Everyone has an opinion on what will go down in Manchester tonight as seemingly bitter British super-middleweight rivals George Groves and Chris Eubank Junior collide. The fight, one that will contest the WBA crown (currently held by Groves) as well as a place in the final of the superb World Boxing Super Series, has captured the thoughts of the entire British nation – and this match-up has also served to intrigue fight fans the world over.
This one really a genuine 50/50 match-up – for every ten people who say Groves will win, you will find another ten who will convince you Eubank will emerge as the victor.
Here, a handful of boxing experts (who were asked, it must be said, at short notice, just minutes ago) give this website their pick on who wins:
Charles Brewer, former IBF super-middleweight champion:
“I’m going with Chris Eubank Junior. It’s his time! If he has the correct game-plan, one where he applies the appropriate pressure, Eubank should get the stoppage win; possibly in the middle to late rounds.”
Ismael Salas, trainer of, amongst others, Jorge Linares and David Haye:
“It’s a very close fight in my opinion, but at the same time in my point of view, skills most of the time kill force. I pick Eubank, by a points win.”
Montell Griffin, former light-heavyweight king:
“I hope Eubank wins. I met him when he was just a kid. I met him in Las Vegas.”
Robert Simms, middleweight contender:
“I’m picking Eubank Junior to win, by late stoppage. In my opinion, Groves has been in some wars and he may be declining.”
(Speaking with Sky Sports) –
Johnny Nelson: “Groves. He has that experience and the size.”
Matthew Macklin: “Eubank. Groves is the better boxer, but Eubank Junior is the better fighter. I just think he’s too young, too fresh, too fit and the timing of the fight just suits him.”
Tony Bellew: “Groves on points in a thriller.”
Carl Froch: “Eubank. I’m not changing my mind, but Groves could prove me wrong. It could be points, it could be a late stoppage.”
Now, what’s YOUR pick? Will this one go the distance? Will it live up to the hype? Will we see Groves or Eubank in the WBSS grand final?