Q&A with George Groves: “I still haven’t achieved what I set out to as a kid”

Q&A Groves: “I still haven’t achieved what I set out to achieve as a kid”

WBA Super World Super Middleweight champion George Groves (26-3, 19 KOs) is hungrier than ever and wants to cross off more achievements on his bucket list. First, he has to get pass ‘ballsy’ Jamie Cox (24-0,13 KOs) in a Muhammad Ali Trophy quarter-final clash October 14 at The SSE Arena Wembley in London where tickets are on sale ranging from from £35 to £130 at stubhub.co.uk at axs.com.

This is Cox’s first big fight – whereas you’ve been there for some time – how important is your experience going to be – and do you think Cox can handle the pressure?

“Experience is very important. You don’t understand it until you got it and even when you got it it’s still difficult to understand. I’m sure it will play a part. Cox has boxed at a high level as an amateur but he’s yet to do it as a pro. Let’s see if he can cope. I’m sure he will be well rehearsed in the build up and well drilled in the gym but putting it together under the spotlight on the biggest stage is always the most difficult task. I’ve been there and done it before, but let’s see if he can.”

Cox talks a good game and appears confident – he says you’ve been over indulging – have you still got the hunger?

“I’ve still got the hunger. I’ve still nowhere near achieved what I set out to achieve as a little kid. I haven’t won enough belts, I haven’t won enough fights, I haven’t made enough money, and until all those and a few other things are crossed off the bucket list, I’m more hungry than ever. I finally know what it feels like to be a World Champion and I don’t plan on surrendering that anytime soon. Now I would like the feeling of winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

How has your training been going?

My training has been going really well. We’ve had plenty of time so we’ve been able to structure a long camp. Everything is on track.

You’ve been improving with every fight since teaming up with Shane McGuigan. Do you expect this to continue? Is there still room for improvement?

“100% I think I’m becoming a better and better fighter. Obviously with the physical experience of training and being in big fights you’re going to improve, but also with Shane’s guidance, I feel that I’ve improved as a fighter. I’m adding more and more to my game. I’m more and more comfortable in various situations. I’ve always been comfortable against southpaws. Cox is the first southpaw I’ve been working towards with Shane McGuigan but we’re on course and we know what we need to do.“

You’ve said you’ve known Jamie a little bit, you roomed together as amateurs, from what you know about him, what do you think his mind set will be going into this fight?

“He’s a competent chap. When I knew him he had a lot of desire. Although his professional record doesn’t suggest any desire because he’s been a pro longer than me and he still hasn’t been in a real fight. He’s had breaks, he’s had injuries, he’s had personal issues. I’m sure now he decided this is his last crack at the whip as a professional boxer he’s going to try to knuckle down and prepare to the best of his abilities. I’m preparing for the best Jamie Cox. He’s fit, he’s strong, he’s aggressive, he’s ballsy, but they are all things I possess as well so I’m sure it will make for a great fight. I certainly feel I have the measure of him and I have a few advantages, which I’m going to reveal on the night.“

Does fighting in London, your hometown, at The SSE Arena Wembley, where you have enjoyed some good nights before, give you an advantage?

It’s lovely for me to fight at Wembley. Wembley is good for me because it is so close to home. I can do every moment of preparation in my own surroundings. I’ll be at my own gym, I can sleep at home in my own bed the night before the fight. All these things will be an added benefit come fight night because for me personally, this is how I do best.

Tickets for Groves vs. Cox are on sale ranging from £35 to £130 at stubhub.co.uk at axs.com.

Nielsen and Ryder to clash on Groves-Cox undercard

Danish super middleweight star Patrick Nielsen (29-1, 14 KOs) will meet London’s John Ryder (24-4, 12 KOs, 15 KOs) over ten rounds on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series quarter-final contest between ‘Saint’ George Groves and Jamie Cox on October 14 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

Nielsen, a former World title challenger, has been confirmed as a reserve for the first-round of the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy. The 26-year-old from Albertslund, who is currently ranked World number one with the WBA has revealed his excitement to be taking on Ryder in the British boxer’s backyard.

“I’m really looking forward to getting in the ring again,’’ he said. ‘’I’m excited to be facing such a good boxer because a good opponent, like John Ryder, will give me the opportunity to showcase what I’m capable of.

“Ryder is a bit shorter than me and he likes to come forward to fight. He’s not afraid of getting into a brawl, which suits me well. He is going to be one of the toughest opponents of my career, but I still expect to be victorious.

“To beat a guy like him in front of his home fans will be a real the statement I have been hoping to make this year. I just cannot wait to get in there!”

Former WBA International Champion and British title challenger, Ryder, is looking to bounce back after dropping a controversial split decision to Rocky Fielding on April 22, and the 29 year-old Londoner says he is pleased to be involved in yet another 50-50 fight.

“I’ve been fighting on the road quite a lot recently. I’ve been in Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool; so it will be nice to be at Wembley and get a win in front of my home fans”, said Ryder.

“Nielsen’s been around for a while now, but I haven’t actually seen much of him. I know that he has been well-matched throughout his career. His only loss came against Dmitrii Chudinov, who is a good level fighter.

“This is by no means an easy fight, but I’m not in boxing for easy fights. I’ve been involved in many hard fights and fights that people will remember me for. I can never be accused of ducking people and I have always fought the best.”

“I’m going to push Nielsen all the way, and I think I will beat him. I have boxed the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and other former champions, but Nielsen is the one in front of me this time. I respect him, but come fight night I will be trying to take his head off!”

Ryder and Nielsen provide chief support for the quarter-final clash between WBA Super Champion Groves and domestic rival Cox, and Ryder believes the fans can expect a thrilling encounter between the British pair.

“I think Groves-Cox is a great fight”, said Ryder. “I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Cox yet and we all know how good Groves is, so it will make for a cracking fight. The WBSS looks fantastic. I was a big fan of the Super Six but the WBSS seems to have a much better structure and is easier to follow.’’

Tickets for Groves vs. Cox are on sale ranging from £35 to £130 at stubhub.co.uk at axs.com.