Groves to fight for title at Wembley Arena

George Groves will face Mohamed Ali Ndiaye for the European super-middleweight title at Wembley Arena on Saturday 16 March.

Groves, the Commonwealth champion, will be competing for the EBU crown recently vacated by his arch-rival and fellow West Londoner James DeGale.

The Italy-based Ndiaye was due to face DeGale before the Harlesden man opted to give up the belt.

Groves said: “I’ve won the British and Commonwealth titles and the European is the next step for me towards the world title.

“The guy is tough and awkward. James DeGale didn’t want to fight him, but I’ve got the tools to beat him.”

Promoter Frank Warren has won the purse bids to stage the fight and Groves will appear on a show which includes world champions Ricky Burns and Nathan Cleverly.

Scotland’s Burns, who has the WBO lightweight title, will be involved in a mouthwatering unification showdown against IBF champion Miguel Vazquez of Mexico.

Finchley heavyweight Dereck Chisora, currently banned following an infamous brawl with David Haye, is also likely to appear on the bill if his reapplication for a British Boxing Board of Control license is successful.

Groves, 24, stopped Paul Smith in two rounds at Wembley Arena in November 2011.

He was last in action in December, when he extended his unbeaten record by comprehensively beating former world champion Glen Johnson on points at the ExCel Arena.

The 33-year-old Ndiaye, who was born in Senegal, has lost only one of his 23 professional fights.

“It’s a great show to be on alongside Cleverly, Burns and Chisora and it will be a fantastic night in London,” Groves added.

Warren said: “It’s the best of British all in one night of big fights.

“Groves has the chance to add the European title to his collection and has a tough fight against Ndiaye.

“The show will be backed up with an action packed undercard with some of the best in young British talent.”

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