By Daniel Hughes: Whatever happens with George Groves (19-0, 15 KO’s) fight against IBF/WBA super middleweight champion Carl Froch (32-2, 23 KO’s) on May 31st at Wembley Stadium, he has a very exciting road ahead of him. The announcement this week of Groves signing with Sauerland promotions certainly raised a few eyebrows in British boxing circles.
Groves 27, admitted earlier in the week that it could be viewed as a gamble. If that is the case it could prove to be a calculated one from the Hammersmith born fighter and his new German promoters. It could well turn out to be a very shrewd signing the German public love their boxing. The fans enjoy supporting German based boxers regardless of their nationality it will open up a new fanbase for Groves. The financial muscle of the German promoters not to be underestimated or the love for boxing the German public has.
The choices and promoters looking to sign the London born fighter had been many, especially as his stock has risen since the first Froch fight. Groves’ name will certainly be in the mix for future big fights at 168lbs.The choice to go with Sauerland meaning he will be signing with the powerful German promotional team that are certainly no strangers in maximizing the exposure of the talent on their books. For Groves to have signed the financial side will no doubt of been good, very good in fact. Sauerland of course have recently signed Liverpool, UK heavyweight David Price (17-2, 15 KO’s) in a move that would be seen as make or break, but a financially sound one for the 30 year old heavyweight.
The fact that UK fighters are willing to travel abroad to Europe and not just of course abroad for the quality of gyms and training camps in the USA should be viewed as a positive. The experience of being out of your comfort zone learning a new language and living in a different country throws up its challenges. Boxing is about developing, learning and adapting in the ring what you have practiced in the gym. The fighter that stands still, in fact goes backwards the choice of many fighters to box away from their own home country is a financial migration that is mandatory for fighters from the poorest parts of the world.
The choices for both Groves and Price could have been to stay with the comforts of home promotion. The easy route is to stay with what you know and familiar surroundings. The need to challenge yourself as a fighter surely makes it a good move when so many become complacent and stale.
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