In the past boxing's super power has been America with a high number of big fights and top fighters all hailing from the states. In recent years however boxing has grown in popularity across Europe with Germany now becoming a major player in both the top fights and top fighters.
Germany has become a bit of safe haven for not only boxers from around Eastern Europe, such as the Klitschko's from the Ukraine or Arthur Abraham from Armenia, but also boxers from around the world, such as Cuban Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Brit Ola Afolabi. Despite this Germany also has a crop of their own, home grown fighters and one such fighter is the very promising youngster Tyron Zeuge (3-0, 3).
The 20 year old Zeuge, a talented Super Middleweight turned professional earlier this year following an excellent amateur career that saw him winning various national and international championships. Included in those competition victories were the 2009 European Youth Championships (75KG) and the 2010 German National Championships (81KG) (amongst many others) as Zeuge became one of the most highly sought after amateurs in Germany.
After missing out on a place at the World Amateur Champions in 2011 Zeuge seemed set to turn professional however he remained an amateur until the end of 2011 allowing him to compete at the 2011 German National Championships (where he was controversially beaten in the semi final). In early 2012 he finally made the long awaited move over to the professional ranks and in March Zeuge made his professional debut by stopping the over-matched Yauheni Bohdanouski in just 74 seconds.
Just weeks after his professional debut Zeuge secured his second victory as a professional by stopping Venezuelan born Italian Santo Drago in 3 rounds, becoming the first man to stop Drago in 7 bouts. More recently Zeuge stopped Spanish based Ecuadorian Carlos Caicedo, also in 3 rounds. Whilst Caicedo might not be anything special, the fact that Zeuge, in just his 3 bout as a professional, did a quicker job on him than the much more experienced "world level" Dimitri Sartison is rather impressive (it took Sartison 5 rounds).
Zeuge is looking for his fourth professional win this coming weekend when he faces unbeaten Belgian Matingu Kindele (3-0). Hopefully a win over Kindele will help Zeuge progress on to more meaningful bouts as he continues his development, however at just 20 years old he has a lot of time to develop and the natural ability to really become something special.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Friday, 26 October 2012
Tremaine Williams
Over the past few years people have been declaring boxing in the US a dying sport. This is despite the high profile success of fighters like Floyd Mayweather Jr and the rise (and rise) of Adrien Broner and Andre Ward. Another fighter expected by many to follow in their foot steps is teenager Tremaine Williams (3-0, 2) who many insiders are tipping as one of the sports genuinely elite talents.
The 19 year old Williams first came to prominence in the amateur side of the sport where he was a genuine super talent despite being so young. In fact it's fair to say that the first glimpse of Williams' superstar potential came back when he was just a 16 year old at the 2009 USA Junior National Championships. Despite failing to win the tournament Williams shone in the 52KG division making his way to the final before losing by a single point to Ray Ximenez.
After his success in the 2009 Junior championships a lot was expected from Williams going in to the 2010 US National PAL Championships, though sadly his tournament came to an early end after just a bout as he suffered a walk-over "loss" in the Quarter-Finals to John Herrera before Rau'shee Warren eventually won the tournament.
With the disappointment of the 2010 PAL Championships behind him, Williams had an outstanding 2011. He was sensational in the US National Golden Gloves winning the tournament in the 56KG division beating Gary Russell III (the younger brother of professional prospect Gary Russell) along the way. Sadly, despite his Golden Gloves triumph, Williams did fail at the Olympic Qualifiers, losing twice to O'Shanique Foster (the eventual runner up).
Having missed out on his Olympic dream, Williams wouldn't wait long to start his professional career and in April 2012 he made his debut in the paid ranks. On debut Williams was sensational stopping Jesse Anguiano in just 141 one sided seconds as he looked every bit the star in the making. Whilst it was one sided, no one could have asked to have seen more from Williams than what he showed with poise, patience and lightning quick speed.
Since his debut Williams has fought twice, defeating Theo Johnson (KO3) and Jazzma Hogue (UD4) to progress his record against limited opposition. This coming weekend Williams is set for yet another test of his professional abilities as he fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks. A win here is almost certain and will hopefully progress Williams to facing tougher fighters that won't be shell shocked by his speed and natural ability.
Whilst we've yet to see Williams tagged by anything notable it's unlikely that any opponent he is likely to face in the next 24 months will really be too testing. Expect him to be developed well by manager James Prince who knows how to guide a young fighter very well, and hopefully by the age of 22 Williams will have managed to get the attention of a major promoter and maybe even some TV exposure on ESPN.
The 19 year old Williams first came to prominence in the amateur side of the sport where he was a genuine super talent despite being so young. In fact it's fair to say that the first glimpse of Williams' superstar potential came back when he was just a 16 year old at the 2009 USA Junior National Championships. Despite failing to win the tournament Williams shone in the 52KG division making his way to the final before losing by a single point to Ray Ximenez.
After his success in the 2009 Junior championships a lot was expected from Williams going in to the 2010 US National PAL Championships, though sadly his tournament came to an early end after just a bout as he suffered a walk-over "loss" in the Quarter-Finals to John Herrera before Rau'shee Warren eventually won the tournament.
With the disappointment of the 2010 PAL Championships behind him, Williams had an outstanding 2011. He was sensational in the US National Golden Gloves winning the tournament in the 56KG division beating Gary Russell III (the younger brother of professional prospect Gary Russell) along the way. Sadly, despite his Golden Gloves triumph, Williams did fail at the Olympic Qualifiers, losing twice to O'Shanique Foster (the eventual runner up).
Having missed out on his Olympic dream, Williams wouldn't wait long to start his professional career and in April 2012 he made his debut in the paid ranks. On debut Williams was sensational stopping Jesse Anguiano in just 141 one sided seconds as he looked every bit the star in the making. Whilst it was one sided, no one could have asked to have seen more from Williams than what he showed with poise, patience and lightning quick speed.
Since his debut Williams has fought twice, defeating Theo Johnson (KO3) and Jazzma Hogue (UD4) to progress his record against limited opposition. This coming weekend Williams is set for yet another test of his professional abilities as he fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks. A win here is almost certain and will hopefully progress Williams to facing tougher fighters that won't be shell shocked by his speed and natural ability.
Whilst we've yet to see Williams tagged by anything notable it's unlikely that any opponent he is likely to face in the next 24 months will really be too testing. Expect him to be developed well by manager James Prince who knows how to guide a young fighter very well, and hopefully by the age of 22 Williams will have managed to get the attention of a major promoter and maybe even some TV exposure on ESPN.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Miguel Angel Gonzalez
As we all know boxers start young in Mexico, and 17 year old Miguel Angel Gonzalez (7-0, 7) was no exception to that rule when he debuted in September 2011 as just a baby faced 16 year old. Since his debut however "Miguelito" has been spoken about in glowing terms by the likes of WBC head honcho Jose Sulaiman (who mentioned "Miguelito" on his Suljosblog).
Gonzalez debuted against Mexican tomato can Javier Castro (currently 1-12 (1), having won his last fight) and forced an opening round stoppage after just 152 seconds. Whilst the performance wasn't great Gonzalez did what he needed to to get the win under his belt and ease his nerves in the ring. Just weeks later Gonzalez returned to the ring and defeated the debuting Joaquin Morales (KO1) and managed to end the year with his 3rd successive opening round KO win, this time stopping Norberto Gamez.
After a busy 2011, Gonzalez kept up his busy schedule and fought for the first time this year way back in February stopping Antonio Gonzalez (KO2) in brutal fashion leaving his namesake on the canvas down and out. Shockingly, this has been "Miguelito's" only bout to progress beyond the opening round as he has since rolled off 3 more opening round victories including stopping debutant Santos Lozoya and the previously unbeaten Francisco Camargo in just 44 seconds!
Having had things his own way so far, Gonzalez is expected to be tested for the first time this weekend as he faces the 2-0 Emir Montano. Whilst Montano is yet to score a stoppage, he is also yet to decisively lose a round in his professional career. Whilst not much is known about Montano it's fair to assume he will not be wanting to roll over and give up his unbeaten record with out a fight which is why this is hopefully going to be a decent test for Gonzalez.
