George Groves (boxer)
| George Groves | |
|---|---|
 Groves in 2011 | |
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Saint George |
| Rated at | Super-middleweight |
| Height | 5 ft 11 1⁄2 in (182 cm) |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Nationality | British |
| Born |
26 March 1988 Hammersmith, West London, England |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 28 |
| Wins | 25 |
| Wins by KO | 18 |
| Losses | 3 |
George Groves (born 26 March 1988) is a British professional boxer. He has held multiple regional super-middleweight championships, including the Commonwealth title from 2010 to 2013; the British title from 2011 to 2012; and the European title in 2014, as well as having challenged three times for a world title between 2013 and 2015. As an amateur, Groves won the ABA middleweight title twice, in 2007 and 2008.
Amateur career
Groves generally fought in the 75 kilograms (165 lb) division as an amateur and won the Senior ABA championship for his weight in 2006 and 2007.[1] He also fought in championships around the world and won medals in places such as Russia, Estonia, Bosnia, Morocco and the United States.[2] In 2006, he defeated future Olympic and world champion James DeGale and compiled a total amateur record of 66 wins out of 76 fights with 40 stoppage victories.[3]
Professional career
Early career
Groves turned professional on 15 November 2008 and joined the Hayemaker Promotions stable. His first fight as a professional took place in November 2008 at The O2 Arena, on the undercard of David Haye's win over Monte Barrett with a six round win over Kirill Pshonko.[4] His next outing in February 2009, saw him score a third round stoppage over Romaric Hignard in a fight at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. He followed the victory up in March defeating Paul Samuels at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, and in April travelled to Belfast to dispose of Sandor Polgar.[5]
In September 2009, following the collapse of Hayemaker's television deal with Setanta Sports, Groves along with Olympic bronze medalist David Price signed a promotional deal with veteran boxing promoter Frank Maloney who described Groves as "one of the world's best prospects". Despite signing for Maloney however, Groves would continue to be managed and trained by Hayemaker's Adam Booth.[6] On 7 November 2009, following two more professional outings, Groves travelled to Germany and fought on the undercard of stablemate David Haye's WBA title win against Nikolai Valuev, defeating experienced the Konstantin Makhankov in his first fight over eight rounds.[7]
British and Commonwealth champion
Groves' first title opportunity came on 3 April 2010, as part of the undercard of David Haye's first title defence against John Ruiz at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Groves, in only his ninth fight, defeated Charles Adamu via TKO to win the Commonwealth super-middleweight title. Groves had dominated the fight, knocking Adamu down once in the first and twice in the fourth before the referee stepped in with nine seconds remaining in the sixth.[8] Groves followed up the win by travelling to Las Vegas in order to gain some higher-profile experience and to fight on the undercard of Marquez-Diaz II on 31 July 2010. Groves' opponent, Alfredo Contreras, had a record of eleven wins and seven losses going into the fight, but nonetheless represented a higher level of international journeyman than those Groves had already beaten. The fight was stopped in the sixth round after the referee decided that Contreras was not sufficiently answering back with punches.[9]
On 13 November 2010, Groves made the first defence of his title beating former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Kenny Anderson in the sixth round. The fight, on the undercard of David Haye's world title clash with Audley Harrison at the MEN Arena, resulted in a career first knockdown for Groves as he endured his toughest fight to date.[10] On 5 March 2011, Groves defeated Daniel Adotey Allotey at the Huddersfield Leisure Centre, winning by stoppage in the fourth round of what was an eight-round non-title fight. Following the bout Groves said that the fight had been preparation for a potential future clash with British champion and old foe James DeGale, a fight he predicted that he would win. He said "Whether it comes by knockout or points, I don't really care. He knows that I've got his number and he's going to struggle to sleep in the preparation for this fight because he is going to have to be on his brain all the time."[11]
