Chris Eubank Jr. has been confirmed as the reserve fighter for the World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight final between George Groves and Callum Smith.
Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), who will be defending his WBA world title against Smith, beat Eubank Jr. in their semifinal encounter back in Feb. 2018 via unianimous points decision.
However, Groves suffered shoulder injury during the fight round and doubts emerged whether the final against Smith would even go ahead.
After months of speculation regarding the bout, it’s since been confirmed for later this year but promoter Kalle Sauerland did reveal Eubank Jr. will be the replacement if either fighter suffer injury in the build up.
“We put the final date back a little bit to try our very best to get the original final,” Sauerland told iFL TV. “But ultimately if there’s an injury in training now, it will be ‘X’ against Eubank.
“Sorry, but that’s the way it is. But if you look at either side it would still be a cracker.
“You would still like to watch Groves-Smith as a priority, so we bent over backwards to do this. That fight will take place in September.”
Along with confirming Eubank Jr.’s inclusion in the tournament as a reserve, Sauerland also admitted that Groves vs. Smith could take place outside the UK despite both fighters being from England.
“The venue is potentially outside the UK,” he added. “A lot of rumours I’ve heard. Las Vegas, I’ve heard the Middle East. I’ve even heard Australia the other day.
“It’s against the odds at the moment [that the fight will be in the UK].
“We moved the final so that everyone gets the final they want to see. We’re trying to make it into a mega event.”
Smith beat stand-in opponent Nieky Holzken in his semifinal back in February to progress to the final.