It'll be like the F1 Grand Prixs in the Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, or cycling's Tour of Qatar - absolutely no local interest. Although, as it's a relatively small indoor venue, unlike those events at least the Bangladeshi / Pakistani indentured labourers won't be made to attend to fill up the seats. I guess the atmosphere will resemble those Monte Carlo shows but likely even worse due to the lack of gambling and alcohol!
The atmosphere is going to be plain weird . A crunching blow will be met not by whooping and cheering but by nods of approval by the conservative sheik elite. Maybe Kalle will liven things up by going on a pre-fight coke bender and getting some lashes in the ring (no pun intended) as punishment.
The cycling world champs in Qatar was dreadful. Atmosphere adds a lot to any sport. Given this fight would have sold out any Arena in the UK and been bouncing, it is just disappointing
Groves looking sharp in the public work out. There’s a video on his Instagram story albeit very short.
Anyone see the face off? The sheer physical advantages of Smith are huge. Towering above Groves who’s no dwarf himself. Needs to utilise all these advantages on Friday night.
This will be another example of a Smith brother stepping up and finding out that he doesn't quite belong at Elite level.
I actually like both of the guys but I kind of am leaning towards supporting Smith. I think Smith is a good solid boxer like his brothers but he is a level above them in terms of athletic ability. Smith is very underrated IMO, the guy is freaking huge at the weight too. I think Smith is good bloke tbh, can't see why people would dislike him. Groves is arguably in career best form, he has so much experience and I think he has a much higher fight IQ than when he was younger. He probably has lost a step in the speed department, both hand and foot but I think he's a bit stronger than when he was a youngster.
Whoever wins is definitely the best @ 168 Only Ramirez would have an argument IMO, Benavidez is quite hyped but has no seasoning. Benavidez needs to prove himself at a higher level to be considered at the top of the division. I personally thought his first fight with Gavril was a draw, and Gavril isn't a top 10 fighter in the division
IMO the outcome of this fight will depend on Smith's chin. Has it ever been truly tested by someone who can dig? I'm going Groves TKO within 6.
This morning I turned round to my missus and said “I think Callum is gonna knock him out”....16 hours later, I’m now thinking Groves is going to be too savvy for him. The only thing that makes me sway towards Groves is that I feel that Smith is happy to fight to the pace and rhythm of his opponent rather than dictating it himself. If his opponent opens up and tries to take him out, he’ll absolutely blitz them and get the stoppage but if they don’t take risks, neither will Callum. Groves on the other hand can dictate a fight, he can make you work at an uncomfortable pace, throws feints, sets traps and is a superb counter puncher. Right, sorry @moog but I’m going for Groves on points.