Callum Smith’s coach admits bookies are right to make George Groves favourite in World Boxing Super Series final
Joe Gallagher was very respectful of his man’s opponent for September 28, live on talkSPORT
Callum Smith’s coach Joe Gallagher has admitted that the bookies are correct to pick his man as the underdog against George Groves.
The 2015 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year heaped praise on the opposition at the first press conference ahead of their World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight final clash, live on talkSPORT, Friday September 28.
“The bookies have got it right having George the favourite,” Gallagher said of the WBA world champion.
“I’m a huge fan of George Groves. He’s very much like Anthony Crolla, I think he’s the boxer’s boxer – everyone likes him.
“Full praise and credit to him. I’m a huge admirer of him.”
Regarding the fight itself though, Gallagher made clear that he still very much believes the underdog can come through victorious.
“The thing with these two fighters is that both carry serious power,” he continued.
“I think that’s what makes it exciting. One of them only needs the one shot, that’s all it may take for this fight.”
Groves himself had already disagreed with this assessment.
Despite admitting that Smith will provide a challenge on September 28, the 30-year-old insisted he will ultimately secure a comfortable victory.
“In the tournament I think he’ll be my toughest test yet, but it’s nowhere near a step too far.
“I feel I’m in the form of my life, I’m boxing better than ever. I don’t see Callum posing a problem for me on fight night.
“It’s just another fight and if I go out and perform how I know I can, stick to the game plan, it’ll be another comfortable win.”
Callum Smith himself was more observant of the occasion, given that the bout will provide him with a long-awaited first world title shot.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said the 28-year-old, ”But I’m finally sitting here in the press conference for my world title fight.
“The fight with George has been talked about for a long time and it’s a fight that I’ve always liked for myself.
It’s a fight I’ve always been confident of winning and I’ve finally got my chance now to go out and prove that and become a world champion.”
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Chief Boxing Officer for the World Boxing Super Series Kalle Sauerland confirmed that the fight will start at 9pm UK time on Friday, Septemeber 28.
It is set to take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Sports Hall, a 10,000-seater venue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.