George Groves eyes WBC title bout with ‘disrespectful’ Anthony Dirrell after making winning comeback
Groves beat Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse on Saturday in final eliminator
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George Groves, after adding the European and WBC Silver titles to his credentials with Saturday’s unanimous decision over the tough Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse, will step up his attempt to force a WBC super-middleweight title fight with the champion Anthony Dirrell.
Groves was told by the WBC that he would be the mandatory challenger to the American if he beat Rebrasse in his comeback fight after being emphatically knocked out by Carl Froch at Wembley on 31 May.
But Dirrell has been dismissive of a match-up, saying Groves is not really in his class and that Rebrasse was no challenge. However, Groves said: “We’ve got the letter from the WBC saying the winner of this becomes his mandatory challenger. We’re going to get it blown up and put it on the gym wall.”
He went on: “Dirrell has already made some statements, he’s a bit cheeky, a little bit outspoken. He’s been quite disrespectful to Rebrasse. I knock out a lot of guys and Rebrasse took some big shots. I’m not sure Dirrell could stand up to some of the punches I landed tonight. He has said he doesn’t want to fight me, that he doesn’t want to come to the UK but now he may just have to.’’
Promoter Kalle Sauerland confirmed: “We’re ready to start talking to Dirrell’s people. I don’t see any other options for them, there are no bigger fights out there. George is a natural entertainer. He has a style that would be very appealing to a US audience.’’
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments