George Groves stops Andrea Di Luisa in five
British super middleweight contender George Groves got himself back in the win column with a comfortable fifth-round stoppage of Andrea Di Luisa in his home city of London, England, on Saturday.
The official time was 1:55.
Groves, rated No. 6 by THE RING at 168 pounds, floored the Italian with a one-two combination to the body in Round 5 and the fight was essentially over. Di Luisa rose but looked completely uninterested in continuing and a double right hand to the head decked him again before the corner threw in the towel.
“I’m really happy with the performance and I think I boxed well,” said Groves, when interviewed by Sky Sports in the U.K. “I’m ready to crack on, get back in the gym with Shane McGuigan, and move ahead with my career.”
This was Groves’ first appearance since losing a split decision to WBC belt holder Badou Jack last September and there were flashes of his old form. Having broken in a new trainer in Shane McGuigan, son of former WBA featherweight titleholder Barry, one expected to see some new wrinkles and Groves’ did diversify his jab very well between body and head.
Can he secure a world title at the fourth time of asking? The brace of stoppage defeats to countryman Carl Froch were difficult for him to stomach and the Jack setback was crushing. Groves, 22-3, 17 knockouts, appears very eager to get back up the ladder, but we’ll only know what’s left in the tank when he’s matched against world class opposition. There is plenty of that at 168 pounds.
Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing