Monday 4 April 2016 20:23, UK
George Groves says he would jump at the chance to fight Callum Smith - because he fights best as the underdog.
Groves takes on Scotland's David Brophy on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's IBF heavyweight championship fight against Charles Martin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, but after watching Smith blast his way into world title contention by stopping Hadillah Mohoumadi inside a round last weekend, Groves is already thinking of a potential late summer match-up.
"He boxed excellently," Groves told Sky Sports News HQ. "Mohoumadi is tough and durable and reckless, he didn't give Smith any respect and Smith caught him early.
"He's got power and knows how to finish the job, It's hard to gauge the performance from a first round, but he boxed really well, so take nothing away from him and if there is a possibility of taking that fight, then 100 per cent I'll take it.
"He's got tremendous momentum at the moment. A Smith fight would be great for me because everyone's behind him and I would be the underdog and the away fighter and that's usually where I thrive."
Groves must do the job against the unbeaten Brophy before any clash with Smith can be considered and Brophy has spoken of not allowing Groves to use him as a "stepping stone", but the three-time world title challenger is confident he will be too good on at the O2 Arena.
"It's lovely to be back boxing in London and part of a big card. It's great to be in with an unbeaten British prospect," he added.
"He's going to have to step up. He's never boxed anyone who is at my level, but he's young, he's hungry, he speaks well and seems like a really nice guy and this is his chance so I'm expecting the best Brophy there is.
"I don't think it's going to be enough. I'm expecting a really good performance. We've had great sparring, great training, good camp, the pressure's off me and that's when fighters usually perform at their best. I'm sure you'll see the best of me on Saturday night."
George Groves v David Brophy is part of Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua, live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Available to order online.
