The WBA super-middleweight champion, George Groves, was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary following his 12-round unanimous decision victory over countryman Chris Eubank Jr. on Saturday.

Groves, who is currently rated No. 2 by THE RING at 168 pounds, was literally fighting with one arm for the final two minutes of the bout and displayed immense courage in the face of such a serious injury.

“The left shoulder just popped out in the 12th round,” said Groves (28-3, 20 knockouts). “The medical advice was to go straight to (hospital). They gave me a few X-rays and put it back in. I will get a few more scans and see a specialist and we will look to see what the recovery time is. I have no pain now. I’m sure that is a good sign.”

The 29-year-old boxer puncher is confident that injury will not affect his preparations for the WBSS final.

“I’m a fast healer,” said Groves. “I broke my jaw in May (during a TKO6 victory over Fedor Chudinov) and I was back training soon after. I have fought two times since then. I keep myself in shape. I live a clean life and it all aids to recovery time.

“The final is fast approaching and that is exciting for me so my body will heal fast. I’m in a confident frame of mind.”

Groves will face the winner of Callum Smith and Nieky Holzken, who face off this Saturday in Nuremberg, Germany. Holzken has replaced Juergen Braehmer, who withdrew on Monday due to illness.

Information courtesy of the World Boxing Super Series.

Tom Gray is Associate Editor for THE RING. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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