5 boxers bound for boxing’s pound-for-pound list soon

5. George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs)

Entering the World Boxing Super Series was the smartest decision of George Groves’ life. Groves has three losses on his record, but he’s made vast improvements to his boxing game throughout his career.

He showed promise early in his career amassing wins against James DeGale, Paul Smith and Glen Johnson. Groves struggled in 2013 and 2014 with back-to-back TKO losses against Carl Froch.

He lost again to Badou Jack in 2015 in a close split-decision. Groves learned from all of his losses and has dominated his opponents in the World Boxing Super Series.

He knocked out Jamie Cox in the fourth round in his first WBSS bout and outboxed Chris Eubank Jr. in the semifinal. He is scheduled to fight Callum Smith in the final, but he is recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained in his last bout against Eubank.

Groves made Eubank look like a novice boxer, which he isn’t. Eubank was a knockout machine, but Groves nullified his power with precise boxing skill. His punches were controlled and accurate.

He also hurt Eubank throughout the fight. He has a respectable 65 percent KO rating, but he’s not known as a knockout puncher. Groves doesn’t possess one-punch KO power, but it is good enough to break down elite boxers throughout the course of a fight.

What sets Groves apart from other super middleweights is his boxing IQ. He is the most intelligent boxer in the division. He knows when to be a counterpuncher and when to attack.

If he heals in time to meet Callum Smith and beats him convincingly, he should be a top 10 pound-for-pound boxer.