Heartbreak for the Saint

Undefeated British & Commonwealth Super-middleweight champion George ‘The Saint’ Groves has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled world title bout against WBO champion Robert Stieglitz on May 5th.

24 year-old Groves was set to travel to Germany to fight for a world title in only his 15th professional contest, but injury has ruled out him out of the fight.

"I am sorry to have to announce that I won’t be boxing on May 5", Groves said.

"I have picked up an injury in the build up to this fight. We tried to work through it but soon realised I wouldn’t be able to perform the training needed to prepare for this fight.

"After coming back to London immediately and seeking medical advice I hope that this problem will be sorted soon and will only be a short delay.

"I am truly sorry to everyone involved who will be affected by this. This is without doubt the toughest decision I have ever had to make, I am gutted but nothing worth having is given away.

"It has only made me more determined to achieve my goal of becoming world champion. Thanks to everyone again for their continued support in my journey."

It is hoped the bout will be rescheduled, with the Saint's Promoter Frank Warren saying, "I am bitterly disappointed for George as I was convinced he would have beaten Stieglitz and brought the WBO Super-Middleweight title back to it's spiritual home.

"Once George is fit a new date will be rescheduled as George is the mandatory challenger."

And that new date may be as soon as 10 weeks time, as trainer Adam Booth is hopeful his charge will be ready to fight within that period of time.

"We are still waiting for the official diagnosis from specialists", Booth said.

"George can train but he can't take part in full contact sparring.

"If everything goes as expected, he will be ready to fight in 10 weeks — possibly less.

"He will carry on with his intense fitness work when he returns to Cyprus."

Read George's Biography HERE and Fight History HERE

George 'The Saint' Groves

Undefeated British & Commonwealth Super-middleweight champion George ‘The Saint’ Groves...