George Groves vs Callum Smith: Prediction and Preview

The much-awaited bout for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has only a rough date (sometimes in September) and no confirmed venue (although Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is heavy rumored). The uncertainty is a result of the event’s being rescheduled due to an earlier injury. Speaking of which…

Will Groves’ shoulder injury have an influence on the fight?

When George Groves underwent surgery after dislocating his shoulder in his bout with Chris Eubank Junior, people started to feel that this turn of events could give the edge to Smith.

He is still the underdog on the best online betting sites in the United Kingdom but not by a wide margin. Take a look at Unibet Sportsbook: it offers 13/20 (i.e., 1.65) odds for Groves and 5/4 (i.e., 2.25) for Smith.

Injuries have decided many fights in the history of boxing. Granted, the fact that Smith has more time to prepare does not mean much in itself. But the untimely injury is not the only reason we are betting on Callum Smith to beat George Groves.

Other reasons we are picking the underdog in our George Groves vs Callum Smith prediction

In some ways, Callum Smith reminds one of Badou Jack, the last fighter who defeated Groves. Just like Jack, Smith will have the size advantage against Groves. Maybe even more importantly, Smith often relies on body shots. Jack told reporters after his victory over Groves that “body work is becoming” his “signature,” and it indeed played a big role in his win. A fighter comfortable in that area, then, has the tools to wear Groves down.

Smith appears to have a good understanding of Groves’ weaknesses and strengths. Before the world champion’s fight with Eubank, he pointed out Groves’ “stamina issues,” which might be what he plans to exploit in September.

Smith is a hungry, highly motivated contender, who knows how valuable this opportunity is. He is reportedly very glad that Groves’ injury will after all not prevent the world champion from fighting him (there were talks that he may have to face Eubank instead of Groves in the World Boxing Super Series final). His ultimate goal is nothing less than becoming the No. 1; and an increasing number of boxing enthusiasts feel that the undefeated Liverpudlian is able to pull it off.

The official George Groves vs Callum Smith betting odds: how big returns you can get

Of course, considering the punching force both contenders have, anything could happen in the fight at any moment. We are talking about boxers with impressive KO ratios (Groves won 20 of his 28 fights by KO; Smith 17 out of 24).