Hammersmith's ''Saint'' George Groves defends his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Liverpool's Paul ''Smigga'' Smith at the Wembley Arena in London on Saturday night. 23-year-old Groves (13-0, 10 KOs) has become one of the most high-profile boxers in Britain, despite taking part in only 13 bouts. His victory over fellow prospect James DeGale in May of this year proved that Groves can box as well as brawl, and he will need a combination of both if he is to get the better of Smith, a former British super middleweight champion and WBO no.3 contender determined to get back to the top.

Groves versus Smith will be shown live on BoxNation (Sky 456), the action starts at 6 p.m.

Two-time ABA champion Groves turned professional in November 2008 under the now defunct Hayemaker promotional banner. Coached by Adam Booth, the man who guided David Haye to world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight, Groves soon established himself as an exciting, all action fighter. After eight easy victories, Groves had a step up in class when he fought Charles Adamu for the Commonwealth super middleweight title, winning in six rounds. 

There was concern as to how easily Groves could be hit in his next fight against Mexican Alfredo Contreras on the Juan Manuel Marquez v Juan Diaz undercard at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas in July 2010. Groves seemed determined to ape the style of David Haye - carrying his left hand low with his right hand cocked to fire. At times Groves seemed wide open to Contreras's counter rights, even though he eventually stopped the Mexican in the sixth round. 

Those defensive frailties saw Groves almost come a cropper in his next fight, having to climb off the canvas in the fourth round and survive several thunderous right hands to the jaw courtesy of Scotland's undefeated Kenny Anderson, before finding a big right-hand of his own in the sixth round to win the fight.

Not surprisingly, Groves was a clear underdog when he signed to fight his former amateur stablemate and rival James DeGale in May. The 2008 middleweight gold medalist had captured the British title in only his ninth fight, impressively stopping world ranked Paul Smith in the ninth round. DeGale was considered a class above Groves as professional, and his smooth boxing – counterpunching style was seemingly the perfect foil for Groves' all action, gung-ho approach to boxing.

Groves had defeated DeGale in the amateurs, and when the two met at the O2 Arena in May, Groves trainer Adam Booth reverted  his style back to that of his amateur days. The brawler became a classy boxer - if only for one night - and the result befuddled DeGale, who was suddenly forced to change his tactics and become the aggressor. 

Groves won a close majority decision, and proved that he had the ability to adjust his style to suit his opponent. It remains to be seen whether he will choose to box clever or trade punches with Smith at Wembley on Saturday.

29-year-old Paul Smith (31-2, 17 KOs) is out to prove that it is he, not James DeGale or George Groves that is the best super middleweight in Britain today. Smith believes that he went into the fight with DeGale last December under-prepared after a nine-month layoff. He has since employed the services of Joe Gallagher, one of Britain's best young trainers and the man behind the success of John Murray, Matthew Macklin, Scott Quigg and Anthony Crolla amongst others.

Smith told the Liverpool Echo: ''I feel a lot more mature, especially since I moved to Joe and feel I'm a hell of a lot better fighter.''

Smith was a pretty good fighter prior to joining up with Gallagher. He was a National Amateur Champion who won a silver medal in the 2002 Commonwealth games in Manchester, losing to future WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal by just two points in the final. 

After turning professional with Britain's top promoter Frank Warren in 2003, Smith was undefeated in his first 23 fights before dropping a decision to Steven Bendall in a British middleweight title eliminator in June 2008.

Smith decided to move up to 168 lbs and within a year challenged fellow scouser Tony Quigley for the British super middleweight title, winning a split decision at the Echo Arena in Liverpool in a hard fight. 

In March 2010, Smith defended his title against another scouser, former champion Tony Dodson. Once again the fight was held at the Echo Arena and once again it was a war, but Smith proved he was the best super middleweight in Liverpool by winning a unanimous decision. Smith sustained severe cuts in the fight against Dodson which led to his enforced nine-month layoff prior to his fight with DeGale. 

Fear of the cuts reopening led to a limit in the amount of sparring Smith could do in the lead up to the fight, and this lack of  preparation may have cost him dearly. Smith looked rusty and off the pace against DeGale, and was beaten easily in nine rounds.

Under Gallagher's tutelage, Smith has got back into the winning column with a pair of first round knockouts this year. He is raring to go, and 100% positive as to his chances of victory on Saturday night: ''Styles win fights and I know I have the style to beat him.'' said Smith. ''He leaves himself open. I feel he is an overrated fighter who had a one-off performance against DeGale.''

Had neither man fought James DeGale, Smith would be the clear favorite to win this fight, and Groves would be deemed too raw and inexperienced. However the unavoidable fact is that DeGale beat Smith easily, but was himself subsequently defeated by Groves. Because of this the Londoner will enter the ring a heavy bookies favorite.

However, if Smith boxes to its full capacity, and stays focused on the game plan laid out by Joe Gallagher, he is more than capable of derailing the progress of Groves. 

But of course, Groves has his own master tactician in Adam Booth, the genius behind his victory over DeGale. This fight may well turn out to be a chess match masterminded by two trainers at the top of their games, and played out by two boxers possibly at the peak of their powers.

It is almost a pick'em fight, but I feel the edge must go to the bigger, unbeaten Groves. Although both men are listed as 5'11", Groves looks in reality a good 2 inches taller than Smith, will have a similar advantage in reach, and will be heavier on the night.

Smith can still make middleweight, but Groves will be a light heavyweight by the time he hits his mid-twenties. 

If DeGale could hurt Smith with his punches, then so will Groves, and I therefore see the Londoner winning either by a late stoppage or a unanimous points decision.

Big Fight Odds; George Groves 1/7, Paul Smith 4/1 bet365