George Groves’ third attempt to become world champion ended in heartache as he lost to Badou Jack on a split points decision in Las Vegas.
The Hammersmith man, 27, was floored by a big right in the first round – a crucial moment in a close fight at the MGM Grand.
Groves, challenging for the WBC version of the super-middleweight title having twice lost to Carl Froch, recovered well after his early setback, frequently landing with the left jab.
He enjoyed an excellent fifth round, landing with a solid right and a thumping body shot, and he had more success in the following round.
But many of the rounds were close and the champion made the Londoner work hard – by the end of the eighth round he appeared to be tiring whereas Jack, boxing at a steady tempo, looked fresher.
Jack, 31, landed with solid rights and a threatening uppercut in round nine, but Groves regrouped and was effective in the 10th before being stopped in his tracks by a couple of body shots.
Groves was better still in the 11th. Tired but still managing to outwork the American, he landed with jabs and hooks before having his fair share of success in a frenetic final round.
One of the judges scored the bout 114-113 in Groves’ favour but the other two had it 115-112 and 116-11 for Jack.
Earlier in the evening, Kilburn’s Ashley Theophane set up potential welterweight world title challenge with a points victory over Steve Upsher Chambers.
This post was last modified on 13/09/2015