Groves vs. DeGale
On 21 May 2011 at the O2 Arena in London, Groves and DeGale met in a highly anticipated grudge match for the Commonwealth and British super-middleweight titles. Groves was declared the winner by majority decision after twelve closely fought rounds. Two judges scored the fight 115–114 in favour of Groves, with another scoring the fight even at 115–115.[12]
Changing promoter
A rematch between DeGale and Groves became a possibility when Frank Warren, DeGale's promoter, announced that he had signed Groves to his stable on a three-year deal. Warren said, "It is an obvious fight that will definitely happen again", adding "The last fight was very close and a few observers felt that it could have gone either way".[13] Despite leaving the Hayemaker promotional stable, Groves' manager and trainer Adam Booth announced that the decision to join Frank Warren was in the best interests of Groves' career.[13]
Groves vs. Paul Smith
In his first fight with Warren on 5 November 2011, Groves beat former British champion Paul Smith in two rounds at the Wembley Arena in London to retain his British and Commonwealth titles.[14]
Groves vs. Johnson
After nine months out, Groves returned to the ring in July 2012 knocking out Mexican boxer Francisco Sierra in 2 rounds.[15] In December, Groves fought veteran former world champion Glen Johnson at the ExCel Arena. At the time of the fight, Johnson was 19 years older than Groves. Groves knocked Johnson down in the twelfth round, though Johnson appeared to fall more from being off balance. Groves won a lopsided decision after 12 rounds when the judges scored it (120-107, 120-107 & 119-109). Groves won 35 of 36 scored rounds on the three judges scorecards, gave Johnson a bad beating in the seventh round but the fight was not stopped though it could have been.[16]
Groves fought twice in March 2013. He first knocked out Dario German Balmaceda in round 3 in London, before travelling to Germany two weeks later to stop Baker Barakat in two rounds.
In May, Groves defeated 34 year old Noe Gonzalez Alcoba (30-2, 22 KOs) at the O2 Arena on the undercard of the Froch-Kessler rematch.[17] By doing so, he claimed the vacant WBA Inter-Continental super middleweight title. Groves landed a right hand in the opening minute of the fifth round which caught Noe Gonzalez coming forward and sent him down for a count of five. Gonzalez made it to his feet, but Gonzalez stood on shaky legs as the referee waved an end to the bout. Gonzalez's corner threw in the towel almost simultaneously with the referee's stoppage.[18]
World title challenges
Groves vs. Froch
In mid-2013 the IBF installed Groves as the mandatory challenger to titleholder Carl Froch, with a bout between them taking place on 23 November 2013 at the Phones4u Arena in Manchester; both Froch's IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles were on the line.[19] On 17 September, Groves parted ways with trainer Adam Booth.[20] In the fight, Froch stopped Groves in the ninth round amidst controversial circumstances. Groves was ahead on all three judges' scorecards, having dropped the champion in the first round with a hard counter right hand. Many observers at ringside, including fellow boxers David Haye and Amir Khan, remarked that referee Howard Foster had stepped in too quickly during an exchange in which both fighters landed heavy punches. Given the controversial nature of the stoppage, there were immediate calls for a rematch.[21][22]
Groves vs. Froch II
A rematch between Groves and Froch took place on 31 May 2014 at Wembley Stadium on Sky Box Office.[23] Froch was quoted that the fight is what the "British public want to see" and that was his reason for taking the option to give Groves a rematch.[24] As in the first fight, Froch's IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles were on the line. Prior to the fight, Groves signed with German promoters Sauerland, on what has been described as "a long-term deal". In front of 80,000 at the stadium, Froch knocked out Groves in the eighth round, retaining his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles.[25]
Regaining composure
Groves started rebuilding towards another world title match following Froch's retirement. On 20 September, he won the European and vacant WBC silver super middleweight title after defeating French boxer Christopher Rebrassé via unanimous decision after 12 rounds. The scorecards were 118-110, 118-110, 117-111.
