WITH a fifth-round stoppage win over Andrea Di Luisa at the weekend, George Groves took the first steps on what he hopes is the path to a fourth world title shot.
It was also his first outing under new trainer Shane McGuigan, and the Londoner looked confident in dispatching his opponent.
Now, attention turns to where Groves will go next. He insists he wants the quickest route to a world title shot as possible and is also keen to keep busy.
Groves is currently ranked third in the world by the WBC, meaning he will likely be aiming at fighters also ranked with that governing body, however there are certainly interesting options elsewhere.
We’ve listed five fighters Groves could tangle with next. Click below to see the list.
5. Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr
The Mexican is by no means on a stellar run of form, having been upset by Andrzej Fonfara in April before laboring to a 10 round decision over Marcos Reyes three months later. However his exciting style, legendary lineage and the fact he’s a former world champion keep him relevant.
His weight has always been an issue, but it seems the 29-year-old is now set on operating at super-middleweight.
He’s certainly not shy when fighting and a clash with Groves would surely be explosive. Not only would it be a stern test for the Hammersmith man, but if he could claim Chavez’s scalp then Groves’ stock would rise considerably.
One stumbling block could be Badou Jack’s apparent plans to defend his WBC title against Chavez next.
4. Giovanni De Carolis
A revenge win over Vincent Feigenbutz in January earned De Carolis a watered down version of the WBA title, immediately making him an attractive target for 168lb contenders like Groves.
Although he wouldn’t be able to claim it as a legitimate world title, if Groves could relieve the Italian of his WBA strap it would become a significant bargaining chip for him.
Although his win over Feigenbutz was impressive – and many thought he won their first fight as well, despite Vincent getting the nod – De Carolis is by no means a world-beater and Groves would be favoured against him.
3. Anthony Dirrell
In a relative upset, Dirrell lost his WBC world title to Badou Jack last year. He returned with a shutout 10-round decision over Marco Antonio Rubio in September and has nothing scheduled next.
Although his style is not particularly eye-catching, Dirrell is effective and as a former world champion, would certainly be a good chance for Groves to prove his worth. Indeed he would be keen to better Jack’s performance – a close majority decision.
Dirrell sits in fourth place in the WBC rankings, one behind Groves, making it a seemingly natural fight for the governing body and both men.
2. Callum Smith
Groves has already expressed his outrage at Smith’s final eliminator with No 7 ranked Hadillah Mohoumadi on April 2 and insists it should be him fighting No 1 Smith for the chance to challenge Jack.
Given the state of the rankings, it’s a fair argument and you would struggle to find someone who would rather see Smith fight Mohoumadi than Groves.
Unbeaten in 18, the Liverpudlian is a fierce talent and dangerous puncher. Not only would it be a big domestic dust-up, but a fight between Groves and Smith would be two of the 168lb-division’s best and most exciting fighters going at it.
1. Martin Murray
Both men have stated their interest in facing each other and the fight looks like a no-brainer. While Murray failed three times for world honours at middleweight, and once at super-middle, Groves has also fallen short several times.
They now seem to be at the same stage of their respective careers – although Murray is a few years older so arguably closer to calling it a day – and are both popular, well-known British pugilists.
At this stage, it would be hard to confidently pick a winner and they’ve both been involved in some exciting fights, which bodes well for a potential showdown between them.
Groves’ promoters, the Sauerlands, have a good working relationship with Matchroom, who promote Murray, meaning a fight would be relatively easy to make.
It would also serve as an effective world title eliminator although Murray – apart from with the WBC – is not ranked highly by the sport’s governing bodies.
