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Groves believes new trainer can lead him to world title glory

Fighters Network
26
Jan

British super middleweight George Groves believes new trainer Shane McGuigan could be the missing piece in his world title jigsaw as he returns to action against Andrea Di Luisa on Saturday night in London, England.

Groves, rated No. 6 by THE RING at 168 pounds, dropped a split decision to WBC titleholder Badou Jack last September, after getting off the canvas in round one to push the Swedish-American technician the distance in Las Vegas.

It was Groves’ third unsuccessful world title challenge, following two stoppage defeats to countryman Carl Froch, and the decision was made to replace veteran coach Paddy Fitzpatrick, with whom he had been working with for just short of two years.

McGuigan, son of former WBA featherweight champion Barry, also works with Carl Frampton and David Haye.



“A few things weren’t right in Las Vegas, so I decided to part-company with Paddy and now I’m with Shane,” confirmed Groves. “We’d been working behind closed doors for a few weeks before we made the announcement and clicked straight away. We’re on the same wavelength and I feel that I’m producing great work in the gym. I’m looking forward to showing the improvements and getting back to winning ways.

“I’m back punching hard which I’m enjoying, although my knuckles aren’t. Everything else feels great though. He’s got a cracking stable of fighters with Carl Frampton in the gym preparing for his fight with Scott Quigg. Barry McGuigan is in the gym all the time passing on first-hand experience from his own involvement in title fights, but Shane has his own presence and authority. He’s very knowledgeable for someone my age, but he’s also learning every day and I’m enjoying every moment with him.”

Information provided courtesy of a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing.

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