• Super-middleweight

Groves eager to force Stieglitz into fight

ESPN staff
March 25, 2013
George Groves was far too classy for Baker Barakat © Getty Images
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George Groves is hopeful a win in his next fight in May will force WBO super-middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz into the ring with him.

Groves fought for the second time in a fortnight when taking care of Baker Barakat at Saturday.

It was a display that told nothing other than Groves was fit and well, but it kept him in the spotlight on the same night as Stieglitz was beating Arthur Abraham.

Groves will put his unbeaten record on the line on May 25 and he is hopeful that fight will tee him up for a shot at the champion.

"Come September I expect to be the mandatory challenger for the WBO title," Groves said.

"I've been knocking on the door for a while but once I am the No. 1 challenger someone will have to open it.

"My next fight in May should be an official eliminator to face Stieglitz.

"It seems the only way to get these guys to fight is to force the issue."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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