Photo: Lawrence Lustig
Groves: This is my best chance to become World Champion
‘Saint’ meets Chudinov for WBA strap in Sheffield
George Groves believes the time is right for him to be crowned World Champion when he meets Fedor Chudinov on Saturday, May 27 at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The Hammersmith man will be challenging for the vacant WBA World Super Middleweight Championship in his fourth World title attempt following two epic clashes with domestic rival Carl Froch and a split decision loss to Badou Jack.
Since linking up with coach Shane McGuigan, the 29 year-old has secured four successive victories to pave the way for his latest World title tilt, and the ‘Saint’ says now he is ready to realise his ultimate ambition and capture the WBA belt.
“My training has gone well and I feel really sharp,” said Groves. “I don’t feel rushed or like I’ve had to sacrifice anything, and come Saturday night, I’ll be firing on all cylinders.
“Chudinov is a good opponent. The belt is vacant because he lost his last one but he was a bit unlucky in that fight. There are still some unknowns about him. We haven’t seen how far he can be pushed, but I know I’m capable of beating him.
“I believe this is the best opportunity for me to achieve my dream and become World Champion. Time is on my side. I had a good year last year, and I’m in a good place. I’ve put in the work, and now, I need to make this count.
“Everything that’s happened in the past has just made me more determined. I know the pressure is on, and I can’t afford to make any more mistakes. This might be my best chance to win a World title, but it could also be my last.
“It’s up to me to deliver. I want to be World Champion and I want to be involved in some huge fights. I know I’m good enough, and with Shane in my corner, I’m back to my best, and ready to make to make it happen.”
Groves’ clash with Chudinov is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield as Kell Brook defends his IBF World Welterweight title against unbeaten mandatory challenger Errol Spence.
Jamie Cox will be gunning for the winner of the Groves-Chudinov clash as he faces Lewis Taylor for the vacant WBA Continental title and there’s a pair of Commonwealth title fights as David Allen faces Lenroy Thomas for the Heavyweight crown and Andy Townend and Jon Kays meet for the Super-Featherweight strap.
Three Team GB Rio Olympians fight in the form of Joe Cordina, Lawrence Okolie and debutant Anthony Fowler, while there’s action for Brook’s Ingle Gym colleagues Atif Shafiq, Kyle Yousaf and Nadeem Siddique.