Callum Smith (23-0. 17 KOs) and Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) faced off for the first time at a media workout before their Trophy Semi-Final on Saturday at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.
(Photo credit: World Boxing Super Series)
World Boxing Super Series
Holzken replaces Braehmer as Smith’s Ali Trophy opponent
Undefeated Dutch super middleweight Nieky Holzken replaces Juergen Braehmer as Callum Smith’s Ali Trophy opponent after the German veteran was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s semi-final showdown in Nuremberg.
Braehmer has been suffering from influenza and yesterday revealed he would be unable to compete against Smith at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.
Brähmer vs Callum Smith in Nürnberg on February 24
Smith: I am expecting a tough night in Nuremberg
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) is expecting the best version of Juergen Braehmer (49-3, 35 KOs) before their Ali Trophy semi-final clash in the super middleweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series February 24 at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung.
George Groves defeats Chris Eubank Jr. – Results
George Groves retained his WBA World title and earned a unanimous points verdict to move into the final of the inaugural super middleweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series.
The judges scored it 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 all in favor ‘The Saint’.
Groves beats Eubank Jr. predicts Callum Smith
Callum Smith’s prediction: Groves on points after a few rocky moments
Callum Smith believes he will face George Groves in the final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.
“Groves-Eubank is a good fight, a very good one. The winner will become an even bigger name after the weekend,” said Smith.
Groves and Eubank Jr. quotes for Saturday
WBA Super Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO World Champion Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs) exchanged words for at last time before their Ali Trophy semi-final clash on Saturday at the Manchester Arena.
“I have been involved in big fights before and I’ve learned a lot along the way,” said Groves. “This is a tremendous fight but it’s not my biggest fight to date. But I am in the form of my life, certainly I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in through my career. I’m fully prepared to go out there and retain my world title in style.”
Usyk vs Gassiev – We have a final!
We have a final: Gassiev beats Dorticos to face Usyk in Jeddah
Russia’s Murat Gassiev dropped Yunier Dorticos three times in the 12th round and dramatically stopped the previously unbeaten Cuban with just eight seconds remaining of a highly entertaining Ali Trophy semi-final at Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia.
Eubank Jr, Groves Undercard: Langford defends British title against Arnfield
Langford defends British title against Arnfield on Groves-Eubank undercard in Manchester
Tommy Langford (19-1, 6 KOs) will defend his British Middleweight Title against Jack Arnfield (25-2, 6 KOs) at the Manchester Arena, February 17.
Gassiev and Dorticos hit the scales in Sochi
IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (90,3 kg) (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (90,7 kg) (22-0, 21 KOs) made weight ahead of Saturday’s Ali Trophy semi-final at the Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi.
“I would like to thank every who came to the weigh-in,” said Gassiev. “I don’t feel any pressure at all. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my family, friends, and fans.”
Gassiev vs Dorticos: Public workout in Sochi
IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) entertained a big crowd at the public workout in Sochi before the Ali Trophy semi-final on Saturday at the Bolshoy Ice Dome. “It was great to feel the support of so many people. The fans are really excited about this fight,“ said Gassiev.