George Groves has shoulder operation and will apply to have World Boxing Super Series final against Callum Smith put back to July
WBA super-middleweight champion confirms he is undergoing 'minor' surgery on shoulder injured in win over Chris Eubank Jr
GEORGE GROVES has confirmed he will undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured in the win over Chris Eubank Jr.
And the WBA super-middleweight champ will ask the World Boxing Super Series to put back his final against Callum Smith by one month to July.
Groves tweeted: "Morning boxing fans. This morning I go in for a minor operation on my injured shoulder.
"The good news is I’ll be fit to fight in the final in July. We will be applying to the @WBSuperSeries for a one month extension and are hopeful of securing this. #TeamSaintGG."
Groves dislocated his shoulder in a bloody battle against Eubank Jr earlier this month and had his left arm in a sling as he celebrated his points victory.
Saint George, 29, injured himself while throwing a jab.
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He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary moments after his win for emergency treatment.
Groves' showdown against Smith - who sealed his place in the final after beating Nieky Holzken - is due to take place on June 2.
SHOULDERING ON Horrific moment George Groves dislocates shoulder
Smith and his promoter Eddie Hearn have indicated they have no problem with waiting for Groves to recover.
And Groves told the he is confident of boxing chiefs agreeing to his request.
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He said: "I can't see how I'm not going to be able to box in the final, come what may.
"Realistically, if I asked them to push it back, it will be weeks, not months.
"And if I ask for an extension, I don't understand why they'd want to have a replacement [for me].
"This is the Ali Trophy, it has The Greatest's name on it, and I'm the No 1 with The Ring, and in the tournament.
"If I said I wanted six months out, fine, but it might be weeks."
Hearn commented: "I don't see George being ready for this on June 2. There's just not enough to get back into camp for that date, and use the arm again, and in our view the fight could be put back as late as August or September."