• Super-middleweight

Groves wants Froch showdown

George Groves beat Francisco Sierra on his last fight © PA Photos

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George Groves has set his sights on Carl Froch's IBF super-middleweight crown in 2013.

The former British champion, who was forced to pull out of crack at Robert Steiglitz's WBO belt in April, is looking to put himself back in contention for a world title shot when he takes on Glencoffe Johnson on Saturday.

Groves will put his unbeaten record on the line at London's ExCel Arena against the Jamaican veteran, who has been stopped only once in 70 fights - by Bernard Hopkins 15 years ago.

Should he make it past Johnson unscathed, Groves is hoping to secure an all-British world title fight against Froch. However, he says he would jump at the chance to take on Arthur Abraham for the WBO strap, but feels he is not quite ready for WBC and WBA champion Andre Ward.

"Having missed out on a world title shot this year when I had to pull out of the Stieglitz fight, it's logical I want my chance as soon as possible," Groves told World Boxing News. "I'm ready now, without a doubt.

"Personally, I'd love a crack at Carl. He's been such a great champion and I've so much respect for him. But he's said he only wants a few more fights and I'd love to be one of them. That would be a huge fight for Britain.

"I'd fight Arthur Abraham anywhere, any day of the week. Andre Ward is the elite of the division, the best by some way. Ideally, I'd prefer a few more before facing him. No one's even got close. I'd like to be the first to really trouble him in about a year's time."

Groves believes he is in the shape of his life, and is determined to prove his class against Johnson.

"Tests show that I'm fitter which enables me to throw more shots per round, whilst still picking them correctly and throwing them with spite and venom," he said.

"I've also become bigger and stronger and, as a consequence, I'm hitting harder. Some sparring partners that I've used for quite a while are now unable to last the rounds with me that once they could.

"Finally, my defensive moves have improved. I'm definitely more comfortable in the pocket which is important because I'll need to get close to Glencoffe Johnson."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.