I don't see how Smith's last couple of performances actually suggest he is more likely to get stopped, but you are entitled to your opinion. I don't think it is such a bad thing for Groves to be going to the states, but i would have hoped he would be up to defend his commonwealth title against a credible opponent, as to be honest, he needs to fight a "name" to warrant his calling out of Smith.
I think a fight in the states would have been ok if Groves had not been the commonwealth champion and looking towards big domestic fights this year...also if the opponent had been credible would have been a nice touch. Groves should be banging on doors now...he has everything needed to step up greatly and quick against just about any none elite fighter in Europe. As you can read I really rate Groves and to be honest I am still not sold on Smith at all....he does most things ok but he has never pulled up trees and shown the fans that he can be anything more than a decent British champ. Best of luck to him though.
Yeah, i see you are a Groves fan, and i don't mind the lad too, comes across quite well, and obviously has talent. I just thing right now, anyone in the top ten SMW'S in the uk is a risk for him. I have said before, wait until 15 plus fights, then push the boat out. Before he fights for a british IMO he needs to whip Degale
It's quite evident that Groves doesn't need to be held back. He is already in the top 10 domestically, which isn't the best division in terms of established fighters - Groves is one of 3 or 4 prospects that are in the top 10. Booth is obviously plotting a similar route with Groves as he did with Haye, and that means good opponents and calculated risks. Expect him to be fighting for the Euro title in 15 fights, because he won't be waiting around on the domestic scene.
I know it is the old risk/reward situation, and maybe Groves is good enough to thrown in with the sharks early doors, but i genuinely haven't seen enough from him to suggest that he is this amazing talent that could win a world or euro title early in his career. 25-30 fights, i don't see that being an issue, but right now??
I don't see the problem of putting him in with good fighters right now. He was a top amateur, has had world class sparring and destroyed the fighter that was supposed to be his biggest test to date. He, IMO, needs to be pushed on so that he get's a decent test - staying at the level he is currently at is only going to stagnate his progress.
well, i suppose it would answer the nagging question as to whether he is good enough or not. Just hope his ambition (which is to be applauded) does not come back to bite him on the arse. He ain't ready for Smith or Magee yet though
Don't get me wrong I agree - Smith ought to be looking at bigger and better titles than the British right now..... if a European or WBO fight can be secured then great, good look to him - hope he wins. But if it's a domestic fight.... assuming the money is right and Booth is willing to put Groves in.... then it's the best option for all parties, and maintains the prestige of the British title having the best lads contesting it. :good
agree to disagree Kos!! :good Realistically though, i just don't see it happening. I think Booth will get him a couple of defences of his commonwealth, and then go for the british once smith has either moved on having won it outright, or lost it in the ring.
this would be my Super Middle top 10 in the country. Super-Middleweight 1. Carl Froch (WBC Champion) 2. Brian Magee (European) 3. Paul Smith (British) 4. Tony Quigley 5. George Groves (Commonwealth) 6. Tony Dodson 7. Kenny Anderson (Celtic) 8. Stevie McGuire 9. Carl Dilks 10. Patrick Mendy
been waiting for you Rob. Getting some **** over on boxrec mate aren't ya!!! So you wouldn't have Degale in there then??? Quilgey been very inactive, thought Stevie Mcguire was going up to LHW.