George Groves beats Chris Eubank Jr on unanimous points decision
It lived up to all expectation. It was a thriller. But George Groves was just a step too far, too long, too strong and ultimately too technical and experienced in the championship rounds for Chris Eubank Jr here.
The Londoner, who even appeared to suffer a dislocated shoulder in the final round, defeated the Brighton man on points to prove that the hype surrounding Eubank and his imperviousness to both pain and punches – derived largely from his father, Chris Eubank Sr – was indeed unjustified.
It was scored 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 by the three British judges. He had been called “the next generation Eubank”, “a machine”, as the 28-year-old follows in the footsteps of his eccentric father, the former two-weight world champion. But there were spills and thrills all the way to the finish.
The bubble has burst, but oh, how Eubank gave his all in a dramatic fight, gambling, wild, brave and bullish to the final seconds. The way back will be long, and probably at middleweight. And many will condemn the fact that Eubank was too ambitious, and against all conventional advice, should not have been training himself.
There was no capture of the World Boxing Association super middleweight crown, as promised, no “utter terrorisation” of Groves, the champion using his experience of the big occasion and size to outskill the young pretender, ending the fight triumphant in the second defence of his crown.
Eubank had told anyone and everyone who would listen in the build-up to this contest that it was his time, that boxing was about to witness a revolution. Yet in spite of being a marginal favourite with the bookmakers, Groves proved technically too proficient for his foe.
After all the razzamatazz, the light show, the smoke plumes, the gladiatorial platforms set up to parade the warriors, the fighters took to the ring. Huge support for Groves, catcalls and whistles for Eubank.
Referee Michael Alexander, of Doncaster, had a busy night. Groves tookthe early rounds, commanding with his jab, and movement, leading the fray until Eubank, cut by his right eyebrow by a clash of heads in the third, began to bull his way into the fight. He was strong, he was game, and although he fought valiantly to the last, he was just too raw to finish an exhausted Groves.
But it was Groves’s superior boxing that deserved the win; he made Eubank look like a brawler. The younger man won rounds on brutality and swinging like a terror. ubank had told Groves, in no uncertain terms, four days ago, that he was “a novice”. But there was only one novice in this fight.
Many thought that Eubank’s self-belief and tenaciousness would enable him to walk through Groves’s onslaughts and wear the champion down.
There were so many possible permutations, but in the final analysis, Groves made it his fight. As they say in boxing, skills pay the bills, and that was the tale of this fight, in spite of Eubank giving it his all.
Eubank, who suffered his second defeat in 28 contests, will be back, for sure, as Groves moved himself to 28 wins in 31 career fights, the Shane McGuigan-trained boxer now standing one win away from being recognised by The Ring Magazine as the No 1 super middleweight in the world. What a turnaround for Groves after world title defeats, twice, to Carl Froch, and once to Badou Jack.
Groves certainly is testament to being a model professional fighter, and through heartache, never giving up on his ambitions, dreams and desires. Eubank, if he plays his cards right, could find his way into a contest with the one man to have defeated him, World Boxing Organisation middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders, and potentially the two other global stars of the division, Kazakh Gennady Golovkin, widely recognised as the current No 1, and Saul Canelo Alvarez, Mexico’s most revered boxer at present.
Eubank insisted he could bring the same kind of attention to the smaller weight divisions in Britain as heavyweight champion. But this was Groves’s night – after being cajoled and forced into a war of words and attrition in the build-up.
But for the fighter who oncehad a resume with three defeats in world title contests, there is now the sweet pill of moving on to the final of the World Boxing Super Series event, where he will face either Callum Smith, the unbeaten 27-year-old fighter from Liverpool, the youngest of four boxingbrothers, or Juergen Braehmer, who meet in the second semi final next Saturday night in Nuremberg. The final will be held at the 02 Arena, London Docklands, on June 2, with the last two men standing in the 8-man tournament sharing a pot of 4.8 million pounds.
Earlier, Sebastian Eubank, the 26-year-old brother of headliner Chris struggled to get clearance to his dressing room but eventually made it to the ring to get his professional light-heavyweight career off and running.
Eubank defeated Kamil Kulczyk 40-35 on points. And in a gruelling British featherweight title fight, Ryan Walsh held onto his title after a split draw with Isaac Lowe, with scores of 116-114, 114-115, and 115-115. But the night would belong to Groves.
