Callum Smith booked a place in the Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final after defeating Nieky Holzken on points in Nuremberg.The judges scored it 118-110 and 117-111 twice all in favour of the English WBC Diamond Champion. The Liverpudlian was due to fight German veteran Jurgen Braehmer but he was forced to pull out early in the week due to illness.
“I’m looking forward to the final,” Smith after his win. “Groves is the one everyone wants to beat. He’s the number one seed and it’s the fight I wanted,” said tournament 2nd seed.
Said Holzken, who showcased a big fighting heart, over the 12 rounds. “I thought it would be tougher, but he did a good job behind the jab. Congratulations to him, but I will be back!”
George Groves faced off with Smith immediately after the Liverpudlian’s win.
“I’ve had two great wins, this is the fight people want to see. I need to get in the ring and win the trophy,” said Groves. “It’s exciting to see your opponent fight live – I can’t wait to get back into the gym. It will be an explosive final. I don’t expect it to go the distance – I’m confident, of course.”
Photo credit: World Boxing Super Series.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:
27/01/2018 Cruiserweight Semi-Final:
Aleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis (WBO World & WBC World) – Usyk won MD
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia
03/02/18 Cruiserweight Semi-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Yunier Dorticos (IBF World & WBA World) – Gassiev won TKO12
Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia
17/02/18 Super Middleweight Semi-Final:
George Groves vs. Chris Eubank Jr (WBA Super World & IBO World) – Groves won UD
Manchester Arena, Manchester, UK
24/02/18 Super Middleweight Semi-Final:
Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken (WBC Diamond Belt) – Smith won UD
Arena Nürnberger Versicherung, Nuremberg, Germany