Fit-again Groves eyes Wembley fight
George Groves plans to fight at Wembley Arena on 14 September – seven weeks after the Hammersmith man’s clash with Francisco Sierra in California.
The undefeated British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion will fly out to the United States next week for his first outing since a second-round demolition of Paul Smith last November.
This year Groves, 24, has had to withdraw from a defence of his titles against Kenny Anderson and a world title challenge against WBO champion Robert Steiglitz because of a back and nose injury respectively.
The intention is for him to dispatch Sierra and then top the bill at Wembley – probably against Anderson, although his opponent has yet to be confirmed.
A rematch with Anderson has been eagerly anticipated since he floored Groves before the Londoner battled back to stop him in a thrilling encounter in 2010.
“It’s been a frustrating year for me. I’ve had a few injuries and obviously haven’t been as active as I wanted to be,” said Groves.
“I’m concentrating fully on my fight next weekend. It’s always a challenge, boxing abroad. I’ll be in with a good guy – he’s a very good fighter, Sierra, with a very good record, so I can’t look past him.
“But it’s good to know that when I do beat him, I’ve got a nice big show in London to come back to.
“Building a fan base in London has always been important for me. I’m looking forward to some exciting times ahead.”
Harrow Weald prospect Mitchell Smith, hugely impressive in his first two professional fights, will also be on the Wembley bill.
Promoter Frank Warren says the show is part of his commitment to propelling Groves towards a world title shot – and to staging more boxing in London.
“It’s a London card and I want to see big boxing back in town,” Warren declared.
“We had a fantastic night with David Haye and it shows that the fans in London come out for the big shows.
“We feel there’s a big audience there that’s been neglected for a while, probably because there have been big fights taking place in Manchester and Liverpool.
“Wembley’s a fabulous boxing arena with a lot of history and is not far from where George lives.
“The objective for me is to build up big fights headed by George. I’m determined to get behind George and really push him.
“He’s had a little bit of bad luck with his injuries, but now he’s back in the game I’m going to throw the whole weight of my promotions behind him to get him that world title shot.”
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