WHO WINS? George Groves vs. Callum Smith

[samwbr]

think Groves would test Callums chin like it hasnt been before but ultimately get KO'd late.

[Stuarty]

He has had 13 12 rounders and done the distance 5 times so don't see how that is a stamina issue. When did doubt creep in when it got tough? against who in particular?

I think the Groves of today looks totally different from the Groves who fought Froch. For instance the version of Groves who fought Froch would've beaten Jack without too much trouble. The same version would've also dealt with Rebrasse, Douglin and Murray fairly handily. He visibly tired in they three fights and was caught far too often. It's as if he doesn't carry the same belief in to the ring as he once did. That to me indicates a problem mentally because he's a young man and you don't just lose it overnight at that age. Maybe I'm wrong and I had overrated him previously? That's just my take on it. He's been the 12 rounds a few times but he switches off a lot and IMO he tires.

I don't think he's that much different when you look at the Murray fight. Its not like Froch was that good of a boxer. He was outboxed numerous times in his career. It's no surprise that Groves outboxed him with speed and movement in the first (and second imo) fight until he got caught. His stamina was poor then and was poor before that fight and has been poor after that fight. It's down to the way he fights. Extremely explosive style, throwing everything into every punch, constantly bent at the knees - this really drains energy.

Being starched will have affected his mentality and confidence at holding a shot though. And that confidence is something that you can't ever retain once you've been sparked. So he's different but still pretty much in his physical prime for me and has very little wear and tear when you look at his overall career.

Some good points Groves was super confident and cocky going in against Froch and now he just doesn't look the same fighter both in and out the ring. Froch wasn't the best technical boxer but he was good and a beast. The first fight Froch hardly layed a glove on him until Groves tired. Rebrasse, Douglin and Murray hit him far too easily for me. Same against Jack who isn't the best technically. I think Groves pre-Froch would've taken care of Jack.

He's still capable of winning a world title but I doubt he'll hit the heights that a lot of people expected of him.

[wesshaw1985]

When a fight gets tough the doubt starts to creep in. There is obvious stamina issues there as well.

Doesn't seem as confident as he once was. Seems like he's holding something back since he got 'cobra'd'!

He has had 13 12 rounders and done the distance 5 times so don't see how that is a stamina issue. When did doubt creep in when it got tough? against who in particular?

I think the Groves of today looks totally different from the Groves who fought Froch. For instance the version of Groves who fought Froch would've beaten Jack without too much trouble. The same version would've also dealt with Rebrasse, Douglin and Murray fairly handily. He visibly tired in they three fights and was caught far too often. It's as if he doesn't carry the same belief in to the ring as he once did. That to me indicates a problem mentally because he's a young man and you don't just lose it overnight at that age. Maybe I'm wrong and I had overrated him previously? That's just my take on it. He's been the 12 rounds a few times but he switches off a lot and IMO he tires.

How do you think Smith would deal with Murray?

[Stuarty]

He has had 13 12 rounders and done the distance 5 times so don't see how that is a stamina issue. When did doubt creep in when it got tough? against who in particular?

I think the Groves of today looks totally different from the Groves who fought Froch. For instance the version of Groves who fought Froch would've beaten Jack without too much trouble. The same version would've also dealt with Rebrasse, Douglin and Murray fairly handily. He visibly tired in they three fights and was caught far too often. It's as if he doesn't carry the same belief in to the ring as he once did. That to me indicates a problem mentally because he's a young man and you don't just lose it overnight at that age. Maybe I'm wrong and I had overrated him previously? That's just my take on it. He's been the 12 rounds a few times but he switches off a lot and IMO he tires.

How do you think Smith would deal with Murray?

I think he'd stop him late but I thought the same with Groves so......

Smith seems to be a good finisher when he has someone hurt. Groves had Murray ready to go a few times and never went for it whereas I reckon Smith would. Smith is also freakishly tall for the weight. On fight night it would look like a middle in with a lightheavy.

[Counter-puncher]

I think smith would massacre Murray.

[brilo33]

smith ko for me in the first 6 rounds . think smith is faster more powerful, and moves better,

[wesshaw1985]

Callum Smith beats another bum Saturday night, does this improve smiths chances against groves or hurt them?

[davie]

I've generally leaned towards Groves but I think I'm starting to lean to Smith now.
I can't quite put my finger on why to be honest. Groves is coming of a solid win and Smith wasn't outstanding at the weekend.
Possibly just the Callum has a few more fights and a bit more experience under his belt than he did last time I answered this question.

