Groves confirms move to Matchroom

George Groves has confirmed his move to Matchroom Sport – and will fight at Wembley Arena this Saturday.

The unbeaten Commonwealth super-middleweight champion was due to face Mohamed Ali Ndiaye for the vacant European title at the same venue the following weekend.

But the bout was scrapped after Groves opted to split from promoter Frank Warren.

Instead he will face Dario German Balmaceda of Argentina in his first contest under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom umbrella.

Groves, from Hammersmith, is also scheduled to appear as chief support to the world title clash between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler at the O2 Arena on 25 May.

Nottingham’s IBF champion Froch, who is also promoted by Matchroom, has been touted as a possible future opponent for Groves.

“I’m very excited to be working with Eddie and Matchroom. This is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Groves declared.

“It’s a step in the right direction for me to become a world champion. That’s what we’re looking towards this year.

“With the backing of Matchroom, it’s going to be exciting times for sure.”

Groves’ fights will be screened on Sky Sports and there are also plans for him to headline a show in London in September.

He will continue to be trained and managed by Adam Booth.

“He’s someone we see as one of the future stars of British boxing. There’s plenty of opportunities for him,” said Hearn.

“It’s exciting. What’s happened [with Warren] has happened and is really none of my business.

“This is a chance for George to move forward at a great pace and all the people at Sky are excited about having him on the channel.

“We’re really looking forward to the job ahead. We’re going to put everything into this and give George every opportunity to succeed.”

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