Groves Stops Outgunned Di Luisa In 5 

By Olly Campbell: George Groves, 22-3 (17), announced his intention to continue chasing that elusive super-middleweight world title Saturday, stopping outclassed Italian, Andrea Di Luisa inside five one-sided rounds at London’s Copper Box arena in London, for what amounted to a ’comeback-trail showcase’ under new trainer, Shane McGuigan.

Seemingly rejuvenated from last September’s 3rd world title disappointment at the hands of WBC champion, Badou Jack in Las Vegas, as well as the acrimonious split from former cornerman, Paddy Fitzpatrick that followed it, Groves walked into his headline slot sporting new, black ring attire, with McGuigan at his side and looking like a fighter who meant business.

Make no mistake, he was supposed to look good against the flat-footed Di Luisa, and he did, beginning the fight with authority from his customary crouch-like stance, firing a piston-like left jab up to the Italian’s head, bloodying him early, before then seeking to methodically target the body with solid punches. The gulf in class was quickly apparent for all to see, and in the 4th, a big right hand on the ropes from Groves buckled Di Luisa’s knees, however, referee Ian Jon Lewis then saw fit to administer a standing count only after seeming to initially hesitate.

In the 5th, and after continually being used as target practice, the Italian fighter seemed unwilling to commit any further, and after a solid left jab to the body was forced to take a knee as he was pushed back onto the ropes. Rising with a look of capitulation already etched upon his face, the end came moments later, as taking a knee once again from a Groves flurry, the busted-up Di Luisa’s corner saw fit to call time on the action, sending the towel into the ring to spare their fighter any more punishment.

Groves, visibly buoyed by his performance, will now look to his handlers at Sauerland to gradually steer him into position for a 4th world title challenge, with an intriguing potential clash with fellow Brit and multiple time world title challenger, Martin Murray first being mooted. Promising to now go away and work on gelling in his new surroundings at the McGuigan gym in London, the 27 year-old Groves was upbeat about the future, insisting he is ready for the biggest fights, which could also potentially include a huge domestic rematch with IBF champion James DeGale at some stage.

"I’ll fight anyone, take any opportunity," he said immediately post-fight. We’ve been working on some things and I’m sure doors will open up quickly. In the meantime, we’ll train more with Shane and gel more."

Other results
vacant WBA International middleweight title John Ryder w pts 12 Sergey Khomitsky
Commonwealth junior welterweight title John Wayne Hibbert w ko 12 Tommy Martin 137¼
WBC International Super Featherweight title Martin Joseph Ward w rtd 3 Mario Pisanti
Junior Welterweight title Ben Hall w tko 6 Kris Agyei-Dua
Super Middleweight Leon McKenzie w ko 1 Kelvin Young
Featherweight Reece Bellotti w rtd 7 Elvis Guillen
Lightweight Ohara Davies w tko 3 Prince Ofotsu
junior middleweight Ted Cheeseman w tko 4 Gergo Vari
Light Heavyweight Deion Jumah w pts 6 Colin Farricker
Super Bantamweight Lucien Reid w tko 1 David Kovacs
Super Middleweight Craig Richards w pts 4 Kieron Gray
Welterweight Louis Adolphe w pts 4 William Warburton

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January 30, 2016