GEORGE GROVES does not anticipate running into much trouble when he challenges Badou Jack for his WBC world super-middleweight title at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on September 12.
The pair will meet on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto undercard after their initial date of August 22 was moved.
Groves, who twice unsuccessfully fought Carl Froch for world titles in 2013 and 2014, believes he is a level above WBC champion Jack, who is a part of Mayweather’s camp, and will finally achieve a lifelong dream.
“I’ve seen Badou up close and personal and as of yet, we can’t find anything that will cause me a problem. We plan to take the belt back to the UK,” he said.
“I think I’m better than him in most aspects. If I go out and perform it’s an easy night’s work for me.
“I think I know more than enough about Jack. I’ve seen him box live against Anthony Dirrell and I’ve studied him on tape. There’s a lot to like about him.
“I like the fact that he’s come to the U.S. and has made a home out here, there’s bravery in that. He’s latched on to a successful camp but ultimately you have to stand on your own two feet in the ring.
“Since I was seven years old I’ve dreamed of becoming a world champion. I’ve had ups and downs in boxing but it’s all come full circle.”
Groves is preparing for the bout at the famed Big Bear camp in California alongside unbeaten middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.
Groves has not fought since he stopped Denis Douglin in seven rounds in November 2014, but insists he will not be rusty come fight night.
“Everything in training camp has been perfect. We’re adjusting to the time difference and the altitude, which takes a couple of days, but everything is going really well. We’re ahead of schedule,” he said.
“We’ve been training all year for this fight so I’m feeling really good. I can’t wait to get in there and start punching.
“Rust is more mental than anything. You only hear a fighter talk about ring rust after a fight because it’s an excuse. We’re in the gym performing, sparring partners are getting beat up and there’s no excuse to not take it into a real fight.”
Jack, who won the title from Anthony Dirrell in April, feels he is the better of the two and claimed he has only gotten better since winning his title.
“I think I’m the overall better fighter. He’s going to try to knock me out and I’m going to try to knock him out. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m definitely going for the knockout,” he said.
“Groves is a pretty good fighter. I definitely think it’s going to be an exciting fight. I know he’s coming to get what’s mine and he’s coming to fight.
“I’ve always been strong mentally but I get some extra confidence from having that green belt. You still have to stay humble and keep working hard.”
