George Groves announces his retirement
Former WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves announced his retirement from boxing via social media. Over the years, the former champion has had some big fights; sharing the ring with some of the best in the sport of boxing.
The 30 year-old British boxer’s career seems like it was long. This is a testament to the quality of fights and excitement he has been apart of. His record of 28-4 with 20 knockouts doesn’t tell the full story of the man himself.
Many fans remember the two consecutive world title fights with then-unified champion, Carl Froch that once set an attendance record at Wembley Stadium. Even though he would lose both fights, it provided a huge boost in popularity with the British fans.
The Early Years
However, the journey before that is where it started, with a knockout victory against Charles Adams to capture the Commonwealth title. That would lead to big wins over Kenny Anderson and a grudge match against amateur rival, James DeGale.
Groves would continue to rise with a win over Paul Smith, followed by tough veteran Glen Johnson. This eventually lead the two biggest fight of his career against Froch.
The two losses would have sent many other fighters into obscurity, however, Groves was determined to win a world title. A couple of wins later, he gets another shot at a world title against Badou Jack. It would be another heartache loss where many felt he should have gotten the victory.
Finally! A World Champion
Groves still wasn’t done! He bounced back with victories over David Brophy and Martin Murray. In the process, he earned a third opportunity for a title against champion Fedor Chudinov. It was his time now. It was now or never. A loss would mean the end of his career!
Understanding the importance of the moment, he responded with an impressive knockout victory! He finally captured the elusive WBA title to became a champion. This would revitalize his career in a big way, followed by entering the World Boxing Super Series tournament.
Groves would win against Jamie Cox, and then Chris Eubanks Jr in another big domestic fight. Though making it to the finals, he had to take sometime off due to dislocating his shoulder against Eubank Jr.
True to form, the WBA champion would face the undefeated Callum Smith. It wasn’t meant to be and even in a valiant effort, he was defeated by knockout in the seventh round.
Its memorable moments like this why his career seemed so long. The defeats and victories gave the boxing community something worth watching. There was hope that maybe he would come back for one more big domestic level fight in a rematch against James DeGale. This announcement has dimmed the light on that.
The hard-hitting British boxer, regardless of his record, is retiring on top!
3kingsboxing would like to wish Mr. Groves the best in life after boxing.
By: Garrisson Bland
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