It’s official! George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs) will challenge Badou Jack (19-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC World Super Middleweight title on September 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV in the US.
The Saints world championship challenge will feature on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s WBC and WBA World Welterweight Championship defence against Andre Berto, in what is expected to be the final fight of the pound-for-pound king’s illustrious 19-year career.
Groves became mandatory challenger for the WBC strap following an impressive points victory over Christopher Rebrasse in September 2014, which also saw the 27 year-old claim the WBC Silver and European Super Middleweight titles.
Since that moment the Hammersmith-boxer has been awaiting his opportunity to challenge for the coveted green and gold belt. On September 12, his chance will come, when Groves travels to Las Vegas in an attempt to dethrone the reigning champion, Jack.
‘’In boxing I have been fortunate enough to experience some of the greatest feelings the sport can give,’’ reflects Groves. ‘’I have challenged for World titles and I have sold out stadiums but my true childhood dream is yet to be experienced or fulfilled. I get that chance on the Las Vegas Strip – the crème de la crème for any fighter on the planet
‘’Badou Jack isn’t ‘Bad’ enough to halt my dream. The WBC belt is all that is on my mind each and every waking moment. We have studied Jack, we are prepared for his strengths and ready to expose his weaknesses. Vegas is my second home too, I can’t wait to come back with a bang!’’
The 31 year-old champion, Jack will be making a first defence of the title he wrestled from Anthony Dirrell in April. Boxing out of Vegas, by way of Stockholm, Sweden, the Floyd Mayweather promoted fighter is anticipating a tough test from the British challenger, Groves.
‘’I’m excited and I’m preparing for the toughest fight of my career against George Groves,’’ said Jack. “I always go into a fight with an underdog mentality, even as champion. It feels great to be defending in my adopted hometown of Las Vegas. My promoter, Floyd Mayweather, has had my back during the ups and downs of my career and I want to make him and the whole Mayweather Promotions team proud on September 12.”
‘’We’re pleased to have finally come to an agreement with Mayweather Promotions regarding the date and venue for the highly anticipated WBC World title fight between George Groves and Badou Jack,’’ said Groves’ promoter Kalle Sauerland. ‘’George is an exceptional talent, and now the time has come for him take what his talent deserves – a world championship belt, and what better place for him to do it than in the fight capital of the world – Las Vegas.’’
