THE World Boxing Super Series final, that pits Callum Smith against WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves is a major British fight. Itโs a surprise therefore that it could well take place overseas.
Kalle Sauerland, who handles the Super Series, tells Boxing News, โItโs September and likely to be outside the UK.โ
Callum Smith, who has taken a road with a fair few unexpected twists to reach the final, remains typically calm about the prospect of going on the road. โTwo Brits outside of Britain, itโs a bit unusual but I think this tournament has been a bit unusual from the start, itโs been a little bit different like the Championโs League. Theyโre doing well so far. Iโve just got to stick by what they say and do my job in the ring and win,โ Callum said, speaking exclusively to Boxing News. โItโs a bit strange, to be honest with you, a big domestic fight with two Brits, 99 times out of a hundred youโd think it would be in Britain. But it doesnโt really phase me too much.
โRegardless of where the fight is, itโs a level playing field for both of us.โ
Smith has been preparing with a view to contending with Groves in early September. His initial spars will be with gym-mate Callum Johnson, whoโs preparing for a world title fight of his own against fearsome light-heavyweight Artur Beterbiev before Callum brings in more sparring specifically for the Groves fight.
โIโve been in the gym for quite a bit, just ticking over,โ Smith said. โIโve been told early September so Iโm not completely in the dark. Iโve got a rough date to aim for but no actual confirmed date just yet.โ
The wait has been long. But Smith is convinced the fight will be worth it. โItโs frustrating,โ Smith said but added, โIt was supposed to be early June, then end of June and what not. Itโs been a while. But itโs the fight I want and I said I was prepared to wait however long it took to get this fight. So I canโt really complain about the fact that Iโm waiting to get this fight.โ