• Boxing

Groves wins American debut to edge nearer DeGale bout

ESPN staff
August 1, 2010
George Groves is undefeated in 10 fights © Getty Images
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Georges Groves took one step closer to a titanic all-British showdown with James DeGale by claiming victory on his American debut against Alfredo Contreras.

Groves, who has won all 10 of his professional career bouts to date, stopped Contreras in the sixth round to chalk up his eighth KO.

The Commonwealth super-middleweight champion will need to improve his defence if he is to reach the top of his division, but he nevertheless dealt with the Las Vegas atmosphere in calm fashion.

Promoter Frank Warren recently stated Groves and DeGale could be as little as 18 months away from facing each other. Groves beat DeGale in their amateur days, but it is the Olympic gold medallist who currently grabs more of the headlines.

Groves, who had David Haye in his corner, assumed control in the third round against Contreras before slowly increasing the intensity, taking several shots but landing the heavier blows in the contest. The stoppage eventually arrived in the sixth, with Contreras clearly not in a fit state to continue.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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