Fresh off pulling off an upset title win, Sweden’s Badou Jack – 19-1-1, 12 KOs – will make his first title defense a stacked card featuring three title fights and his training partner, the legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. The newly crowned champ will face England’s George Grove – 21-2, 16 KOs – a mandatory challenger on a two fight win streak.
CURRENT ODDS
Our online boxing odds currently list Groves as the slight favorite, with a -140 money line. Though Jack is the defending champion, he’s a small underdog at +120. The total on rounds for this 12-round bout will likely be set at 11.5 rounds, with the over going into chalk territory. Make sure to check back in on fight night for the latest prop bets, such as which round the fight will end and more.
THE LEAD-IN
Jack vs. Groves was originally scheduled to headline an August 22 Showtime Card, but the bout was moved to further bolster Mayweather’s undercard.
"I'm very excited, and I'm preparing for the toughest fight of my career against George Groves," Jack said. "I always go into a fight with an underdog mentality, even as champion. It feels great to be defending in my adopted hometown of Las Vegas. My promoter, Floyd Mayweather, has had my back during the ups and downs of my career, and I want to make him and the whole Mayweather Promotions team proud on Sept. 12."
Since losing to fellow Brit Carl Froch in two consecutive world title bouts, Groves has bounced back with two straight wins.
"I have been fortunate enough to experience some of the greatest feelings the sport can give," Groves said. "I have challenged for world titles, and I have sold out stadiums, but my true childhood dream of winning a world title is yet to be fulfilled. I get that chance on the Las Vegas Strip -- the crème de la crème for any fighter on the planet. I cannot wait to achieve my goal and become world champion.”
"Badou Jack isn't 'bad' enough to halt my dream," he continued. "His WBC belt is all that is on my mind each and every waking moment. We have studied Jack. We are prepared for his strengths and ready to expose his weaknesses. Vegas is my second home, and I can't wait to come back with a bang."
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Honestly, I think Jack should be favored in this bout. By the time that Groves steps into the ring, it will have been 10 months since he last fought. What’s more, since losing to Froch, both of his opponents have been walkovers and he hasn’t looked great in either of those matches.
Jack is a bad matchup for Groves. Since training with Mayweather, his power has improved considerably and his pressure style can give a guy like Groves some real problems. The pick is Jack to keep his belt by unanimous decision.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Badou Jack vs. George Groves boxing odds, money lines, over/unders and prop bets. The fight takes place Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Live coverage of the undercard starts on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on pay-per-view beginning 9 p.m. ET.
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy.
