Groves became Sauerland Promotions’ latest significant British recruit when on the eve of his May rematch with Carl Froch he joined a stable already featuring Deion Jumah and David Price.
While the past 12 months have been relatively low-key for both Jumah and Price, the latter – if not cruiserweight Jumah as well – is unlikely to remain a long-term undercard fighter, suggesting the European promoters will have to stage regular bills in the UK if both the heavyweight and Groves are to fulfill their potential.
Despite refusing to rule out the possibility of further British signings, however, with Matchroom – who also have an interest in Saturday’s promotion – Frank Warren and Mick Hennessy already established as the UK’s market leaders, Kalle sees no benefit in attempting to rival them.
“It’s a competition situation,” he told Boxing News. “Two guys [Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn] are controlling the market. Is there a space for a third? I’m not so sure.
“I’ve got enough fights in the other markets, I don’t need to come into another. I work very well with Eddie, and I’ve worked very well in the past with Frank.
“There’s not one promoter in the world who wouldn’t have signed George. Not one – he had big offers from the States. But is it about the UK market? Yes, because it’s in the UK, but it’s not about us now saying we’re going to build fighters here from scratch. Take Deion Jumah – he’s a guy we can build abroad.
“If we came into the UK market now, we’d be picking up scraps. The biggest benefit would be for the boxers. From a business point of view, it would push up the prices. The margins, which are already low, would be lower. Why would we do that?
“But what we won’t rule out is signing more UK fighters – if the right ones come along.”
