George Groves retires from boxing aged 30 after brutal defeat to Callum Smith

GEORGE GROVES has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 30.

The former WBA super-middleweight champion wants to spend more time with his family and is hanging up his gloves after he lost his world title to Callum Smith at the World Boxing Super Series final in September.

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Groves announced the news on Instagram to end his 11-year career with a remarkable record of 28-4, with 20 KOs.

He wrote: "To my friends, family and all of the people who have supported me throughout my career.

"After taking a little time to reflect on the recent events in my career, I have decided that it is time for me to retire as a professional fighter.

"In 2017, I boxed in front of a home crowd in Sheffield and became the WBA super middleweight world champion.

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"After four attempts I had finally fulfilled my childhood dream, and the experience was as great as I had always imagined it would be.

"It was without a doubt the best moment of my career."

He won the world title in his fourth attempt after two blockbuster fights against Carl Froch and a defeat to Badou Jack.

Groves secured the belt after an incredible win over Fedor Chudinov at Bramall Lane in May 2017.

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Groves, nicknamed Saint, explained he wanted to spend more time with his loved ones and did not want to become "too old" to box.

He added: "I have a young family at home; it's time to spend some of my better days with them.

"I don't want there to be a time where I'm too old to box on, or where an injury retires me out of the ring."

Groves also paid tribute to German boxer Eduard Gutknecht - who was left in a coma after their brutal brawl in November 2016.

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He said: "Lastly a prayer for Eduard Gutknecht, who suffered a brain aneurysm after our fight in November 2016.

"He was put in an induced coma for three weeks and bravely fought his way back to consciousness."

And the ex-Commonwealth champion revealed that he will now start work as a boxing adviser for Wasserman.

He said: "I'm delighted to be able to take this opportunity to announce I will be joining Wasserman as an adviser in their boxing division.

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"They currently manage a host of fighters both here in the UK and in the US, and although it's predominately known for football, they're starting to make waves in the boxing world too."

Groves also revealed he will work as a pundit for Chris Eubank Jr's fight against James DeGale next month.

The British star beat Eubank Jr on points last February and was the first fighter to beat DeGale when they clashed in London eight years ago.

But he will be widely remembered for his two fights against Froch - with the second taking place in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley.

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He lost both fights, but bounced back in sublime style to achieve his childhood dream of becoming the world champion.

Tributes have poured in following the 30-year-old's announcement, with Brit boxer Kid Galahad stating: "Well done on an amazing career @StGeorgeGroves. Enjoy the fruits of your labour now with your family and loved ones."

Promotion Matchroom Boxing added: "All the best, George. Pleasure to have you on our shows down the years."

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