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
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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:
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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.”
What a round! The fight comes to life in the third as Smith lands a couple of big shots before Groves comes back at him with his own off the ropes.
A fantastic exchange midway through the third.
This is a war!
Smith's six-inch reach advantage is helping him measure the distance but every time Groves closes it he has success.
The Liverpudlian's eye appears to be swelling up a little bit.
Four rounds down and it's too close to call.
Late into the fifth and a coming together sees Smith fall to the ground, it obviously doesn't count as a knockdown.
Yet another close round but Groves landed some big body shots.
Smith is keep Groves on the ropes but the Londoner is managing to get himself out of any tight situations and his quick movement is allowing him to create openings.
Smith lands a decent left hook which appears to take Groves off balance before both men trade to see out the sixth round.
This is a fight.
IT'S ALL OVER!
Callum Smith wins in the seventh round with a devastating finish as Groves suffers the fourth defeat of his career!
Smith landed a heavy left before following it up with a number of rights and lefts, keeping his attack going before Groves falls to his knees.
Predatory-like finish from Smith, who takes home all the cheddar from Jeddah.
Callum Smith on his victory
"It's been a long time coming. There's times where you think 'I waited this long and if I don't take it I'll kick myself'. I'm a big believer in my ability.
"I picked tonight to remind people how good I am. I felt I was ahead."
Callum Smith
"Credit to George Groves. He's a great champion. Whether he carries on or not, I'd like to wish him good luck.
"You can see how much this means to me, it's a lifetime of work."
George Groves
"It wasn't meant to be. Full credit to Callum. Heavy handed, I've never been hurt with a body shot in my life. It's embarrassing. We knew he could punch, he's got height and reach on me, I didn't really want to go 50-50 with him.
"He got the decisive shot in the end."
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