Two months later, Groves was back in the ring at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on the Bellew-Cleverly undercard. Groves knocked down American boxer Denis Douglin in round 7, winning the fight via TKO and also retaining the WBC Silver super middleweight title.[26]
Groves vs. Jack
On 12 September 2015, as part of the undercard to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Andre Berto, Groves faced reigning WBC super-middleweight champion Badou Jack. It was Groves' third fight in the US, as well as his third chance at a world title. Going into the fight, old foe James DeGale had voiced his support for Groves, as he himself had become IBF champion four months prior, and was looking forward to a potential rematch with world titles at stake. In the opening round, Jack scored a knockdown against Groves, but the latter was able to recover and rally back in what would become a competitive fight. At the end, the scorecards were split with 115–112 and 116–111 for Jack, and 114–113 for Groves.[27]
Rebuilding career
Following his third failed attempt at claiming a world title, Groves had to start over. On 30 January, 2015 Groves fought at the Copper Box in London against fringe Italian contender Andrea Di Luisa (18-3, 14 KOs). Di Luisa was down and given a count in the the 4th round and down again twice in the 5th round before the towel is thrown in from his corner resulting in a TKO victory for Groves.[28]
Groves returned to the O2 Arena for the first time since 2013, on the undercard of Martin-Joshua IBF title match on 9 April. Groves knocked out undefeated David Brophy in round 4. Groves won the vacant WBA international super-middleweight title. With this win, Groves hoped to land a fight with either Martin Murray or Callum Smith next.[29][30]
Groves vs. Murray
In May, it was announced that Groves would meet domestic rival and former four-time world title challenger Martin Murray in a WBA super middleweight title eliminator on 25 June at the O2 Arena on the Joshua-Breazeale undercard live on Sky Box Office. Both fighters were delighted that the fight was made. Murray made weight on second attempt.[31] After a long battle, Groves defeated Murray via a 12 round unanimous decision. The three judges scored the fight at 118-110, giving Murray only two rounds. Groves hurt Murray with big right hands in rounds 7, 9 and 12. Murray had Groves looking hurt in the 10th after hitting him with a left hook to the head. Both fighters looked tired and ragged in the 12th round. Their conditioning looked less than to be desired at that point in the fight.[32]
Groves vs. Gutknecht
On 18 November, Groves was set to defend his International title for a second time, this time against German boxer Eduard Gutknecht (30-4-1, 13 KOs). Gutknecht had previously challenged once for the world super middleweight title and once the world light heavyweight title. The fight took place at the Wembley Arena in London. In a one-sided fight, Groves defeated Gutknecht by 12 round unanimous decision title.The judges scored it (119-110, 119-109 and 119-109) all in favour of Groves. Groves showed good boxing skills in surviving an early attack from Gutknecht in the first three rounds. Groves had to take some hard power shots and jabs. In round 9, Gutknecht took a lot of heavy blows from Groves. At the end of the round, Gutknecht’s right eye was badly swollen and almost completely shut. Gutknecht was able to catch Groves with some hard jabs that got his attention in the 9th. Gutknecht was no longer throwing power shots, which at this point was what he needed to win the rounds. Gutknecht collapsed in the dressing room following the bout and was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for swelling to the brain.[33][34]
Professional boxing record
| Professional record summary | ||
| 28 fights | 25 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 18 | 2 |
| By decision | 7 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Win | 25–3 |  Eduard Gutknecht |
UD | 12 | 18 Nov 2016 |  Wembley Arena, London, England |
Retained WBA International super-middleweight title |
| 27 | Win | 24–3 | Martin Murray |
UD | 12 | 25 Jun 2016 | The O2 Arena, London, England |
Retained WBA International super-middleweight title |
| 26 | Win | 23–3 | David Brophy |
KO | 4 (12), 0:47 | 9 Apr 2016 | The O2 Arena, London, England |
Won vacant WBA International super-middleweight title |
| 25 | Win | 22–3 |  Andrea Di Luisa |
TKO | 5 (12), 1:55 | 30 Jan 2016 | Copper Box, London, England |
|
| 24 | Loss | 21–3 |  Badou Jack |
