TRAINER John Costello is confident Jamie Cox will become world champion by dethroning George Groves when they go head-to-head at Wembley’s SSE Arena tonight.

The Swindon fighter will be the first challenger for Groves’ WBA Super super-middleweight belt, the Londoner opting for the unbeaten Wiltshire man as his opening opponent in the World Boxing Super Series tournament.

The winner will also have the chance to claim the IBO super-middleweight strap in a bout with Chris Eubank Jr in the last four of the World Boxing Super Series, which sees eight fighters contesting the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Cox himself is undefeated in 24 professional contests, although this will be his first world title shot. But Costello believes his is more than capable of seeing off Groves, revealing his man has a renewed sense of motivation going into the bout.

“I’m confident he can beat George Groves because I know his ability,” said Costello. “I know for the last so many fights, he has just been turning up because he has nothing to get up for.

“Since he signed (for the World Boxing Super Series) he’s had a new lease of life. Before he was turning up because there was nothing on the end of any fight for him.

“Jamie didn’t know what he was going for, he just wanted to be in fights that he could get up for.”

Groves, who previously dismissed his opponent’s chances due to the size difference, received something of a surprise at yesterday’s weigh-in in London when Cox scaled the heavier of the two at 76.1kg, Groves coming in at 75.8 kg.

Speaking after the weigh-in, the Swindon star said: “I’m feeling nice and relaxed. I’ve got my team, my friends, my family and fans here, I’m ready to go,” he said.

“I’ve worked hard for this, when I looked into his (Groves’) eyes I saw a scared man.

“This is obviously the first time I have fought for a world title but I’ve trained hard for this and I’m ready for the occasion. I predict a great, great win.”

Eubank Jr, who earned his series semi-final spot when he knocked out Avni Yildirim in Stuttgart last weekend, believes he will be facing Groves in the last four.

“Nothing is certain, anything can happen in boxing, but I want George Groves to win,’’ he said.

“We have a history and this is the fight the public has demanded for many years, so hopefully, he gets through the fight and then we can get in the ring in January.

“I am not a betting man, but if I had to put money on one I’d say George because of his experience.

“Cox is unknown, he is green. I’ll give George the edge of the fight.’’

News & reaction from Groves versus Cox at swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport tonight and in Monday’s Swindon Advertiser