Groves to defend title at Wembley Arena in October

George Groves will face Jamie Cox at Wembley Arena on 14 October.

It will be the Hammersmith fighter’s first defence of his WBA super-middleweight title as well as an all-British quarter-final of the newly-created World Boxing Super Series.

Groves, 29, became a world champion at the fourth attempt when he beat Fedor Chudinov in Sheffield in May.

He recently selected unbeaten Swindon fighter Cox, 30, as his quarter-final opponent and a win would could set up a semi-final showdown with Chris Eubank Jnr, whose quarter-final opponent will be Avni Yildirim of Turkey.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” said Groves.

“It’s great to have a date set so early to give you something to strive for. I’m already in the gym plugging away and I’ve got plenty of time to prepare.

“I’m happy with my choice of opponent. I know there are no easy fights in this tournament and there are no easy fights at world level, but Jamie is the guy I know the most about.

“I know about his background, I know how he trains, I know who he trains with, but most importantly I know the things you need in this tournament – such as composure and experience at the highest level – he’s lacking.

“I don’t think he’s even headlined his own show yet and he’s getting flung in the deep end with me. This is a big pressure fight for him and I think he’ll struggle to cope.”