We have a final: Smith defeats Holzken to face Groves in Ali Trophy Final

We have a final: Smith defeats Holzken to face Groves in Ali Trophy Final

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.

Holzken, who showcased a big fighting heart, over the 12 rounds stated. “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.”

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

Written by
Daxx Khan has been a regular member of the Talkin Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio Show since 2011, throughout his over two decades involved with the sport of boxing he has owned his own gym, currently is a Coach with "Newburgh Hook Elite Boxing", has covered over 175 world title fights across the globe, worked for two sanctioning body organizations, written for multiple major sporting news outlets. The first world title fight he covered was in 1991 while still attending NYU when he accompanied boxing media Icon Bert Sugar to the "Terrible" Terry Norris versus "Sugar" Ray Leonard WBC Super Welterweight title fight which Norris won by wide unanimous decision. Daxx is also former USA Boxing Coach and representative for "The World Boxing Federation".

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