Groves is the reigning WBA world super-middleweight champion, a title he won last year against Fedor Chudinov and successfully defended in the quarter-final against Jamie Cox.
Eubank Jr meanwhile holds the less recognised IBO belt on the weight division and is facing comfortably the biggest fight of his career in Groves.
The winner will face either Callum Smith or Jurgen Brahmer at the O2 Arena in the final in June – but getting through this fight will be no mean feat. Express Sport brings you all the latest action from Manchester.
- Main event ring walks due 10pm
- Former One Direction star Liam Payne spotted in audience
- Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew among high-profile boxing spectators
George Groves vs Chris Eubank Jr LIVE
10pm: Hatton, Fury, Bunce, all the Eubanks. It’s a who’s who or boxing superstars for the Wolrd Boxing Super Series. The light show has started, there is some dramatic music. Championship boxing is minutes away.
9.50pm: It’s big tune central in the Manchester Arena. That was one of the great renditions of Sweet Caroline. They’re now running through some great Madchester tunes and it’s going down a treat. What an atmosphere!
9.45pm: We have indeed gone the distance, and Walsh’s corner think they’ve won it for sure. That said, both men are being lifted up into the air and…it’s a draw! A three-way split with the judges and Walsh keeps the title – but I think we will see that one again.
9.30pm: Heading in to the championship rounds of the British featherweight title fight, our last of the night before the main event, and either man could take it. I reckon Isaac Lowe is yet to do enough to take the title off Ryan Walsh but he has marked up the champion – even if he doesn’t have the power to knock him out.
9pm: One hour to go, folks. Are you excited yet? I have been pretty much since this fight got confirmed by Groves’ win over Cox. At this point, I’m struggling to contain myself.
It’s been a really excellent build-up. For me, it’s been just the right mix of intensity, animosity and respect. Unsurprising, given these two are estimated to have shared around 300 rounds of sparring. Know each other? Yeah, they’ve met.