SD | 12 | 12 Sep 2015 |  MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US |
For WBC super-middleweight title |
| 23 | Win | 21–2 | Denis Douglin |
TKO | 7 (12), 2:54 | 22 Nov 2014 | Echo Arena, Liverpool, England |
Retained WBC Silver super-middleweight title |
| 22 | Win | 20–2 |  Christopher Rebrassé |
UD | 12 | 20 Sep 2014 | Wembley Arena, London, England |
Won European and vacant WBC Silver super-middleweight titles |
| 21 | Loss | 19–2 | Carl Froch |
KO | 8 (12), 2:34 | 31 May 2014 | Wembley Stadium, London, England |
For IBF and WBA (Regular) super-middleweight titles |
| 20 | Loss | 19–1 | Carl Froch |
TKO | 9 (12), 1:33 | 23 Nov 2013 | Phones4u Arena, Manchester, England |
For IBF and WBA (Regular) super-middleweight titles |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 |  Noé González Alcoba |
TKO | 5 (12), 0:51 | 25 May 2013 | The O2 Arena, London, England |
Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental super middleweight title |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Baker Barakat |
TKO | 2 (8), 2:20 | 23 Mar 2013 | GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany |
|
| 17 | Win | 17–0 |  Dario German Balmaceda |
TKO | 3 (10), 0:58 | 9 Mar 2013 | Wembley Arena, London, England |
|
| 16 | Win | 16–0 |  Glen Johnson |
UD | 12 | 15 Dec 2012 | ExCeL, London, England |
Retained Commonwealth super-middleweight title |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 |  Francisco Sierra |
TKO | 6 (10), 2:15 | 28 Jul 2012 | HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, US |
|
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Paul Smith |
TKO | 2 (12), 1:18 | 5 Nov 2011 | Wembley Arena, London, England |
Retained British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | James DeGale |
MD | 12 | 21 May 2011 | The O2 Arena, London, England |
Retained Commonwealth super-middleweight title; Won British super-middleweight title |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 |  Daniel Adotey Allotey |
TKO | 4 (8), 1:53 | 5 Mar 2011 | Leisure Centre, Huddersfield, England |
|
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Kenny Anderson |
TKO | 6 (12), 2:35 | 13 Nov 2010 | MEN Arena, Manchester, England |
Retained Commonwealth super-middleweight title |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Alfredo Contreras |
TKO | 6 (8), 0:48 | 31 Jul 2010 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US |
|
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Charles Adamu |
TKO | 6 (12), 2:51 | 3 Apr 2010 | MEN Arena, Manchester, England |
Won Commonwealth super-middleweight title |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 |  Grigor Sarohanian |
TKO | 3 (6) | 22 Jan 2010 | Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, England |
|
| 7 | Win | 7–0 |  Konstantin Makhankov |
UD | 8 | 7 Nov 2009 | Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany |
|
| 6 | Win | 6–0 |  Tadas Jonkus |
TKO | 4 (6), 1:49 | 16 Oct 2009 | Seaburn Centre, Sunderland, England |
|
| 5 | Win | 5–0 |  Martins Kukulis |
TKO | 5 (8), 2:50 | 4 Oct 2009 | York Hall, London, England |
|
| 4 | Win | 4–0 |  Sandor Polgar |
TKO | 1 (6), 1:54 | 25 Apr 2009 | Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
|
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Paul Samuels |
TKO | 1 (6), 2:31 | 28 Mar 2009 | Echo Arena, Liverpool, England |
|
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Romaric Hignard |
TKO | 3 (6), 1:48 | 1 Feb 2009 | York Hall, London, England |
|
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Kirilas Psonko |
PTS | 6 | 15 Nov 2008 | The O2 Arena, London, England |
Professional debut |
Titles in boxing
| Amateur titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous: James DeGale |
ABA middleweight champion 2007, 2008 |
Next: Hosea Burton |
| Regional titles | ||
| Preceded by Charles Adamu |
Commonwealth super-middleweight champion 3 April 2010 – 21 September 2013 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Rocky Fielding |
| Preceded by James DeGale |
British super-middleweight champion 21 May 2011 – 20 October 2012 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Kenny Anderson |
| Preceded by Christopher Rebrassé |
European super-middleweight champion 20 September 2014 – 3 November 2014 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Hadillah Mohoumadi |
| Vacant Title last held by James DeGale |
WBC Silver super-middleweight champion 20 September 2014 – 12 September 2015 Lost bid for world title |
Vacant Title next held by Callum Smith |
