George Groves has become the latest fighter to link up with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports following his split with promoter Frank Warren.
The highly-rated unbeaten Commonwealth super-middleweight champion will box for the first time under his new promoter on the Betfair ‘London’s Finest’ bill at Wembley Arena in London, on Saturday, March 9 – live on Sky Sports – when he takes on Argentine Dario German Balmaceda in a ten-round clash.
Groves is also the first fighter to be confirmed for the undercard of the huge Sky Box Office clash between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler at the O2 Arena in London on May 25.
The 24-year-old was due to fight for the vacant European title against Mohamed Ali Ndiaye on March 16, but that bout was scrapped after he parted company with Warren’s stable.
His last three fights have all be broadcast on BoxNation where he beatPaul Smith in two rounds, travelled to America to deposit Francisco Sierra in six and heavily outpointed Glen Johnson in east London.
Bit the Hammersmith talent’s biggest win came on his last Sky bill at the O2 in May 2011 when he saw off bitter rival James DeGale.
Groves’ chief-support slot on the Froch v Kessler bill will land just over two years since he beat DeGale in an enthralling contest and Groves expects to be in a huge fight on May 25.
He is targeting the winner of Arthur Abraham v Robert Stieglitz, as well as holding more than a passing interest on the main event at the O2.
He will now seek a path to World title glory under Hearn and the popular Londoner is excited at the next stage of his career.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity for me,” said Groves. “I’ve known Eddie for quite a while now, he’s doing great things promotionally and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“I’m at that level now where I’m knocking on the door for World titles and working with Matchroom and being on Sky Sports should help me close in on that dream.
“I’ve had three fights in 18 months which is not ideal so it will be great for me to get out regularly.
“I’m healthy, I’m training hard and Eddie has promised to keep me busy so everything is looking good and I’m raring to get back into action.”
Groves’ new promoter Eddie Hearn added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the Matchroom stable.
“He’s a tremendous talent and a real star in the super middleweight division – not just in the future but today.
“His debut for us on Saturday (March 9) is a great addition to an already top class bill, and he’ll play a huge part in the Froch vs. Kessler night on May 25.”
Groves will be chasing his 17th straight victory when he takes on Dario German Balmaceda on Matchroom’s ‘London’s Finest’ bill at Wembley Arena on Saturday, March 9, which is headlined by fellow Brits Darren Barker and Lee Purdy.
All the action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 8pm.
Meanwhile, Frank Warren’s March 16 bill, also at Wembley Arena, has been postponed until April 20 following the late withdrawal of IBF world lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez from his scheduled unification title bout against Scotland’s Ricky Burns, with the Mexican suffering from a severe viral infection.
…
Saturday 9th March
Fight Night – Betfair’s ‘London’s Finest’
Featuring: Darren Barker v Simone Rotolo Lee Purdy v Carson Jones George Groves v Dario German BalmacedaLIVE: 8.00pm-11.30pm – Sky Sports 2
…
Image: © Matchroom Sport
