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Callum Smith happy to wait for injured George Groves

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Callum Smith insists he would rather wait for George Groves to recover from shoulder surgery than fight a replacement.

Callum Smith remains committed to fighting George Groves, even if it means waiting for his opponent to recover from an injured shoulder.

Groves confirmed on Monday he will have surgery after appearing to dislocate his shoulder in the final round of his unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr earlier this month.

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That win secured the WBA super-middleweight champion a place in the World Boxing Super Series final against Smith, who beat Nieky Holzken in Nuremberg last weekend.

The final was set to take place on June 2 but Groves has said he will apply for a one-month extension to allow him time to recover from his operation.

Smith told Sky Sports News on Wednesday: "He [Groves] had a good win and it is unfortunate that he injured his shoulder in the last round. We don't really know too much about it.

"He has had a minor operation on Monday and asked for an extension. He is the number one seed, he is the world champion so I think they will probably grant him it.

"I would rather wait a month and fight him for his world title than fight a replacement on June 2.

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George Groves celebrates his unanimous points win over Chris Eubank Jr in their World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight semi-final
Image: Groves holds his injured shoulder while celebrating victory over Chris Eubank Jr

"We will have to wait and see. I am ready to fight June 2 regardless of who is there.

"But, personally, I entered the tournament to become world champion and George entered the tournament as world champion and he is the person I would like to beat.

"I am in the final, I will be standing in the ring. Whoever is in the opposite corner, that is out of my hands."

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