| Vacant Title last held by Frank Buglioni |
WBA International super-middleweight champion 9 April 2016 – present |
Incumbent |
References
- ↑ List of ABA champions 2000's. ABAE. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ ABAE | George Groves
- ↑ London middleweight George Groves will be watching the action from Beijing with a heavy heart, writes Tris Dixon. Boxing News. 8 August 2008
- ↑ Chaudry, Ziad (19 November 2008) George revelling in joy of six. Kilburn Times
- ↑ Groves destroys Polgar. Boxingnews24 (26 April 2009). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Groves signs with Maloney. Eastside Boxing. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ St. George does the business. The Sun (7 November 2009). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Groves takes super middleweight title. The Telegraph. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Groves marks american debut with win in Las Vegas. Sky Sports (1 August 2010). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Groves survives Anderson war. Sky Sports (17 November 2010). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Groves glides past Ghanain. Sky Sports (4 May 2011). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Hassan, Nabil. (21 May 2011) BBC Sport | George Groves stuns James DeGale to win British title. BBC News. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- 1 2 "George Groves and James DeGale set for rematch – Frank Warren". BBC Sport. BBC. 25 August 2011. Retrieved 2012-10-18.
- ↑ BBC Sport | George Groves stuns Paul Smith to retain titles. BBC News (5 November 2011). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ "George Groves Stops Francisco Sierra in Six". badlefthook. July 28, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves beats veteran Glen Johnson on points". BBC Boxing. December 15, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves handed South American Noe Gonzalez Alcoba in May". Sky Sports. May 8, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ↑ "Groves stops Gonzalez in the fifth as he moves towards first world title showdown". Daily Mail. May 25, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ↑ BBC Sport – Carl Froch to defend titles against George Groves. Bbc.co.uk (23 July 2013). Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Dooley, Terence (17 September 2013). "George Groves, Adam Booth Have Decided To Part Ways". BoxingScene. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Carl Froch retains titles with controversial stoppage win over George Groves. Sky Sports. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Carl Froch stops George Groves in ninth round with premature stoppage – Jeff Powell | Mail Online. Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved on 25 November 2013.
- ↑ Dirs, Ben (2014-03-04). "Carl Froch v George Groves: Wembley Stadium to host rematch". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
- ↑ "Carl Froch vs George Groves – The Rematch". What's Good?. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
- ↑ Dirs, Ben (2014-05-31). "Carl Froch knocks out George Groves to retain world titles". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 2014-06-01.
- ↑ "George Groves stops 'Momma's Boy' Denis Douglin to continue resurgence". www.theguardian.com. November 23, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ↑ Dielhenn, James (13 September 2015). "George Groves loses split decision to Badou Jack for WBC super-middleweight title". Sky Sports. Sky. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ↑ "George Groves defeats Andrea Di Luisa in round five as Brit returns with a bang". January 30, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves proved far too good for the previously unbeaten David Brophy at The O2". Sky Sports. April 10, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves to face unbeaten David Brophy on April". Sky Sports. March 17. 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ "George Groves vs Martin Murray on Anthony Joshua bill at The O2". Sky Sports. May 6, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves defeats Martin Murray on points". Sky Sports. June 26, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
- ↑ "George Groves retains title, opponent Eduard Gutknecht taken to hospital". BBC Sport. 2016-11-19. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Association, Press (2016-11-19). "Eduard Gutknecht undergoes surgery after George Groves fight". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2016-11-26.