Groves out to prove a point against Murray

George Groves says a victory over Martin Murray would open up “big things” for him – and send his opponent into retirement.

Hammersmith’s former British, European and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion, 28, is eyeing a fourth challenge for a world title, having twice lost to Carl Froch and then been beaten on points by Badou Jack in his previous attempts to become a world champion.

Murray, 33, from St Helens, has unsuccessfully challenged for a world title on four occasions, with three of those attempts coming at middleweight before he stepped up to the 12-stone division.

There will therefore be much at stake for both men when they clash on 25 June at the O2 Arena on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title defence against American Dominic Breazeale.

“So many big things are going to come out of this fight for me,” Groves declared.

“Martin called it a 50-50 fight, then backtracked and said it wasn’t.

“I can understand why people might think that, but I believe that I’m the heavy favourite in this one and you’ll see why on fight night.

“I think if Murray loses he will think about packing it in. He’s older than me and he’s exhausted all the natural things that a fighter can do to win a world title.

“He didn’t pull it off at middleweight, he’s moved up to super- middleweight and he’s had a crack at Arthur Abraham, and I think he let himself down there.

“He’s got the domestic dust-up that he’s craved and that’s what is motivating him for this fight. If he doesn’t win then I don’t know where he goes from there.”

Chris Eubank Jr will also feature on the bill, as will Conor Benn – the teenage son of former world champion Nigel.

Dillian Whyte, a former opponent of Joshua, will be in action as well.

“You will see improvements from me. People will be watching to see what I have got left and what Martin has got left, and the winner goes on to take all I hope,” Groves added.

“I believe I have an awful lot left to give and achieve in boxing, and I don’t want to fall at the first hurdle against Martin.”