Groves crushes Chudinov to become world champion

George Groves became a world champion by stopping Fedor Chudinov in the sixth round of their super-middleweight clash at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane.

Groves, making his fourth attempt to win a world title, was cut over the eye and had spent much of the fight being pushed back by the rugged Russian, before the Hammersmith man unleashed a series of punches to force the stoppage.

After two defeats against Carl Froch and a points loss to Badou Jack in his previous world title fights, the clash with former champion Chudinov for the vacant WBA title was a chance Groves had to make the most of.

He emphatically did so, winning the belt in style – and potentially setting up a rematch with arch rival and fellow West Londoner James DeGale, who holds the IBF belt and was beaten by Groves as an amateur and when they met in May 2011.

“It’s a lifetime’s work achieved,” Groves declared.

“I feel as though I’m the best in the division now. I wasn’t going to let this belt slip away.”