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George Groves planning to unify super middleweight division by setting up British blockbuster with rival James DeGale

Back in 2011 Groves shocked British boxing by handing DeGale his first, and only defeat since turning professional

GEORGE GROVES has sigalled his intention to unify the super-middleweight division - setting up the prospect of a mouthwatering rematch against James DeGale.

After failing on his first three attempts at winning a world title, twice against Carl Froch and once with Badou Jack, Groves won the vacant WBA super middleweight title on Saturday night.

 George Groves is now, finally, a world champion after three failed world title attempts
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George Groves is now, finally, a world champion after three failed world title attemptsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The Hammersmith boxer stopped gritty Russian Fedor Chudinov in the sixth round.


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Now Groves wants unify the division with fights with IBF champion DeGale and WBO title holder Gilberto Ramirez.

The WBC super middleweight title is vacant at the moment so that opens up a possible match up for Groves with Callum Smith.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Groves said: "I've spent three years chasing fights to get to here, and now I'm just going to let the phone ring. And I'm sure it will ring.

 George Groves has targetted a fight against James DeGale as he looks to unify the super-middleweight division
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George Groves has targetted a fight against James DeGale as he looks to unify the super-middleweight divisionCredit: AP:Associated Press

"There are plenty of people now that want a crack and to take what I've got.

"I'm 29-years-old now and I don't feel old but all my sparring partners are younger, all the prospects are younger, so now you look at things from a different perspective.

"You look at it as: 'people are after me'. Of course I'd love to unify and that will be the next goal.

"To do so I'll have to fight the likes of James DeGale and the rest of it, but right here and now I'm just going to enjoy this belt for a little bit."

 George Groves thrilled an expectant crowd in Sheffield at the weekend when he stopped Fedor Chudinov
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George Groves thrilled an expectant crowd in Sheffield at the weekend when he stopped Fedor ChudinovCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Back in 2011 Groves handed DeGale his first, and only defeat in the professional game, when he secured a majority points decision.

Since then, DeGale has gone on to world glory, insisting he "doesn't need" the rematch against old foe Groves.

But now, with Groves bringing something huge to the table, DeGale may well fancy the chance of redemption.

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