George Groves has sparked a war of words with Callum Smith by revealing he wasn't impressed with his soon to be World Boxing Super Series opponent.

The pair will meet in the super-middleweight final after Smith defeated Nieky Holzken on points in Nuremberg on Saturday.

The judges scored the bout 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111 in Smith's favour, meaning an anticipated bout with fellow Englishman Groves, who was ringside at the fight in Germany to see Smith gain the victory.

Groves, who himself reached the final of his weight division last Saturday, defeating Chris Eubank Jr on points in Manchester, is recovering from a dislocated shoulder that he suffered during his triumph.

And following on from Smith's victory, Groves was quick to dismiss the performance of his opponent, despite Smith coming out on top to set up a showdown in the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament. 

“To be honest, it wasn’t the best Callum Smith I’ve seen before,” said Groves, immediately after the fight.

"I thought he was a little flat, but I know he’s had an up-and-down week. He has prepared for another opponent. I’m sure for him tonight was about just going in and getting the job done, which he did. He won convincingly enough.

"But, you know, it’s exciting to see your opponent fight live. I cannot wait to get back in the gym and prepare for this final.”

It remains to be seen whether Groves will be fit for the bout, scheduled for June 2, following the injury that the 29-year-old picked up whilst on his way to beating Eubank Jr.

Groves told ITV: "I'm feeling very good. I've had MRI scans, we'll have follow-up appointments next week.

"I'm a fast healer, I have a great medical team and I'm willing to put my body on the line and do the rehab.

"I cannot wait to get back in the gym and prepare. It will be an explosive final, I don't expect it to go the distance, I'm confident of the win."