The scores on the doors
Howard Foster 117 - 112
Stephen Gray 116 - 112
Malcolm MacDonell 115 - 113
Unanimous for Groves. And Eubank shakes his hand and applauds the winner.
Look away now
Groves has just had his shoulder popped back in, looks like it was dislocated in the final round.
The medics are doing their bit and MM is on the mic
The stats
I think that shirt is going in the bin
Final round
Unless Eubank knocks him out, this is Groves fight.
Eubank is in swinging brawl mode but he's barely connecting properly. Groves is just waiting for the swing and then dodging them, very disappointing form Jr.
George isn't even swinging at the moment, just ensuring he moves too quickly for Jr to connect with him.
Now they're just both swinging and Eubank is giving it his all. Both men are swaying but I suspect it's too late for Jnr...
Round 11
Groves corner could be heard saying: "He's so inferior right now" and it's hard to disagree.
Eubank has less than six minutes to knock Groves out because he's behind on everyone's scorecard at the moment. He's still being too tentative.
He hits Groves with a good left hook but with no follow-up, Eubank's good work is wasted. He ends up walking onto Groves right hand before pushing him onto the ropes.
He needs a big shot, and very soon, to win this fight. Groves is managing this fight really well as Eubank swings widely.
Round 10
Michael Alexander having a word with both fighters. Eubank is straight in and uses his left hook but he can't follow up. Lots of holding as Groves tries to negate the threat.
Eubank slips over but he's back up quickly. He's bopping and weaving and again he touches the deck. How can he see with all that blood?
Jr is still going for it and there is blood everywhere. Everywhere!
Saved by the bell as Groves was connecting with some swings while he was stuck in the corner.
Round 9
Eubank has come out fast this round. He's actually catching Groves but he will know that George is getting tired and Eubank is known to be stronger in the later rounds.
Eubank still untidy but he catches Groves in the body. Both men swing a couple of times after the bell with Groves opening that cut again.
Round 8
Five rounds left and you hear a shout of "keep it short" from Eubank's corner. Also Eubank Snr shouts "come on Jr". Sadly his son is lacking composure and there isn't much rhythm or plan to his punches. Twice in ten seconds he's swung and missed.
He is running out of time to pick up the pace. every time he does catch Groves, he's missing him or he's being evaded on the second.
Groves is caught, then he retaliates. and they're both on the ropes.
That Eubank cut
Eubank is cut! #GrovesEubankpic.twitter.com/sFBeCvZ5UL
— Punchoutboxing (@Punchoutboxing5) February 17, 2018
Round 7
We're halfway through this fight and Eubank needs to connect with some of his punches. A lot of wild swings and you sense he's hoping Groves tires as the fight goes on.
Eubank is stalking Groves and he finally gets his with a left swing, but Groves is in serious control.
Round 6
Eubank is finally closing that distance between them in the ring and manages to get a few combinations off, while Groves is off balance.
We're starting to brawl now, with Groves grabbing his man. Eubank is really going for the knockout and Groves must know he's winning on points, plus he also more accurate with his punches.
Our man in the Arena
Gareth says:
Rd 4
Groves outboxing CE, landing jab, moving, circling, feinting, crude attacks. Eubank better round, heavier shots landed, dangerous at times, but Groves still calm, relaxed. Eubank shades the round,
Eubank 10-9.
Round 5
Eubank coming out fast this round. He must know he's behind on points so afr. They have to be careful they don't butt heads again although that cut is holding well.
I spoke too soon about that cut.... Blood is started to weep down his face
Groves will be feeling the more confident as we near the end of the round but Groves whacks him around the back of the head, which is a bit naughty.
Eubank gets Groves on the ropes and manages to catch him with that uppercut again, but he has to do much more.
Our man in the Arena
Gareth says:
Rd 3
Gashed right eyebrow of Chris Eubank damaged after the early round exchange. By GG right hand. CE had success of his own, two good jabs, counters from CE. Air of desperation, with CE. hurls himself art Groves. Chris Sanigar working on the cut.
Round 4
Eubank going in hard with the uppercut, probably to protect that cut above his eye. But Groves is still strong and slightly quicker than his opponent.
The crowd are not enjoying this. They expected a fast start from Jr, as we all did and he manages to get another left hook on Groves but it's too little too late in the round.
