George Groves hopes Stamford Bridge is stage for Chris Eubank Jr showdown
George Groves spoke of his desire to fight Chris Eubank Jnr at Stamford Bridge after setting up their World Boxing Super Series semi-final by stopping Jamie Cox.
Making the first defence of his WBA super-middleweight title at Wembley Arena, Groves clinically stopped his challenger in the fourth round with a powerful right to the body, and will next fight Eubank Jnr in January or February.
Eubank Jnr was ringside and afterwards joined Groves in the ring. Competition organisers Sauerland are exploring Stamford Bridge, Craven Cottage, Emirates Stadium, the Amex Stadium, London's 02 Arena and the Manchester Arena.
"We're looking at the Stamford Bridge fixture list, and the last week of January, when Chelsea are away, Kalle (Sauerland, his promoter) promised me we're going to fight there," joked Groves, 29 and a Chelsea supporter.
"It's definitely going to happen. Kalle's going to move the FA Cup fixtures, and make sure it's sunny that day.
"Eubank is a performer first, a fighter second; he's always aware of how he's being perceived. He will relish the big occasion; he was desperate to fight me because he knows it's a big fight.
"Whether it'll dawn later on that that pressure isn't easy to carry; it'll be great, fun, but not unique to me.
"I've been looking forward to the Eubank Jnr fight for quite a while. He's improved, but hasn't boxed anyone on my level, and if I box like I did (against Cox), he doesn't stand a chance. I boxed tremendously."
He was also asked if he was considering retiring in 2018, and responded: "I'll have a minimum of two more fights (until the end of the WBSS) and then we'll see what's next.
"There's definitely no thoughts of retirement: I'm not counting down the days. As soon as you start doing that, it's time to give it up. I've got some tasty fights coming up."
The timing of Groves-Eubank Jnr for early 2018 means an outdoor fight at a football stadium remains unlikely, but Sauerland said: "We're looking at venues: it's a tricky time. You can take that fight to any stadium in the country.
"It's January, February, and something you would do indoors, but we're looking at outdoors as well, a place that'd make it as accessible to as many people as possible. Unfortunately the UK doesn't have the biggest choice of indoor venues."
Cox, 31, was asked who he expected to win between Groves and Eubank Jnr, and he responded: "George Groves. He's got a very good brain, is capable with his power. He boxed very smart."
His trainer John Costello said: "For 10-and-a-half weeks, I said 'Jamie, if you miss with the left hand, George's reaction shot is the right uppercut'. We spoke about it for 10-and-a-half-weeks; Jamie's failure's my failure."