Whilst I'm not great at Spanish, it seems as if Miguelito is actually the brother of Robert "Tito" Manzanarez (20-0, 16) (however this maybe a case of brothers being "boxing brothers" rather than biological brothers) however from his record it's fair to say that bother men have a few things in common. Both are young, exciting, hard hitting Mexicans who are likely to go a very long way in this sport.
It may be a whilst before "Miguelito" is in a really notable bout, though I'd advise fight fans the world over to keep their eyes open for this kid.
Gonzalez debuted against Mexican tomato can Javier Castro (currently 1-12 (1), having won his last fight) and forced an opening round stoppage after just 152 seconds. Whilst the performance wasn't great Gonzalez did what he needed to to get the win under his belt and ease his nerves in the ring. Just weeks later Gonzalez returned to the ring and defeated the debuting Joaquin Morales (KO1) and managed to end the year with his 3rd successive opening round KO win, this time stopping Norberto Gamez.
After a busy 2011, Gonzalez kept up his busy schedule and fought for the first time this year way back in February stopping Antonio Gonzalez (KO2) in brutal fashion leaving his namesake on the canvas down and out. Shockingly, this has been "Miguelito's" only bout to progress beyond the opening round as he has since rolled off 3 more opening round victories including stopping debutant Santos Lozoya and the previously unbeaten Francisco Camargo in just 44 seconds!
Having had things his own way so far, Gonzalez is expected to be tested for the first time this weekend as he faces the 2-0 Emir Montano. Whilst Montano is yet to score a stoppage, he is also yet to decisively lose a round in his professional career. Whilst not much is known about Montano it's fair to assume he will not be wanting to roll over and give up his unbeaten record with out a fight which is why this is hopefully going to be a decent test for Gonzalez.
Whilst I'm not great at Spanish, it seems as if Miguelito is actually the brother of Robert "Tito" Manzanarez (20-0, 16) (however this maybe a case of brothers being "boxing brothers" rather than biological brothers) however from his record it's fair to say that bother men have a few things in common. Both are young, exciting, hard hitting Mexicans who are likely to go a very long way in this sport.
It may be a whilst before "Miguelito" is in a really notable bout, though I'd advise fight fans the world over to keep their eyes open for this kid.
Jorge Sanchez
Panama's boxing scene isn't thriving, though they do have some excellent fighters, one of which is the unbeaten prospect Jorge Sanchez (7-0, 5). Known as "El Bufalo" the 22 year old Sanchez is seen as one of Panama's most exciting youngsters in a generation, and with good cause as he appears to be something very special.
Sanchez made his professional debut back in February 2011 when he took a 4 round decision win over compatriot Osvaldo Diaz. By the end of the year Sanchez had swiftly added 4 more victories, stopping 3 of those 4 opponents including the previously unbeaten Jesus Munoz (TKO3) and the much more experienced Nando Vailarin (KO1). interestingly the combined record of his first 5 opponents was an impressive 20-8-3 (prior to facing Sanchez).
Whilst Sanchez' debut year was really successful, he's continued to develop well through 2012 as well scoring a further 2 victories so far, both by TKO, taking out Ezequiel Hamilton (TKO3) and Nelson Guillen (TKO2) as he's continued to improve.
Sanchez's next bout will be his toughest so far as he faces hard hitting Venezuelan Franklin Manzanilla (9-1, 8). Whilst Sanchez is rightfully considered the favourite, this is far from a bygone conclusion, due in part to the fact that Manzanilla is a genuinely hard hitter who has only gone the distance twice (including his losing effort to Nelson Guillen and a victory over the experienced Michael Isaac Carrero).
If Sanchez gets beyond Manzanilla expect him to be developed for another year or two before hopefully fighting in either Mexico or the US in 2014 before being brought on further and developed in to a title contender.
Sanchez made his professional debut back in February 2011 when he took a 4 round decision win over compatriot Osvaldo Diaz. By the end of the year Sanchez had swiftly added 4 more victories, stopping 3 of those 4 opponents including the previously unbeaten Jesus Munoz (TKO3) and the much more experienced Nando Vailarin (KO1). interestingly the combined record of his first 5 opponents was an impressive 20-8-3 (prior to facing Sanchez).
