• George Groves v Paul Smith

Groves emulates Khan and Calzaghe with award win

ESPN staff
October 18, 2011
George Groves claimed a shock win over Olympic champion James DeGale in May © Getty Images
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George Groves has been named Young Boxer of the Year following his impressive - and unexpected - victory over James DeGale in May.

Groves began the British and Commonwealth title fight as the underdog, but a masterful display of back-foot boxing helped him defy the odds and triumph. In his only other bout of 2011, Groves stopped Daniel Adotey Allotey in the fourth round during March.

The 23-year-old, trained by Adam Booth, joins an illustrious list of former winners, including John Conteh, Barry McGuigan, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan.

"I can't wait to show my dad the list of previous winners," Groves said to the Times, having pipped second-placed Tyson Fury to the award. "It shows I am doing things the right way if I can get the respect of fans and writers, who watch more boxing than anyone and are the critics of our sport. It is an incredible honour for my name to be added to the names on the list."

Groves, who in August left David Haye's promotional stable to join up with Frank Warren, appreciates that he needs to be patient before going for a world title.

"There's a saying that I can't control the wind, all I can do is set the sails," Groves said. "I'd love to box for a world title next year, but I'm not going to predict that I will. I can only work hard in the gym and in my fights and hope that I get there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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