Having attended many boxing pressers, there’s one thing you always feel about Sauerland’s – relaxed.
It wasn’t the fact that we were sitting in a swanky restaurant in the heart of Hammersmith, but it was more that all who attended were being made to feel like they were at somebody’s house, asking a few questions over lunch. And that’s exactly what happened.
As the journos tucked into their steak and chips, Groves pulled the cling film off what looked like a leafy salad with a small tuna steak on top and was happy to eat and talk to anyone throwing questions his way.
Although his next fight against Denis Douglin on the 22nd November is not a gift wrapped early Christmas present, he’s firm favourite to win and most likely by stoppage. Most importantly, Groves is kept busy and in demand, whilst many other fighters contemplate their next battle in 6-9 months time. Groves is not being complacent with Douglin or any of his fights and is very aware that if he loses on the 22nd, he loses his mandatory position. “This is not a ‘keep busy’ fight, it’s certainly very real. The fight comes with risks…… (About next opponent) – He’s a tough guy, a southpaw. He’s predominantly been trained by his mother! From what I’ve seen, and I don’t like to watch too much of my opponents, it will be a test to make sure I’m 100% on top of my game. (He’s won 10 of his 17 victories by KO). With the build up and effort from the last Froch fight, I felt that I didn’t get enough out of it – to justify the prep I suppose. Probably because I didn’t get to knock anyone out!
In terms of the Froch fight, Groves admits to faults, lessons learned and opportunities to improve. “I got knocked out by Carl Froch because I opened my shoulder as I went to through a left hook. I knew I was in the wrong position to throw that shot and left my chin exposed and he found it. I’ve addressed that. I’m working on my right hand, jab and left hook to be better and my inside work. I’m constantly working on improving my foundations. I’m at the gym pretty much all year round. I try to keep my weight as sensible as possible.”
“I then went on to fight Rebrasse, which was at times a stressful situation. Sometimes I don’t realise stress when I’m in full flow. He was very durable, over 12 hard rounds. I wanted to be up again before Christmas, so this is perfect timing.”
I then asked:
PZ: How long did you have off after the Rebrasse fight?
GG: Two weeks off out of the gym on the strict instructions of my physio!
PZ: In essence this will be a seven week training camp for this fight (Denis Douglin). Firstly, is that long enough for this fight and secondly have you had enough of a break to fully recover from the last fight which lasted 12 tough rounds?
GG: “If I have a massive gap in between fights, there’s a danger I can put on some weight. I’m not saying coming back fat, but by having the fights close, it forces me to keep in good shape throughout. I still feel very fresh and am carrying no injuries, so yes, I feel refreshed and recovered.”
Looking past Douglin (with obvious caution), Sauerland are aiming to set up a fight with the current WBC super middleweight champ, Anthony Dirrell. Nisse and Kalle have already tried to make contact with camp, but to no avail. It seems, Team Dirrell is awaiting the results of purse bids, which should be next Saturday.
Anthony, the younger brother of former world title challenger Andre, is unbeaten in 28 fights, but his style would be perfect for Groves (in my opinion). I sincerely hope this one happens.
Groves expressed, “I would love to have the fight in the UK to be able to deliver to the UK fans and at an acceptable time (to watch). Winning a world title at home in London would be awesome, but I’m happy to go on the road. I’ve been on the road before and been successful on the road (having won twice in the US and twice in Germany). That’s one of the reasons I wanted to work with Sauerland as they have those essential connections all round the world and have the ability to boost my profile. That said, the UK has a substantial boxing market now and we have possibly the most passionate fans on the planet…. For now – I want to keep fighting regularly and don’t care where that is.”
The topic of conversation and questions then reverted back (predictably) to James Degale. With a smile on his face, Groves is pretty honest about himself and Degale, highlighting that since their fight in May 2011, both fighters have gone through massive changes and challenges, both inside and outside the ring and that it could be a different fight. But Groves says so with a manner of calm and confidence, indicating that he’s not desperate for the fight – not unless it comes with spoils.
Neither fighter is light years ahead of each other – although I’m sure that both would like to be. There’s much debate around who has progressed further as a fighter since their fight in May 2011 and whether it would be a repeat performance. Very hard to say as there are so many variables in the mix. New trainers, new promoters, titles been picked up along the way for both fighters, experience at world level etc. Each fighter feels they are totally different fighters and would approach the fight in a totally different way. Which way would you see the fight going now? The other debate is – who wants to see a rematch? Probably not many people at the moment. There’s nothing at stake. The questions both fighters are focusing on now (or should be focusing on) are how much money can they make from their next opponent and whether it gets them a step closer to being a world champion. But if the fight was as a result of both of them holding world titles and bringing together a unification bout – it could be huge.
As the presser finished and the journos belly’s were satisfied with the lavish meal laid on for them, I managed to get Groves to answer to further questions for me.
PZ: How good is it to have Team Sauerland promoting you?
GG: “It’s excellent. They are two great genuine guys who I get on with, which is great for me. They are very passionate about the sport and never over promise and under deliver, and they are fully in my corner.
I lost my fight against Carl Froch and my very next fight I’m fighting for the mandatory position for the WBC, with the European and WBC silver title on the line. That kind of sums them up really and their ability to get things done. I appreciate their support and how they share in my goals.
I’ve been with other promoters in the past where I haven’t been able to gel in this way. Also, managing myself has helped out in terms of the working relationship. “
PZ: Marco Antonio Barrera was handed out his first two losses by Junior Jones, back to back, fighting for world titles. He bounced back and became a prolific champion. Do you think you could do something like that?
GG: “Absolutely. And Barrera’s been guilty of dropping his shoulder also! In all honesty, you can only judge my career at the moment I hang up my gloves and then everyone can cast judgement. I’m not satisfied with what I’ve achieved yet. I feel I have plenty more in the tank and I like forward to achieving my goal of being world champion.”
Cleverly v Bellew II is exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on 22 November with George Groves, Anthony Joshua and James DeGale also on the bill.skysports.com/cleverlybellew