Box Office Boxing: Chris Eubank Jr V George Groves Betting Preview

Chris Eubank Jr V George Groves

Saturday 17th February. 10PM (Approx). ITV Box Office

The World Boxing Super Series has reached the semi-final stages, and two of the top super-middleweights on the planet meet in a battle of Britain at the Manchester Arena as George Groves defends his WBA title against Chris Eubanks Jr.

Excitement has been building for weeks as both men have genuine reasons to feel that they have the better of their opponent. While they’ve each talked the talk, only one can walk the walk to prevail on Saturday night. It should be a thrilling bout.

Experience V Youth (Kinda…)

Despite an age difference of just one year, these two athletes are at very different stages of their careers.

The Saint has earned his stripes and became a world champion at the fourth attempt in 2017. The WBA champ has only fought three times more than his opponent, but it has been nearly five years since he was thrust to the top table of the division by nearly shocking Carl Froch in Manchester. When combined with a strong amateur career, Groves certainly has the miles on the clock.

Conversely, Eubank Jr still seems to be a work in progress, although one that is already on the cusp of world-class. His rise through the ranks since losing to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014 has been nothing short of incredible, and this could be the night where the hype is vindicated.

With progression to the final of the Super Series also on offer, it’ll be a massive victory for the winner.

Speed V Power (Kinda…)

Aside from being a clash of experience, this semi-final is made all the more exciting by the clash of styles. While the tale of the tape may shows very littler difference in their size, Groves will enter as the considerably bigger man. Meanwhile, the WBA champ is famed for his one punch power, which was shown in the last eight of this tournament against Jamie Cox.

Conversely, Eubanks Jn is praised for a speed that many feel will prove to be the difference. The slightly younger fighter is also considered to be the fitter man, although he does tend to fight in spells, requiring regularly breathers. Nonetheless, the common feeling is that a longer fight will play into the IBO champ’s hands.

This will be Eubanks’ hardest test to date, but he’ll be eager to test Groves’ potentially suspect chin. However, Groves has the experience of these big fights and could look to use his highly skilled jab as the main weapon to control the fight.

It all makes for a fascinating bout.

Chris Eubank Jr V George Groves Betting Tips

The bookies have established Eubank Jr as the odds-on favourite with Betfair pricing him at 4/6. Groves, meanwhile, can be backed at 6/4 while a draw is priced 22/1.

While the war of words has been great entertainment, it doesn’t seem that there is any real hatred in this one. What has been telling, though, is that both fighters fancy a win via way of KO.

Quite frankly, with the clash of styles and experience, we see it going that way too.

There’s a lot of hype around Eubank, who has looked brilliant against British and European level fighters. However, this is a step up in class. If Groves can control the fight, that experience may prove to be crucial.

The doubts have all surrounded Groves’ durability while some were concerned about his start against Cox too. Should he find a way to get those big blows through Eubank’s defence, though, he can claim the knockout.