THE man holding the pads for George Groves has changed three times in his career, a split with Adam Booth in the lead up to his bout with Carl Froch in November 2013 opened the door for Paddy Fitzpatrick, only for the pair to part two years later after a split decision defeat to Badou Jack in September 2015.
Since then, Shane McGuigan has been guiding Saint GG’s career, leading him to a WBA super-middleweight world title at the fourth time of asking when he beat Fedor Chudinov in May of last year.
The 29-year-old son of Barry McGuigan, enjoyed a successful amateur career, winning three domestic titles. However, aged 21 he decided a professional boxing career wasn’t for him and took the coaching route.
He worked with Carl Frampton when he turned pro in 2009, became his head trainer and went on to be one of the youngest coaches in boxing to win a world title as he guided “The Jackal” to WBA and IBF super-bantamweight titles and WBA featherweight titles.
It was his work with Frampton that put him on the map, and he became sought after for other fighters looking to gain titles, David Haye was one of those as he plotted a comeback at heavyweight.
Frampton went on to leave Shane, as well as his father, and Frampton’s manager, Barry and Cyclone Promotions to go it alone, and Haye followed suit after he lost to Tony Bellew.
Shane may have come under criticism following the two splits but Groves was quick to defend the young coach, enjoying the meticulous nature of the work he’s become known for.
Now, along with Groves, McGuigan guides Scotland’s WBC silver super-lightweight holder Josh Taylor who is continuing to impress. He faces Humberto Soto in Glasgow on March 3.
McGuigan’s 2017 proved tumultuous, with his camp suffering some significant losses, however if Groves were to beat Eubank Jr on Saturday those defeats will soon be forgotten.
