By Gav Duthie: It seems almost bizarre that ‘Saint’ George Groves picked up only his 23rd career win on Saturday night against Scot David Brophy 16-1-1 (1). Groves seems to have been around for so long that it is easily forgotten he was a relative novice when he faced Carl Froch in Manchester, late 2013. Besides those fights gaining him lots of money and recognition they derailed his career as a world champion. After another straight forward win against B-level opposition I ask is this now time for Groves 23-3 (18) to win his title or is he simply not good enough at the highest level.
The next path
Groves promoters Sauerland have given a sneak preview of their plans on Saturday night by securing the bout to be sanctioned for the vacant WBA International title. Before the weekend Groves was only officially ranked by the WBC at #3 and no other governing bodies. The rankings have yet to be updated but Groves is now likely to be at least in the top 5 of the WBA. The belt was vacant after previous owner Frank Buglioni lost his full title bid to Fedor Chudinov and decided to move up to light heavyweight.
If this is the case then Groves will have two avenues to fight for a world title.
WBA Super Champion – Felix Sturm 40-5-3 (18)
WBA Regular Champion – Giovanni De Carolis 24-6 (12)
Must win
In all honesty if Groves can’t beat either of these guys then he doesn’t deserve nor will ever be a world champion. De Carolis is average at best and Sturm at age 37 is well past his best. De Carolis has won 4 from his last 6 with Sturm winning 3 from his last 6. The German also arguably should have lost his last fight against Fedor Chudinov.
Other Champions
Since Groves first title attempt the division has changed completely with Badou Jack WBC, Sturm, Carolis WBA, DeGale IBF and the latest Ramirez WBO all relatively new champions. There is no doubt in my mind that the easiest to target are Sturm and De Carolis.
Domestic Option
Groves tweeted today
“Would you Adam and Eve it. Only been made mandatory for @callumsmith23 with the EBU”.
This is shaping up to be a big fight in the UK but it would be a bigger risk for Groves than some of the champions. It is also likely that Callum Smith will face the winner of Badou Jack – Lucian Bute so would likely vacate. I think this is a fight that Groves should wait for.
The future?
If he can win a title in the summer then he can look forward to some more big domestic fights which include Martin Murray, Callum Smith and of course a rematch with James DeGale. However on the other hand if he loses again against any of the current champions it would probably be time to retire.
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