Whilst Sanchez' debut year was really successful, he's continued to develop well through 2012 as well scoring a further 2 victories so far, both by TKO, taking out Ezequiel Hamilton (TKO3) and Nelson Guillen (TKO2) as he's continued to improve.
Sanchez's next bout will be his toughest so far as he faces hard hitting Venezuelan Franklin Manzanilla (9-1, 8). Whilst Sanchez is rightfully considered the favourite, this is far from a bygone conclusion, due in part to the fact that Manzanilla is a genuinely hard hitter who has only gone the distance twice (including his losing effort to Nelson Guillen and a victory over the experienced Michael Isaac Carrero).
If Sanchez gets beyond Manzanilla expect him to be developed for another year or two before hopefully fighting in either Mexico or the US in 2014 before being brought on further and developed in to a title contender.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Luis Orlando Del Valle
The Super Bantamweight division is one on the most exciting division's in the sport of boxing right now with the likes of Nonito Donaire, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Abner Mares and Toshiaki Nishioka all at the top of the tree. As well as those at the top of the division it's also laden with talent on it's way up such as Japanese youngster Yukinori Oguni, Britain's fast rising Carl Frampton and Puerto Rican Luis Orlando Del Valle.
With this in mind I've decided to take a look at the unbeaten Luis Orlando Del Valle (16-0, 11) who fights in his biggest fight so far later this week as he faces former world champion Vic Darchinyan (37-5-1, 27).
The 25 year old "Orlandito" was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico (the same city that has given us Wilfredo Vazquez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr and recent world title challenger Francisco Palacios amongst others) and started in the sport at a young age.
By his early teens Orlando was an emerging young amateur and in 2004 he really began to make his mark on the US domestic scene as he claimed the National Golden Gloves title as well as claiming a Silver medal at the National PAL championships. The following year Orlando further proved his quality as he claimed the title at Under 19 National Amateur Championships.
By 2008 Orlando had proven himself as one of the best young fighters in the US, sadly however he had failed to make a name on the international stage and instead of continuing in the amateur he decided to turn professional, aged just 21.
On his professional debut Del Valle stopped Ray Rivera in the 3rd round with a tremendous shot, and by the end of the year he had swiftly moved to 4-0 (3). The following year saw Del Valle adding another 4 wins to his record as he moved to 8-0 (6) and although he was still fighting low level competition he was looking impressive showing the skills he had honed as an amateur.
It wasn't until June 2011 that Del Valle had his first notable fight as he took on the Vietnamese fighter Dat Nguyen for the NABA Featherweight title. In that fight Nguyen showed his toughness, but Del Valle was simply too good, too talented and too fast and won a clear (but competitive) decision.
Since beating Nguyen, Del Valle has scored 3 more wins, including a very impressive victory over the highly rated Christopher Martin. The victory over Martin has so far been the standout result on Del Valle's record though a victory over the experienced Darchinyan on Saturday night would eclipse it (despite the fact Darchinyan isn't the fighter he was down at 115lbs).
At just 25 years old "Orlandito" has plenty of time to become a star, and whilst he's certainly in a tough division he has the time and potential to make a real splash in the near future. A victory over Darchinyan is, in all honesty, expected and then hopefully he'll move on to facing a top 25 Super Bantamweight.
The video below shows highlights of Luis Orlando Del Del Valle and is thanks to xvdmrecords
With this in mind I've decided to take a look at the unbeaten Luis Orlando Del Valle (16-0, 11) who fights in his biggest fight so far later this week as he faces former world champion Vic Darchinyan (37-5-1, 27).
The 25 year old "Orlandito" was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico (the same city that has given us Wilfredo Vazquez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr and recent world title challenger Francisco Palacios amongst others) and started in the sport at a young age.
By his early teens Orlando was an emerging young amateur and in 2004 he really began to make his mark on the US domestic scene as he claimed the National Golden Gloves title as well as claiming a Silver medal at the National PAL championships. The following year Orlando further proved his quality as he claimed the title at Under 19 National Amateur Championships.
By 2008 Orlando had proven himself as one of the best young fighters in the US, sadly however he had failed to make a name on the international stage and instead of continuing in the amateur he decided to turn professional, aged just 21.