Round 3
Ooh. this escalated quickly. Eubank caught Groves with some bit shots, a good left hook and right hand and Groves looked caught unawares.
It's not George stalking him, rather than the other way around.
Eubank has a jagged cut, above the right eyebrow. It was caused by an accidental head clash.
Our man in the Arena
Gareth says:
Rd 2
Big right from Groves. Buckles Eubank. They exchange, left upper lands from GG. CE lands himself on GG. Eubank slips to a knee, and they go at it toe to toe in the corner. Groves power showing, lands left misses with right cross.
Groves 10-9
Our man in the Arena
Gareth A Davies says:
Rd 1
Cagey start. Groves out with his jab early. passionate support for the Londoner. Groves keeping distant in quiet opening, jab working. Two hooks miss from CE. Jan to the body from CE. Left from CE. Right hand of CE misses. They clinch. Michael Alexander referee splits them. CE haymaker misses. Phoney war
Groves 10-9
Round 2
Both fighters were getting information from their corners, but we know Eubank is not always happy to receive advice.
Groves is getting the fight started now and Eubank is trying to get low to avoid the punches. A good combination from Groves and he is definitely in the lead so far on points.
Eubank hits the floor but it looks like he was trying to avoid a Groves hit, then he finally gets his combo together as George is in the corner.
Round ends with his corner shouting "let's go".
Round 1
Groves throws the first punch as both fighters circle each other in the middle of the ring. Both men look in peak physical condition and this fight may got the 12 rounds.
Everyone expected Eubank to come out fast but it's the reverse with Groves flinging the first few punches. Eubank is keeping a lot of space between them which could play into Groves' hands although Jr does catch him with a strong left.
The round ends with a clinch and the bell goes.
In the middle
The ref gives them the warning and makes them touch gloves.
Here we go.
Groves
George is in the blue corner and wearing red and black. They clearly didn't co-ordinate. This is the second defense of his title.
Eubank
Jr is in the red corner and is wearing black and gold for his third defense of his title.
There are some serious diamonds on his shorts.
The housekeeping
The MC goes through the list of boxing officials.
Stephen Gray, Howard Foster and Malcolm MacDonnell are the judges.
And we are nearly there
Eubank jumps into the ring and Groves climbs in.
It's national anthem time and Groves undresses while Eubank takes some water and gets ready.
Groves
The WBA Super Middleweight champion comes out to "Rolling Stones - Paint it Black" while he stands in the tunnel entrance. Then "Prodigy - Spitfire" for his walk to the ring.
He currently resembles a man who forgot the milk from the shopping list his wife gave him. He's walking very fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4irXQhgMqg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4BU0SS-8x0 10:06PM
Eubank Jr
The IBO Super Middleweight champion comes out to "Dr. Dre + Snoop Dogg - Still D.R.E"
He's got the Union Jack draped over his shoulders and he certainly looks like a man on a mission. I mean, how can he not be bouncing to this beat?
Dad and security surround him on the long walk to the ring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CL6n0FJZpk 10:04PM
We are moments away
This is fast becoming a grudge match and I am here for it.
The MC
David Diamante has a really good head of hair.
He calls this: "The greatest prize in boxing. The Muhammed Ali Trophy."
Not tonight mate
The lights are getting low...
Are. We. Readddddyyyyyyyyy?
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Some famous faces in the arena
�� @Tyson_Fury is here to support his pal @isaaclowe6. Lowe is on next vs @Walsh7Ryan! #GrovesEubank �� #AliTrophypic.twitter.com/IcrSIgvaIL
— World Boxing Super Series (@WBSuperSeries) February 17, 2018
Eubank had some comments earlier today
"Everything is going to go as planned. I've worked too hard for this. My aim is to win by any means necessary within the rules of boxing.
"George is a solid fighter."
Pre-fight talk from Groves
"I've just been relaxing at the hotel and I've had a good day. I'm super fit, feeling great and everything is on point. He's gonna be quick of the mark, but he knows once I get him in my range. I'm a level above him and I'm gonna go out and show him. Don't blink coz it could be over very soon."
An emotional Daddy Eubank
"He hasn't started warming up yet but once he does he'll switch in. He'll log his focus and do what he does.
"Yes, he will step out of my shadow. And how can we deny him that. I think he did it long ago, but he needs to believe it.
"I may have built him too well which was why I got emotional about George at the weigh-in."
