George Groves criticises UK boxing for neglecting new talent in Hammersmith
Former WBA super-middleweight champion says broadcasters and promoters fail to support emerging British fighters
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A former world champion boxer from Hammersmith has accused UK promoters and broadcasters of failing to support new talent in professional boxing. George Groves, who held the WBA super-middleweight title from 2017 to 2018, said the sport has lost its excitement because emerging fighters are not given enough opportunities.
Groves, now retired and working as a pundit and coach, made the comments while representing betting firm Betselect.co.uk. He argued that the focus on heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has left a gap in the sport, with younger British fighters struggling to break through.
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Criticism of Joshua and Fury performances
Both Joshua and Fury fought separately over the weekend, ahead of their highly anticipated rematch later this year. Fury defeated Mariusz Wach in Thailand on 26 July, while Joshua overcame Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on the same night. Neither fight impressed Groves.
Groves described Joshua’s performance against Prenga as "worrying" and called it "a strange one". He was equally dismissive of Fury’s bout with Wach, comparing it to "two old men having a scrap". The Hammersmith-based fighter questioned whether either boxer should still be competing professionally.
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Influential people in boxing, like promoter Eddie Hearn, will tell you Joshua vs Fury will be the biggest fight in boxing history. Meanwhile the rest of us are left scratching our heads thinking the two of them shouldn’t even be boxing anymore.
George Groves, former WBA super-middleweight champion
Calls for broader support of British talent
Groves pointed to Commonwealth heavyweight champion Moses Ituama and welterweight contender Conor Benn as examples of fighters who deserve more exposure. He said broadcasters must take responsibility for giving them the platform they need to succeed.
Earlier this year, Sky Sports signed an exclusive deal with Zuffa Boxing, the promotional company founded by UFC CEO Dana White. The agreement makes Sky Sports the sole UK and Irish broadcaster for all Zuffa boxing events. Groves welcomed the move but cautioned that it would take time for the partnership to deliver results.
He noted that White’s background in mixed martial arts, rather than boxing, could slow the transition. "Dana White is from UFC, which is a totally different sport altogether to boxing," Groves said. "This deal with Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing could be really exciting, but it’s going to take some time for Zuffa to find its feet."
Groves’ career and retirement
During his professional career, Groves held multiple super-middleweight titles, including the European, British, and Commonwealth belts between 2010 and 2014. In 2018, he defeated Chris Eubank Jr to win the IBO super-middleweight title in the World Boxing Super Series final.
He announced his retirement from boxing in 2019 and has since worked as a pundit and coach. His comments come as the sport prepares for the long-awaited rematch between Joshua and Fury, though no official date or location has been confirmed.
What happens next
The Joshua vs Fury rematch is expected to take place later this year, though details remain unconfirmed. Sky Sports’ deal with Zuffa Boxing will continue to roll out, with the broadcaster yet to announce its first major event under the new partnership. Groves’ remarks highlight ongoing debates about the direction of British boxing and the need for greater investment in emerging talent.
Questions this report answers
+What did George Groves say about UK boxing?
Groves said UK promoters and broadcasters neglect emerging talent, leaving a vacuum after the heavyweight era of Joshua and Fury. He criticised recent performances by both fighters and called for more support for younger British boxers like Moses Ituama and Conor Benn.
+Why does George Groves think British boxing lacks excitement?
Groves believes the sport has become too focused on heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, while younger fighters are ignored. He argued that broadcasters and promoters must do more to platform new talent, rather than relying on established names.
+What is the Sky Sports deal with Zuffa Boxing?
Sky Sports signed an exclusive UK and Irish deal with Zuffa Boxing, founded by UFC CEO Dana White. The partnership will broadcast all Zuffa boxing events, though Groves warned it will take time for the collaboration to produce noticeable changes in the sport.
+When is the Joshua vs Fury rematch happening?
The rematch is expected later this year, but no official date or location has been confirmed. Both fighters competed separately in July, with Fury beating Mariusz Wach and Joshua defeating Kristian Prenga, though neither performance impressed Groves.
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