On his professional debut Del Valle stopped Ray Rivera in the 3rd round with a tremendous shot, and by the end of the year he had swiftly moved to 4-0 (3). The following year saw Del Valle adding another 4 wins to his record as he moved to 8-0 (6) and although he was still fighting low level competition he was looking impressive showing the skills he had honed as an amateur.
It wasn't until June 2011 that Del Valle had his first notable fight as he took on the Vietnamese fighter Dat Nguyen for the NABA Featherweight title. In that fight Nguyen showed his toughness, but Del Valle was simply too good, too talented and too fast and won a clear (but competitive) decision.
Since beating Nguyen, Del Valle has scored 3 more wins, including a very impressive victory over the highly rated Christopher Martin. The victory over Martin has so far been the standout result on Del Valle's record though a victory over the experienced Darchinyan on Saturday night would eclipse it (despite the fact Darchinyan isn't the fighter he was down at 115lbs).
At just 25 years old "Orlandito" has plenty of time to become a star, and whilst he's certainly in a tough division he has the time and potential to make a real splash in the near future. A victory over Darchinyan is, in all honesty, expected and then hopefully he'll move on to facing a top 25 Super Bantamweight.
The video below shows highlights of Luis Orlando Del Del Valle and is thanks to xvdmrecords
Monday, 3 September 2012
Miguel Berchelt
Mexican Super Featherweight Miguel Berchelt (15-0, 12) may not currently be a big name but it's hard to imagine that the 20 year old will not, sometime soon, become a name on the lips of every hardcore boxing fan.
The unbeaten fighter based in Mérida, Yucatán made his professional debut less than 2 years ago having had a solid amateur career. On Debut he stopped Armin Chan in just 2 rounds before racking up 7 more consecutive T/KO victories to swiftly move to 8-0 (8). He wasn't stopping his early opponents but he was stopping them quickly with his bouts rarely going into a 3rd round.
Miguel's T/KO streak came to an end in his ninth bout, which coincidentally was his first bout to go beyond 3 rounds. Despite going beyond 3 rounds it failed to go to the final bell as Miguel Chi got himself disqualified in round 5 following a deliberate headbutt. following his win over Chi, Berchelt was again taken beyond 3 rounds, this time stopping the unbeaten Pablo Batres in the 5th round.
Amazingly it wasn't until his 11th bout that Berchelt was taken to the final bell as the tough journeyman Cristian Palafox managed to see out the 6 round distance, though lose a clear decision.
By the end of 2011 Berchelt had swiftly moved his record to an impressive 12-0 (10) and whilst he hadn't faced anyone of note he had still be very impressive for such a youngster. It was earlier this year however that Berchelt started to really make waves. Not only did he start the year by blasting out Alberto Chuc (who had amazingly taken the hard punching Carlos Cuadras to a split decision). Berchelt then beat the previously unbeaten Carlos Orozco, dropping Orozco in round 2 on-route to a 6 round decision. Most recently Berchelt took out Sergio Lopez in 99 seconds to move to 15-0 (12).
In just a few days time Berchelt will be looking for win #16 as he faces the much more experienced Nicaraguan Berman Sanchez (26-4-3, 18) who has made his name fighting in Costa Rica. Despite losing last time out, Sanchez has scored a very notable draw with current IBF Super Featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado though admittedly that was way back in 2005. This should be a very credibly test for Berchelt who, if he wins, will likely move on to better fights in the near future.
Video below is thanks to porrork93 and shows an early bout of Berchelt's in which after a poor opening round he shows impressive body shots in the second before forcing the stoppage.
The unbeaten fighter based in Mérida, Yucatán made his professional debut less than 2 years ago having had a solid amateur career. On Debut he stopped Armin Chan in just 2 rounds before racking up 7 more consecutive T/KO victories to swiftly move to 8-0 (8). He wasn't stopping his early opponents but he was stopping them quickly with his bouts rarely going into a 3rd round.
