• Super-middleweight

Groves pulls out of December fight

ESPN staff
November 24, 2011
George Groves' opponent had not been named © Getty Images
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British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves has been forced to pull out of his December 9 fight after injuring his hand during training.

Groves and rival James DeGale were to share top billing in Liverpool, but now only the latter will feature on the card. Groves' opponent - his first since demolishing Paul Smith this month - had not been announced by the time of his cancellation.

"I'm really gutted as I was coming along nicely in training," Groves told the BBC. "The injury is a setback as I wanted to end the year with four good wins.

"I'm sorry that my fans won't be able to see me in action, but I'll be back early next year and ready to kick off 2012 with a bang as I continue towards further titles."

DeGale, who won the European title from Piotr Wilczewski in his most recent clash, will face 34-year-old Spaniard Jose Guerrero for the WBO Inter-Continental title. DeGale will not defend his European belt because he is penciled in to face mandatory challenger Cristian Sanavia in February.

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