[Ian1973]

smith ko for me in the first 6 rounds . think smith is faster more powerful, and moves better,

That's one thing I can't agree with. Callum's biggest weakness is his lack of movement.................. in my humble opinion of course.

[SamWise72]

Groves was done the moment Froch got up from that big knockdown, and if not then, certainly by the later rounds when he was being ragdolled. He landed the best punch he'll ever land, and his man got up and came back at him. He'll never truly believe in himself again, and I don't think he'll ever win a big fight. If I were DeGale, I would be getting the rematch made while he still has some credibility. (I don't mean done in a "he shouldn't fight again" sense; he clearly has plenty left, but his heart is broken)

[Cyclops]

Smith looked like utter shite on Saturday. That kid landed decent shots on him and had him backed up against the ropes a few times. Not impressed at all. Say whatever you like about George (and I have not been his biggest fan for some time now) he wouldn't be seen dead in the ring with somebody like that lad last night. Callum is just ticking over looking crap against bin men and based on that performance if they fought next Groves kicks his c*nt in.

[crusader]

Callum has looked pretty mediocre in those types of keep active fights, but he's got a history of stepping up when it matters. I wouldn't read too much into his last performance...

I think Groves would really test Callum, but I'd expect the latter to eventually prevail.

[CMDY]

Groves, SD.

[rd350lc]

To be honest Smith could do with some more " Rebrasse" level of opponants other than the durge he has been facing .

[crusader]

Kind of a momentum killer how he's being used as undercard filler against crap opponents after a series of impressive wins. Hopefully he gets stepped back up soon.....I've heard Blackledge mentioned as his opponent for next month, but I think he should be facing tougher opponents now.

[TheGman]

Callum smith,i feel he is younger and hungrier than groves but it would be good to what happens when ginger bread man lands one of them solid right hands on callums chin

[CaptainSpacerod]

Callum's 26 years old and approaching his peak yet has spent a full year fighting bums

Callum and Joe Gallagher should be absolutely fornicating livid with Eddie Hearn for using him in such a way and effectively wasting a year of his career. Meanwhile Liam comes from nowhere to get a world title shot and now has a fight against one of the biggest stars in boxing lined up.

About a year ago Callum had his big domestic showdown with Fielding to look forward to whereas Liam's announcement of a defence against Kelly met with scornful remarks about Liam jumping ship from FW and joining Eddie's stable. The shoe's well and truly on the other foot now.

[gilgamesh]

Callum Smith by KO somewhere around the 9th or 10th round I'd think

[tigermoth87]

Smith needs a big opponent. Really he should be challenging for the title. He'll beat Jack and Sturm pretty comfortably and would stand a good chance of beating Degale and that other bloke who schooled Abraham.

[GPTM1403]

I think smith would massacre Murray.

sorry but don't see anyone massacring Murray - considering the guys he's been in with and how many of them can bang and have hit him, no evidence anyone does that unless he moves up to fight cruiser or heavyweights. And in case wondering no I don't believe the Golovkin fight was a massacre. He lost clearly but it took a hell of a long time to be broken down.


I'd like to say Groves wins this fight but I can see what so many have said about he's lost something, a spark that made him work. Agree with the person who said the Groves who came fought Froch I wins his subsequent fights (ignoring Froch II) in better style.

[wesshaw1985]

Groves just beat Eduard Gutknecht by unanimous decision, does this change anybodys thoughts on a potential fight with Smith?

[ILikeBeer]

Great belt? He might as well be wearing toilet paper.

[davie]

Groves just beat Eduard Gutknecht by unanimous decision, does this change anybodys thoughts on a potential fight with Smith?

No

Groves will not win a world title.
Smith most likely will

[Counter-puncher]

Groves just beat Eduard Gutknecht by unanimous decision, does this change anybodys thoughts on a potential fight with Smith?

Tonight definitely made me think groves would get walked down and stopped, and I say this as someone who really, really doesn't like Smith's style.

[TheLeprechaun]

Groves for me. Its not much of a contest on the outside is it? Smith has been fighting sub par opposition and getting away with being able to get inside very easily. He's also not had to take much. It would be interesting to see how they match up sizewise. I get the feeling Groves is the bigger 168 pounder. Interestingly bookies have Smith as a 1/2 favourite for the fight if it ever gets made