• Super-middleweight

Groves in 'world-class' category

ESPN staff
December 17, 2012
George Groves believes he's sent a message to the rest of the division after beating Glen Johnson © Getty Images
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George Groves says the manner of his victory over Glen Johnson on Saturday will have grabbed the attention of the super-middleweight division's high brass.

Groves beat the 43-year-old Johnson on points in a more convincing fashion than Carl Froch could manage last year in Atlantic City, leading the 24-year-old to rank himself as a 'world-class fighter.'

The chances of the Londoner achieving a knockout against Johnson were slim from the start as the Jamaican has not been beaten in such a manner since 1997.

Although he was given the count late-on in the fight, that record is still very much intact but the veteran has now lost 18 of his 71 career bouts.

Groves' ledger now reads 16-0, including 12 knockouts, and title fights in 2013 are a realistic possibility.

"That performance will tell the rest of the division that I'm here, that I'm a contender and someone not just to keep an eye on, but to fear," Groves told the Sun.

"I will give anyone in the world a decent fight and would beat a lot of the top guys. I believe that I'm now a world-class fighter."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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