British super middleweight ‘Saint’ George Groves (21-3, 16 KOs) has officially announced Shane McGuigan as his new trainer.
Groves, who narrowly lost a split decision against Badou Jack in Las Vegas for the WBC world championship belt in September, has made the announcement ahead of his return to the ring on January 30th when he will take on Italian Andrea Di Luisa (18-3, 14 KOS) at the Copper Box in London’s Olympic Park; live on Sky Sports.
McGuigan, 27, has fast developed a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in the country; and Groves now joins his stable of boxers that already includes the likes of Carl Frampton and David Haye.
On making the announcement, Groves said, “I am happy and excited to be back and to be joining a new, exciting and dynamic team of young hungry fighters with a fantastic trainer.
”I’ve found the past few weeks working with Shane rejuvenating. I’m back punching hard, enjoying my boxing and am now eager to get back to winning ways.
”The loss earlier this year to Badou Jack was a close and frustrating one and I hope to avenge that defeat as soon as possible; starting on January 30th with a KO win.
”It’s a pleasure to be back headlining on Sky Sports and with the help of both my promoters Team Sauerland, as well as with Matchroom Sport, I am excited about our plans for 2016.
”I’m confident that now with the right coach I will reach the very top of the sport”.
Shane McGuigan said, “I am very pleased to be working with George; starting with his fight on January 30th at the Copper Box in London. George not only has the skill but more importantly the work ethic and dedication needed to become a World Champion; which is our ultimate goal. I am excited for the future working together”.
Groves’ promoter Kalle Sauerland added, “Shane has proven that he can not only form a World Champion but more importantly keep him there. This will be a ‘dream team’.”
Smith Wants Big Names, Including Cotto
Liam Smith is hungry to take on boxing’s biggest names including Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto. The Merseyside maverick will make the first defense of his WBO light middleweight title, which he captured from John Thompson in spectacular fashion in October when he stopped the American inside seven rounds.
He now takes on the undefeated Jimmy Kelly exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night from the Manchester Arena and though he is not overlooking the Manchester man he has ambitions of sharing the ring with the division’s leading names.
“I know Kelly is going to go into the ring thinking this is his big chance but I’m not going to give him an inch the fight,” said Smith.
“I have big ambitions and I’m not going to be foolish to overlook the threat he will bring. There are some major fights for me if I come through this one and certainly Miguel Cotto is right up there as one of the names I want to face.
“Cotto’s been a great champion and to share the ring with him and beat him will take me to that next level. I definitely believe I have what it takes to overcome him because my style would cause him some big problems,” he said.
27-year-old Smith, who has a record of 21 wins unbeaten with 11 KOs, is also interested in unifying the 154-pound division with WBA champion Erislandy Lara and undefeated IBF titleholder Jermall Charlo on the list of future targets.
“2016 is going to be an even better year for me,” said Smith. “This year has been amazing by getting a shot at the world title and winning it but the next year can be something even more special.
“I’m in this sport to face the best and if the opportunity presents itself I would love to unify the titles against either Erislandy Lara or Jermall Charlo next year. Fans want to see the best fights and having all the champions face each other makes sense.
“I believe I can beat anyone in the division and I want to go in there and prove it,” he said.
