George Groves Discusses Udofia vs. Bentley, Josh Kelly, More
The former WBA Super-Middleweight World champion George Groves will stand ringside on Friday night, swapping gloves for the microphone, as Wasserman Boxing welcomes in a new era of Channel 5 boxing.
Casting his keen eye over all of the action and is excited to see who comes out on top in the main event. A tremendously even and exciting bout for the British Middleweight Title between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley.
“I think this is a really great domestic fight, one of them that people can get behind and really enjoy. They’re both long, loose punchers. They’ve both shown that their styles can leave them a little bit open defensively as they’re so committed with trying to attack, so it could end up being a case of who catches who.
“They’ve got exciting styles, and they punch with spite and venom, and they’ll probably be looking to take the other guy out,” said Groves.
Twice a former ABA Middleweight king, the opportunity to win a domestic title is an experience ‘Saint George’ can relate with. Amongst all the accolades available to boxers, the main event will offer the fighters an all-important chance at cementing their legacy in British boxing folklore.
“It’s one of them ones you really want in the locker to look back on. Even if you’ve got ambitions to go on and unify at world title level, you still want to pick up the British Title and have it as part of your history. Bentley had it before and lost it, but both men will be in there to win it.
“It’s a magnificent belt, and it still carries its weight in terms of its presence and its appeal. When two fighters come for the British belt, you always feel like you get a little bit more out of them, a little more entertainment. Both of them will be desperate to win it.”
Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly has kept the boxing world in suspense, and looks refreshed and excited ahead of his return fight live on Channel 5. Kelly suffered his first career loss against David Avanesyan last time out, but such a moment can make a fighter.
Groves has experienced the feeling of a high-profile loss in his career, but it never stopped him achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a champion of the world. He is eager to see positive changes in Kelly, expecting the time out the ring has been used to add to his world class talent.
“It'll be tough, and he’ll have to show some mental resilience. Boxing is a tough game, and there’s some brutal decisions. I hope that’s what he’s been working on for the last year and a bit, filling in the gaps between his skillset and his explosive one-punch stuff, tightening up his defense, and just being comfortable with the pressure,” said Groves.
“It has been the ideal time for him to rebuild. I want to see something a little different from him on the night as well. He's a tremendously talented fighter, and he’s still a work in progress. I am excited to see him back as he can still be one of Britain’s stars, if he can just make them adjustments.”
As for the involvement of Groves, could standing that close to a boxing ring again rekindle the fire in his belly?
“I do enjoy standing on the safe side of the ropes now. It’s nice to be on the mic, throwing my two-cents in; I never knew I could talk so much,” said Groves.
“I’m thankful that Channel 5 have wanted me to come and dip my toe into the boxing world from a safe distance. I live it, breathe it, and study it; so now I have the chance to give my account of what we’ll see. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
