Groves eyes world title after points win over Rebrasse
George Groves (20-2, 15 KOs) defeated Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse (22-3-3, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision to claim the European super middleweight title on Saturday night at the Wembley Arena in London.
Rebounding from consecutive losses to WBA/IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch, Groves came out aggressively in the early rounds, landing a brace of hooks in the fourth, and Groves' chin held firm in the fifth when Rebrasse replied with a sharp left hand. The relentless pace continued past the halfway mark, with both men content to stand and trade, but 'Saint George' was clearly outlanding his rival. Just when Groves appeared in command, he showed glimpses of vulnerability as a left hand briefly troubled him in the ninth. The pace finally dropped in the 11th, with both men struggling to maintain the back-and-forth battle, but Groves boxed wisely in the last as he relied on his potent jab to prevent any late scares.
All three judges confirmed a convincing win for the local favourite, who acquired a new belt and the status of mandatory challenger for WBC belt holder Anthony Dirrell, winning by scores of 118-110, 117-111, 118-110.