• George Groves v Paul Smith

Groves not ready for world title fight

ESPN staff
November 6, 2011
George Groves defended his titles in emphatic fashion © Getty Images
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George Groves insists he is not ready for a world title shot after stopping Paul Smith in emphatic fashion to defend his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight belts.

Groves extended his unbeaten record to 14 wins after he claimed an 11th career knockout as he blew away the challenge of Smith inside two rounds at Wembley Arena.

The 23-year-old admits a world title shot is on the cards, but the Londoner believes improvements must be made before he is ready to take on the best fighters in the world.

"I have cleaned up the domestic level but I'm not ready for world level fights," he said. "It's up to me to improve. It [a title shot] is going to come sooner rather than later.

"I want to chip up that ladder towards world titles but I need to make more improvements. I would like to think I can go all the way to be a great fighter. I plan to get to the top and stay at the top.

"I'm fortunate enough to be in an exciting division. Super-middleweight has some great fighters, so there are loads of great fights I can have in the future."

Having sparred with the likes of WBC champion Carl Froch and American Andre Dirrell, Groves knows what he needs to do to step up to a world title fight, and he admits a future fight against Dirrell is a real possibility.

"I want to finish top of the tree," he said. "I want to be one of Britain's best boxers, one of the greats. I've got it all to do but I know I can do it and I look forward to the challenge."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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