GEORGE GROVES has confirmed a fourth attempt at a world title as the WBA have ordered him to fight Fedor Chudinov for their vacant super-middleweight title.
Felix Sturm previously held the title, having controversially beaten Chudinov for it, however the German vacated the belt earlier this year due to injury.
Groves had earned himself a top ranking with the WBA in June by outpointing Martin Murray in an eliminator, and solidifed that position by defeating Eduard Gutknecht last month. Sadly, Gutknecht still remains in hospital after collapsing following the loss.
CONFIRMED : @StGeorgeGroves to challenge Chudinov for the vacant @WBABoxing Super Championship – negotiations until Jan 5 #Mandated
— Kalle+NisseSauerland (@SauerlandBros) December 7, 2016
The two teams have until January 5 to make a deal, or else the fight will go to purse bids. Chudinov is promoted by Vlad Hrunov, who had previously worked with the Sauerlands to make a fight between Fedor and Vincent Feigenbutz, who is promoted by Kalle and Nisse.
Last year Groves suffered his third defeat in a world title fight when WBC champion Badou Jack outpointed him in Las Vegas. Prior to that he had twice been stopped by then WBA and IBF champion Carl Froch.
His fight with Gutknecht was aired on Channel 5 in the UK though at this stage it is unclear whether they will also show this clash with Chudinov.