George Groves previews entire Beterbiev-Bivol super-card
George Groves previewed all the main events on this weekend's Riyadh card, headlined by Beterbiev-Bivol 2
Former world champion George Groves look ahead at this weekend's Riyadh mega-card, which sees seven world championship fights fill the bill, topped by the undisputed light-heavyweight rematch between Russian powerhouses Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, live on DAZN.
The 36-year-old Groves from Hammersmith gave his expert picks to Casino Beats for all the fights on February 22:
Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker
“It's a great trick [Dubois’ power]. He must have frightening power. I think I'll still make Daniel Dubois a favourite, but that is a really close fight, I can’t pick the winner.
“That Joshua win may always be his biggest moment. He might end up having better performances or beating bigger names, but there'll be nothing in his life that will be what that was.”
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Artur Beterbiev triumphed in their first encounter, just four months ago in October, but Saint George is backing Bivol to come out on top in the Riyadh rematch this Saturday night.
“It's only four months since the first match, isn't it? So it's a quick turnaround. I think Bivol wins though. I think it will be close again, but I think Bivol wins and then we see the trilogy.
“Both guys were cautious of each other's ability and each other's punch power in the first fight. Both guys showed each other a lot of respect and therefore we didn't get the best version of that fight. This one should be more lively.”
Groves then gave an insight into Bivol’s mental state after his loss to Beterbiev by recounting how the Russian looked rather dispirited at the Ring Magazine Awards in London last month.
“I wonder what Bivol is feeling. Does he feel like he's been left out in the cold? Because that’s what happens in boxing, the winners get celebrated, the losers get another fight.
“I went to the Ring Awards ceremony and Beterbiev was on the main table and Bivol was sat off to the side. A lot of times he was there on his own, like really sort of looked a little bit lost.”
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz
Hamzah Sheeraz is one of the most promising British boxers around, and fellow countryman Groves is backing him to stop WBC World middleweight champion Carlos Adames in the desert.
“Hamzah Sheeraz of late, I feel has been one of the most improved fighters in British boxing. He's risen to the occasion time and time again, he carries himself like a champion now. I think he's definitely a future world champion. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes and does a really good job. When he puts his shots together and he gets the guys hurt, he's good at closing the show. So, I'd back him for a stoppage win.”
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith
In such a tough fight to call, Groves decided to sit on the fence for the Callum Smith vs Joshua Buatsi contest, saying that both fighters can’t afford to slip up.
“It's a fascinating fight because in many ways both guys could be past their peak. Both guys have got to come in and be on form, because I think if they're not, and the other guy is firing on all cylinders, they'll definitely get the win. I think it's a great fight. It's a fight that both guys need to have. And at the moment where all the belts are occupied, you can't really afford a slip up because when that opportunity comes, you want to be at the front of the queue.”
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel
Agit Kabayel heads into his heavyweight bout with Chinese powerhouse Zhilei Zhang unbeaten after 25 fights and Groves is backing the German to continue his impressive winning run.
“Kabayel is not a huge heavyweight, but he's effective, he's good. Because he's in slightly better form, I'd pick him to beat Zhilei Zhang. But Zhang is such a monster, huge, hard hitting southpaw, it must be hard to find sparring to prepare for someone like that anything goes. It's just the tank on Zhang isn't it?”
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 – Boxers give their fight predictions
