Groves vs Smith - as it happened: Callum Smith wins World Boxing Super Series middleweight final with seventh round knockout
Follow live coverage of Groves vs Smith throughout the evening
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George Groves and Callum Smith meet in the final of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series and will battle for the series crown as well as Groves’ WBA Super Middleweight Title.
After beating Chris Eubank jr in the semi-final, Groves’ participation in the glamorous final was a doubt after he sustained a dislocated shoulder late on in the fight. After months of rehab, and a potential replacement in Jack Cox being readied, Groves is fit to fight but may have his effective jab restricted by his shoulder.
Smith had a much easier run to the Saudi Arabia final but will be a tricky opponent for Groves if he can impose his superior physical stance on him.
Follow the live action below:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load...
When is it?
The fight is taking place on Friday 28 September.
What time does it start?
The fight is expected to start around 21:00 BST
Where is it?
The World Boxing Super Series final is held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
How can I watch it?
The fight will be shown on ITV’s pay-per-view channel, ITV Box Office, and online via a live stream. The fight is priced at £16.95 and can be purchased through your TV or online.
Odds
George Groves to win: 4/6
Callum Smith to win: 5/4
Draw: 20/1
Who is on the undercard?
Live coverage of the undercard starts at 18:00 BST
Chris Eubank Jr vs JJ McDonagh
Darren Surtees vs Kane Baker
Aliu Bamidele Lasisi vs Artid Bamrungauea
Kem Ljungquist vs Mourad Omar
Mikael Lawal vs Tamas Kozma
Zuhayr Al Qahtani vs Giorgi Gviniashvi
What has been said?
George Groves
“From seeing the chiropractor, the osteopath, the surgeon and the rehab afterwards was not easy. Looking in the mirror and seeing your shoulder is one fifth of the size it was going into the fight. But I have not done all of this to go through the motions, I will be just as good as I was before, if not better.
“I am not too fussed about Callum, to be honest. I don’t know where he ranks on my list of opponents. I hope he is harder than Eubank but he will be totally different.”
Callum Smith
“He had a very hard fight in the semi-final though he won comfortably. He put miles on the clock (with that injury). He’s had a great career and I can’t knock him for that. He’s achieved what I want to achieve. But in doing that it’s come at a cost: miles on the clock.
“I am a better fighter than I was (when I expected to fight Jack Cox). I haven’t had any bad injuries. I haven’t been out of the gym.”
A disappointing end to the night for JJ McDonagh.
"If I was here for a payday I wouldn't have got up off the ground. I didn't do any sparring, I've had a shoulder injury. On my kids' life, I had a bad shoulder. I know he's a great boxer, and it's an honour to be in the ring with him.
"I hurt my shoulder in the second round, my good arm to fight him with and keep him back, but there's no point hanging around for a beating for seven more rounds."
Two legends of the game in Jeddah this evening.
Evander Holyfield and Prince Naseem Hamed
Callum Smith's last three fights:
UD win vs Nieky Holzken
UD win vs Erik Skoglund
KO win vs Luke Blackledge
Here we go!
The ring walks have begun and the main event will be underway shortly. Stay tuned to The Independent's coverage throughout.
The final of the inaugural middleweight World Boxing Super Series is underway!
Groves starts the more aggressive of the two fighters but failed to land anything significant, Smith ended the round strongly and left a strong right slightly after the bell.
A cautious opening round.
Smith is keeping his distance and allowing his reach to do the work, leading with his jab while Groves throws plenty of feints.
Groves' shoulder looks to be holding up so far. How will it look as the fight goes on?
Whenever the two come close together, Groves manages to land but Smith is keeping his distance as well as he can so far.
The second another cagey round, close.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments