The undefeated WBA World Champion, Ryan Burnett is set to compete in the World Boxing Super Series tournament. The Belfast man won the bantamweight title in only his 17th professional fight, beating Lee Haskins. The WBO champion Zolani Tete and IBF belt holder Emmanuel Rodriguez will also participate in the same weight category.
The tournament will consist of eight fighters, with the quarter-final draw scheduled for July. Burnett, 25, has also held the IBF title, which he vacated in order to fight Parejo on the Joshua-Parker undercard.
Groves will need to prove fitness
World Boxing Series will confirm the final between Groves and Smith in the coming days. The Saint is ranked No 1 in the seed and Liverpool born Callum Smith who will compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy. The Cruiserweight contest between Oleksandr Usyk and Murat Gassiev will also be announced ‘in the next 10 days’. However, Groves has been ordered to prove his fitness in the next 10 days, having suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Eubank bout in back February.
Super-middleweight George Groves is set to face fellow Briton Callum Smith in a much anticipated fight. The 30 year-old successfully defeated Chris Eubank jr in the Semi Final to arrange an all British rival fight against Callum Smith. However, Groves has been ordered to prove his fitness in the next 10 days, having suffered a dislocated shoulder against Eubank Jr February.
Super Series promoter Kalle Sauerland says the competition must conclude by the end of July. However, Groves, would ideally prefer a longer recovery time from his dislocated shoulder. if Groves cannot prove his fitness, Eubank Jr is on standby to take his place in the final.
The tournament will go ahead as planned
“The tournament won’t stop for anyone,” said Sauerland. “We don’t put $50m into a project and then change the project in one season.”
The organisers are also hoping to add two more weight classes to their second series. They are planning make an announce in the coming days. The bantamweight tournament will follow the same format. The draw will be made at the end of July with the first fight being scheduled for September.
