Wednesday 11 October 2017 22:06, UK
George Groves insists he has not looked past British rival Jamie Cox ahead of Saturday night's World Boxing Super Series quarter-final clash.
Groves makes the first defence of his WBA world super-middleweight title when he meets undefeated Jamie Cox at Wembley Arena this weekend and is confident he is fully focused on the task ahead.
"I haven't for a second looked past Jamie Cox - I know what he's about. I know what he can bring. I know that maybe so far we haven't seen the best of Jamie," Groves said.
"He has fought nowhere near the level I have. He hasn't boxed on the big stage, he hasn't fought the big names, and he hasn't been in the big world title fights so he's going to have to take a giant leap on Saturday night."
Chris Eubank Jr awaits the winner in the semi-final of the knockout tournament early next year but Groves admits he's solely fixed on Cox and is aware of his ability to step up despite his lack of main-event experience.
"It's a huge step up for him," added the 29-year-old.
"Jamie's never performed as a professional. He's had a stop-start career - he's never progressed. When he has boxed a lower level, he has dropped to that level. Maybe he's the type of fighter who rises to the occasion."
Swindon southpaw Cox has not yet encountered the world stage but believes he has all of the attributes to trouble Groves and progress towards lifting the Muhammad Ali trophy in 2018.
"I've trained harder than I ever have. Preparation has gone very well," said Cox.
"It's a big fight and a great tournament and to win the Muhammad Ali trophy would be a great thing to do.
"In boxing, people see it as much closer but for the armchair fans, it may spin a few heads."