Miguel's T/KO streak came to an end in his ninth bout, which coincidentally was his first bout to go beyond 3 rounds. Despite going beyond 3 rounds it failed to go to the final bell as Miguel Chi got himself disqualified in round 5 following a deliberate headbutt. following his win over Chi, Berchelt was again taken beyond 3 rounds, this time stopping the unbeaten Pablo Batres in the 5th round.
Amazingly it wasn't until his 11th bout that Berchelt was taken to the final bell as the tough journeyman Cristian Palafox managed to see out the 6 round distance, though lose a clear decision.
By the end of 2011 Berchelt had swiftly moved his record to an impressive 12-0 (10) and whilst he hadn't faced anyone of note he had still be very impressive for such a youngster. It was earlier this year however that Berchelt started to really make waves. Not only did he start the year by blasting out Alberto Chuc (who had amazingly taken the hard punching Carlos Cuadras to a split decision). Berchelt then beat the previously unbeaten Carlos Orozco, dropping Orozco in round 2 on-route to a 6 round decision. Most recently Berchelt took out Sergio Lopez in 99 seconds to move to 15-0 (12).
In just a few days time Berchelt will be looking for win #16 as he faces the much more experienced Nicaraguan Berman Sanchez (26-4-3, 18) who has made his name fighting in Costa Rica. Despite losing last time out, Sanchez has scored a very notable draw with current IBF Super Featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado though admittedly that was way back in 2005. This should be a very credibly test for Berchelt who, if he wins, will likely move on to better fights in the near future.
Video below is thanks to porrork93 and shows an early bout of Berchelt's in which after a poor opening round he shows impressive body shots in the second before forcing the stoppage.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
George Groves
Throughout the short history of the Super Middleweight division the Brits have always been amongst the best in the world, in fact the first ever Super Middleweight champion was Britain's very own Murray Sutherland (who was the IBF champion back in 1984). Since Sutherland we've seen British champions such as Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Robin Reid, Richie Woodhall, Joe Calzaghe and current champion Carl Froch. With this in mind it should be little wonder that Britain currently has some of the top Super Middleweight prospects, including the unbeaten and very highly regarded "Saint" George Groves (14-0, 11).
The 24 year old Groves from Hammersmith, London first made his name in the amateurs where he became a 2-time ABA champion. It was whilst still fighting as an amateur that Goves and fellow British prospect James DeGale first crossed paths with the two men now having a heated rivalry which has crossed over into the professional ranks.
Groves turned professional debut following his 2008 ABA Middleweight triumph and debuted in November 2008 under the "Hayemaker" banner. On his debut Groves defeated Kirill Psonko out pointing him over 6 rounds on the same card as David Haye faced Monte Barrett.
Following his successful debut Groves was kept active stopping Romaric Hignard in 3 rounds in February of 2009 and then stopping hard hitting Brit Paul Samuels in a single round the following month. Amazingly by the end of 2009 Groves had managed to run his record to 7-0 (5) and had managed to show case his talents not only in his native UK but also in Germany as he out pointed the teak tough Kanstantsin Makhankou (UD8) on the undercard of David Haye's WBA Heavyweight title fight with Nikolay Valuev.
Groves would step up considerably in 2010 and after stopping Grigor Sarohanian (TKO3) in his first fight of the year he would go on to claim the Commonwealth Super Middleweight title by destroying the teak tough Charles Adamu in an incredibly impressive display that really put him on the map. Later the same year Groves made his US debut by stopping Alfredo Contreras (TKO6) before being involved in a war with Scottish hardman Kenny Anderson. Against Anderson (who had been given little notice for the fight) Groves was dropped twice before stopping a tiring Anderson in 6 rounds. It's the bout with Anderson that still looms over Groves' head as a professional with many feeling Groves was incredibly lucky to escape the bout with win.
In 2011 Groves managed to record another 3 wins. Firstly Groves stopped the tough Daniel Adotey Allotey (TKO4) before managing to score a notable (and controversial) majority decision win against former amateur rival, and Olympic gold medal winner James DeGale. The victory over DeGale, in what was a highly anticipated bout saw Groves maintaining his unbeaten record whilst inflicting the first professional loss to DeGale. The DeGale bout also saw Goves unifying his Commonwealth title with the British Super Middleweight title to become the #1 fighter domestically (and only behind Carl Froch in terms of Top British fighters in the division). Groves would defend both titles once, stopping former British champion Paul Smith in 2 rounds.