That man certainly has a way with words....
Walsh vs Lowe
The featherweight bout has finished which means we are nearer to tonight's show stopper.
Their Records
Groves has had 30 fights: 27-20-3
Eubank Jr has had 27 fights: 26-20-1
Bellew is #TeamGroves
�� Strap yourselves in folks.
�� @TonyBellew's backing Groves to take a 'thriller'. #GrovesEubankpic.twitter.com/5aWefZM3hD— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) February 17, 2018
Froch is #TeamEubank
�� Carl Froch has his say on tonight's fight...
�� Does anyone agree with him?#GrovesEubankpic.twitter.com/gPaHsi4L0j— Team FA (@TeamFA) February 17, 2018
Who will win?
Several former fighters have had their say...
Who wins...
Here's what a few notable names are saying
Nigel Benn - Groves
DeGale - Groves
Saunders - (favours) Eubank
Hatton - Groves
Froch - Eubank
Crolla - Eubank
Badou Jack - Groves
Callum Smith - Groves
Hearn - Groves
Maccarinelli - Groves#GrovesEubank— KO Kings (@KOKINGS4) February 17, 2018
30 minutes away
Ryan Walsh and Issac Lowe are currently in the ring, having just started Round 10.
What is at stake?
The winner of this super middleweight fight will face the winner of the bout between Callum Smith and Jurgen Bramer, which will take place on January 24 in Nurnberg.
The final will be held on June 2 at The O2 Arena.
The weigh-in
As you can see there is not a lot of love between the two men with Groves coming in the lighter.
Your main event is official!! ������#GrovesEubank �� #AliTrophypic.twitter.com/rP2osLkzrb
— World Boxing Super Series (@WBSuperSeries) February 16, 2018
Some reading material
If you need a little help to get in the mood, here's some articles from our Boxing Correspondent, Gareth A Davies:
George Groves vs Chris Eubank Jr: Where will the fight be won and lost?
Chris Eubank interview: Beating George Groves will lift me out of my father's shadow
George Groves: The Eubanks are deluded and this fight will be a huge fall from grace for them
Hello fight fans
Good evening and welcome to live updates of George Groves vs Chris Eubank Jr in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series.
We have 45 minutes until we're due to start so I'll try to keep you entertained until then.
Preview
Chris Eubank has reiterated his call for the referee to keep a close eye on Saturday's George Groves v Chris Eubank Jr bout given what happened when the latter fought Nick Blackwell.
Former British middleweight champion Blackwell collapsed at the end of his defeat by Eubank Jr in March 2016, and was found to have suffered a bleed on the skull and put into an induced coma, and subsequently retired from the sport aged 25.
Eubank has been criticised after he last week on Twitter made reference to Blackwell while looking ahead to his son's World Boxing Super Series semi-final clash with WBA super-middleweight world champion Groves at the Manchester Arena.
But the 51-year-old former middle and super-middleweight world champion says he is "not ashamed of bringing that up".
Eubank told Press Association Sport: "George is in deep water and Junior is a shark and the referee just needs to be watchful of both men.
"I've had to bring this up because of what happened to Nick Blackwell. I am not ashamed of bringing that up. I am not any form of disgrace for bringing it up. It happened to Michael Watson.
"I want to talk about it, because I don't want it happening, and for it not to happen, the referees only have to do their jobs. And if there is something wrong with that, then I am the bad guy."
Eubank last week wrote on Twitter about being "protective" of Groves as he highlighted an interview ex-heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury had given to iFL TV about Blackwell.
Fury responded by branding Eubank a "disgrace" for "trying to use the Blackwells situation as a threat" to Groves.
Eubank also tweeted video of an iFL TV interview in which Groves said the way he had been referring to the Eubank Jr v Blackwell fight was "disgusting" and accused him of "trying to manipulate the mindset of people."
Eubank then tweeted: "My trying2be protective of @StGeorgeGroves gets me negative feed back Im not looking2be liked by pretending Watson & Blackwell didn't happen. There's no disgrace in me reminding the refs2be mindfull as it's genuine. To look at @ChrisEubankJr he seems normal but he's far from it."
Michael Watson was left partially disabled after his 1991 fight against Eubank.
Groves was involved in a similarly-tragic bout in November 2016, his defeat of Eduard Gutknecht that left the German with a serious brain injury and unable to walk or talk.