Chris Eubank Jr last night vowed to send George Groves into retirement by beating him at the Manchester Arena.

The pair squared off for the final time at the weigh-in, where Eubank Jr, who left the scales as the marginally heavier of the two super middleweights, delivered some parting words to his opponent as the two stared down ahead of their World Boxing Super Series semi-final tonight.

Asked what he said to the man whose WBA title he hopes to secure this weekend, Eubank Jr replied: “I told him he’s not ready. George ain’t ready, I can see it in his eyes.

“He walked in with his shades on, he doesn’t want to be here, he wants to get put into retirement so that’s what we’re going to do on Saturday night, I’m taking that belt home.”

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There is only 18 months between the two fighters but Groves, 30 next month, has been involved in the more high-profile bouts, having fought James De Gale, Badou Jack and Carl Froch, twice, in the professional ranks, and finally won a world title at the fourth attempt.

The second defence of his WBA crown comes against a British rival who is keen to step out of the shadow of his father, Chris Eubank, and establish his own legacy.

“This is the biggest fight of my career,” Eubank Jr added.

“I want this more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. George... we’re on different levels, different planes; he’s in a different stage of his life. He doesn’t realise the danger he’s in but he will find out on Saturday.

“I don’t think of retirement, retirement is not a word that even comes into my mind. I’ve got so much more to achieve in my career.

“I think this is George’s last little hurrah before he settles down, has his family and relaxes for the rest of his life. I’m going to help him on that path.”

Eubank Jr, whose father accompanied him on stage at the weigh-in, has been beaten just once in his career by Billy Joe Saunders in 2014 and bookmakers have installed him as the slight favourite against Groves.

The underdog admitted he was unperturbed by such odds and told those doubting him they would be proved wrong.

“I’ve been there before, there’s no problem whatsoever,” Groves said.

“I don’t try and work out why things happen the way they do these days. There’s no rhyme or reason - it must be people putting money on Eubank but, sadly, they’re going to lose it.

“I’ve been here, done this so many times now. I know what works for me and I’m winning so I’m good. I’m in the prime of my career, fighting better than ever. It’s just another fight.”