Since beating Smith Groves' career has been really disappointing as he's pulled out of a number of fights with various injuries. Amongst those bouts that he has pulled out of was a rematch with Kenny Anderson and a world title bout with Robert Stielgltiz. Groves however does look set to return to the ring this coming weekend as he's scheduled to face hard hitting Mexican Francisco Sierra (25-5-1, 22) and if he wins he is expected to fight again in September in Wembley. Against Sierra, Groves will go in as the favourite though he will need to be careful not to be caught by Sierra who has got genuine power and is actually going into this bout on the back of an upset against the previously unbeaten Rogelio Ruvalcaba.
Groves, trained by Adam Booth, is seen by many as a future world champion and at just 24 years old he has got a lot of time to pick up a title, though he does still make mistakes that Booth will need to iron out sooner rather than later.
The video below is thanks to JSFIGHTTV
The 24 year old Groves from Hammersmith, London first made his name in the amateurs where he became a 2-time ABA champion. It was whilst still fighting as an amateur that Goves and fellow British prospect James DeGale first crossed paths with the two men now having a heated rivalry which has crossed over into the professional ranks.
Groves turned professional debut following his 2008 ABA Middleweight triumph and debuted in November 2008 under the "Hayemaker" banner. On his debut Groves defeated Kirill Psonko out pointing him over 6 rounds on the same card as David Haye faced Monte Barrett.
Following his successful debut Groves was kept active stopping Romaric Hignard in 3 rounds in February of 2009 and then stopping hard hitting Brit Paul Samuels in a single round the following month. Amazingly by the end of 2009 Groves had managed to run his record to 7-0 (5) and had managed to show case his talents not only in his native UK but also in Germany as he out pointed the teak tough Kanstantsin Makhankou (UD8) on the undercard of David Haye's WBA Heavyweight title fight with Nikolay Valuev.
Groves would step up considerably in 2010 and after stopping Grigor Sarohanian (TKO3) in his first fight of the year he would go on to claim the Commonwealth Super Middleweight title by destroying the teak tough Charles Adamu in an incredibly impressive display that really put him on the map. Later the same year Groves made his US debut by stopping Alfredo Contreras (TKO6) before being involved in a war with Scottish hardman Kenny Anderson. Against Anderson (who had been given little notice for the fight) Groves was dropped twice before stopping a tiring Anderson in 6 rounds. It's the bout with Anderson that still looms over Groves' head as a professional with many feeling Groves was incredibly lucky to escape the bout with win.
In 2011 Groves managed to record another 3 wins. Firstly Groves stopped the tough Daniel Adotey Allotey (TKO4) before managing to score a notable (and controversial) majority decision win against former amateur rival, and Olympic gold medal winner James DeGale. The victory over DeGale, in what was a highly anticipated bout saw Groves maintaining his unbeaten record whilst inflicting the first professional loss to DeGale. The DeGale bout also saw Goves unifying his Commonwealth title with the British Super Middleweight title to become the #1 fighter domestically (and only behind Carl Froch in terms of Top British fighters in the division). Groves would defend both titles once, stopping former British champion Paul Smith in 2 rounds.
Since beating Smith Groves' career has been really disappointing as he's pulled out of a number of fights with various injuries. Amongst those bouts that he has pulled out of was a rematch with Kenny Anderson and a world title bout with Robert Stielgltiz. Groves however does look set to return to the ring this coming weekend as he's scheduled to face hard hitting Mexican Francisco Sierra (25-5-1, 22) and if he wins he is expected to fight again in September in Wembley. Against Sierra, Groves will go in as the favourite though he will need to be careful not to be caught by Sierra who has got genuine power and is actually going into this bout on the back of an upset against the previously unbeaten Rogelio Ruvalcaba.
Groves, trained by Adam Booth, is seen by many as a future world champion and at just 24 years old he has got a lot of time to pick up a title, though he does still make mistakes that Booth will need to iron out sooner rather than later.
The video below is thanks to JSFIGHTTV
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