George Groves vs. David Brophy: Fight Time, Date, TV Info and Preview

George Groves has the chance to pick up a title when he faces David Brophy on Saturday—but it isn't the belt he really wants.

Saint George (22-3, 17 KOs) can claim the vacant WBA International super middleweight strap at the O2 Arena in London.

However, the 28-year-old will see the fight as a stepping stone towards a fourth shot at one of the world champions at 168 pounds. He hopes the next attempt will prove more successful than the previous three.

Brophy, though, should not be underestimated. The Scotsman (16-0-1, 1 KO) is determined to seize his chance on a card that also includes British world champions Jamie McDonnell and Lee Selby.

The main event, though, is the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and IBF world champion Charles Martin.

When: Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET)

Where: 02 Arena, London

TV: Sky Sports Box Office (UK—pay-per-view channel)

Stagnant Saint

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

In his blog for Sky Sports, Paul Smith—a former Groves opponent—said: "I wouldn't say George has stagnated in his career. I just don't think he's looked as good recently as he did in the first fight against Carl Froch."

Smith makes a valid point about Groves, whose only three losses as a pro have been in world-title fights.

The Englishman may be 28, but he cannot continuously bounce back from disappointing defeats. His response to losing to Badou Jack last September was to part ways with trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

It is still early days in his partnership with new cornerman Shane McGuigan—Saturday will be only their second bout working together.

Groves, who dismantled Andrea Di Luisa in January 2016, is still adjusting to life under McGuigan, telling Declan Warrington of PA Sport (h/t the Daily Mail):

"

Shane's training style complements my fighting style, it takes adjustments to work with a new person, there was an adjustment in the training cycles for me for that first fight, it was taking me a little bit longer to recover from sessions whereas now it's full steam ahead. I do a lot more punching now with Shane than I used to, and I'm getting the benefits of that.

"

Brophy will hopefully put up more of a challenge than Groves' last opponent, but the fight is about more than just the result for the latter.

On May 31, it will be two years since Groves was stopped by Carl Froch in their rematch. It is time he was known for something other than getting knocked out in front of 80,000 at Wembley Stadium.

Leap of Faith

Opportunity knocks for Brophy, a 25-year-old who was making steady progress in the paid ranks before being offered a shot at Groves.

Considering only two of his previous 17 opponents boasted a winning record (Alistair Warren and Tobias Webb, in case you're wondering), it is no wonder Brophy is a 10-to-1 shot, per Odds Shark.

He will step into the ring to face a man who has recorded a win over reigning IBF champion James DeGale in the paid ranks, as well as previously holding the British, Commonwealth and European titles.

Forget about taking a step up, this is a giant leap into the unknown.

Brophy understands he has been booked to make Groves look good. However, he feels positive he can spring a surprise in the English capital, telling Matchroom Boxing's official website:

"

George is a good fighter and I know that, but I am more than prepared for this step up and I will give it everything I have got. I feel really confident and I would have taken the fight if I wasn’t. I’m not here to make up numbers and that’s the first mistake that anybody will make. I’m coming to London to land a big win.

I expect George to be fast and to try and do a job on me. I feel as if he is going to have a big fight in the summer, and whatever that is I think they will be treating me as a stepping stone and that is even better for me because I don’t mind going into somebody’s back garden either.

"

According to Sky Sports' Ed Robinson on Twitter, Brophy looks in excellent shape for what is easily the biggest fight of his career to date:

Being physically fit is one thing, but the underdog has never faced someone of Groves' ability.

Still, even in defeat, Brophy can enhance his reputation by putting in a performance that catches the eye.

Prediction

Brophy may be unbeaten, but his record of one knockout win in 17 fights hardly suggests he has the power to cause a huge upset.

It is difficult to see how the Scot has any hope of winning on points, unless his rival has an absolute stinker and one of the judges happens to be Mr. Magoo (don't rule that last idea out).

Instead, all signs point to Groves recording a stoppage victory in the second half of a one-sided bout.