Boxing in 2018: Top 5 bouts to ring in the new year

5 of 6

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Chris Eubank Jnr and George Groves (R) go head to head after Groves defeated Jamie Cox durng thier WBSS Super Middleweight Quarter-Final at SSE Arena on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

George Groves vs. Chris Eubank Jr.

George Groves (27-2, 20 KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs) are not household names in the U.S., but they are a big deal in the UK.

Groves and Eubank are both title-holding, power-punching super middleweights. They have a lot in common and are evenly matched on paper. Both boxers stand at the same height and have nearly the same reach. There is no real age advantage — Groves is 29 and Eubank is 28.

Beyond having similar physical stats, both men are adept at knocking out their opponents and aren’t afraid to be hit. Their styles should combine to provide a thoroughly entertaining bout for fans. This could end up being an early fight of the year candidate.

Both fighters have imperfect records and have a tendency to display flaws in the ring. This should only make this contest more exciting. Groves has lost three times in his career. He was knocked out in two of those losses against Carl Froch, the last being in 2014. That was a long time ago, and Groves has improved a great deal since then.

Eubank lost once to current WBO middleweight champion, Billy Joe Saunders, via split decision. That defeat occurred in 2014 as well, but it was a close fight that could have gone either way. Saunders is a quick, crafty boxer whose style gives opponents fits. Eubank nearly beat him, and he has advanced lightyears as a boxer.

He’s developed into a physical specimen and recently destroyed then undefeated Avni Yildirim. Yildirim was supposed to be a challenge for Eubank, but he flattened Yildirim in Round 3.

George Groves and Chris Eubank will fight on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Manchester Arena. This fight should produce fireworks.

Home/Boxing