WBA Super Middleweight Champion and has had a great career. His three losses have come against superstar level fighters in Carl Froch twice and Badou Jack. None of these losses look bad in hindsight. He is a twice ABA champion who won 66 of 76 bouts but did not make it the 2007 Olympics behind James DeGale. Groves avenged that defeat in the professional ranks. He won his world title against Fedor Chudinov after stopping him in six rounds. His quarter final saw him stop domestic rival Jamie Cox with a vicious body shot. As an underdog he overcame Chris Eubank in the semi final with a comfortable decision victory. He has the ability to box and fight with a good amount of power behind his punches. His one issue could be his chin which Froch eventually found and has looked fragile since.

Callum Smith has always had huge potential. He was a very good amateur, winning silver at the Commonwealth Games. Everyone assumed he would get to a big level and he showed flashes on his way up. The excitement went up a level when crushing Rocky Firlding in the first round, a win that arguably looks even more impressive now. Following that though his performances kept being underwhelming. Smith turned down a world title shot against Anthony Dirrell to enter the tournament. He beat Erik Skoglund in the first round by unanimous decision in a real war and intriguing fight. His semi final would be against Nieky Holzken after Juergen Brähmer pulled out. It was a drab affair, with Smith cruising to a win. He is big, with beautiful straight punches and good power but too often flatters to deceive.

Groves was an utterly ridiculous price against Eubank, Smith and Eubank are of similar ability. Groves is probably still too long. He has proven quality way above Smith. Smith has shown flashes of a boxer with the capability of being top level. He has not done that anywhere near regularly enough for me to believe he can win against Groves. Groves has experience, ability and confidence on his side here.

  • George Groves to win by decision 7-4