Chris Eubank Jr could conquer one of the world middleweight champions, says former opponent George Groves
"He's got a lot of world class attributes, it's just about getting them together and getting the game-plan right," George Groves gives his verdict on Chris Eubank Jr who returns against Anatoli Muratov on Saturday, live on Sky Sports
Thursday 30 September 2021 17:53, UK
The fearsome Gennadiy Golovkin is among Chris Eubank Jr's rivals, but the British contender is still capable of conquering a world champion, says George Groves.
Eubank Jr was defeated by Groves in their world title fight in 2018, but the 31-year-old contender can stay on course to challenge a middleweight champion if he overcomes Anatoli Muratov on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Golovkin is an intimidating title holder in a fiercely-contested division, but Groves says Eubank Jr has the ideal trainer in Roy Jones Jr and the right qualities to succeed at the highest level.
"Eubank is going to campaign at middleweight, where you've got Jermall Charlo, Erislandy Lara, Demetrius Andrade, Ryota Murata and Gennadiy Golovkin," said the Sky Sports expert.
"On his day, he can give all of them a run for their money. Andrade is a very skilful fighter, but Eubank is physically strong and if gets the right tactics, he can impose himself.
"Golovkin is one of the best middleweights of all time, but Eubank might be catching him at the right time?
"Charlo is a class act, but still yet to become No 1 as such.
"I think there's an opportunity there for Eubank Jr, if he gets it right. He's got a lot of world class attributes, it's just getting them together and getting the game-plan right."
Groves hopes that Eubank Jr will display refined skills, along with his relentless aggression, after training with boxing legend Jones Jr.
"Eubank has got a world-class engine, fantastic stamina and endurance," Groves told Sky Sports.
"He's got good strength, good punch power, and good hand speed. Lots of great fundamentals to work with.
"He punches neat and correct, Eubank, but maybe could add a bit of variety. An improvement could be the set-up to an exchange. Working off the jab and being able to create angles and punch off it.
"When you go to a coach like Jones, he has the first-hand experience to say, 'This is how I dealt with this fighter, these are the shots that I would look to get off.'
"Everyone has got to respect Roy Jones for his achievements."
After claiming a world title at the fourth attempt, Groves says he never lost faith in his own ability, and believes Eubank Jr will have a similar mindset.
"Eubank Jr can definitely win a world title. He backs himself and he's got the desire.
"I don't think Eubank Jr will be satisfied, if he doesn't finish his career without one of the four major world titles and I definitely think he's got a chance.
"As long as you've got unwavering self-belief, which I think he might have as well, and some real tough resilience, then your time will come.
"I'm sure it won't take him four attempts like me. I wish him well."
George Groves joins Carl Froch on Sky Sports team as Chris Eubank Jr returns on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
