Will George Groves be fit to face Callum Smith in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) super-middleweight final on July 14?

That’s the question boxing fans have been asking themselves for weeks now as the 30-year-old faces the very real prospect of being ruled out of the final, despite beating Chris Eubank Jr at the Manchester Arena back in February.

Recent reports claimed that WBSS bosses had run out of patience with Groves, who dislocated his shoulder in his last bout, and had decided to controversially call Eubank Jr back into the competition.

"We are waiting for the final discussions and reports from George before we know whether he will be able to make the timeline of the final,” promoter Kalle Sauerland told Sky Sports last week.

"The final will be before the summer break and not after.

“That's the tournament structure that has been in place since day one.

“We will stretch as far as we possibly can but the tournament structure will always be precedent. In 10 days we will make an announcement on whether George is in the final or not.”

New footage of Groves emerges

However, footage has emerged which suggests Groves is determined to make the final at the O2 Arena in just under two months’ time.

The 17-second video shows Groves working on pads with coach Shane McGuigan and looking in pretty decent condition.

Boxing fans are encouraged by the footage and believe the 28-3 fighter now stands an excellent chance of winning his race to be fit for the final.

After outclassing Eubank Jr, it only seems fair that Groves is allowed the opportunity to fight for the title.

Groves felt his left shoulder at the end

However, WBSS organisers are unlikely to postpone the date of the final.

Towards the end of the video, Groves can be seen testing his left shoulder, indicating that he’s still feeling some discomfort from it.

But you sense he would happily fight through the pain barrier if it meant being inside the ring on July 14.

By the way, full marks to anybody who noticed the backing track - the classic 1990s hit ‘Looking Back Over My Shoulder’ by Mike and The Mechanics - that must have been deliberate.