Victory moves Groves closer to title shot

George Groves remained on course for a world title shot by stopping Noe Gonzalez in the fifth round at the O2 Arena.

Hammersmith’s unbeaten super-middleweight, 25, showed his promise with a slick performance, landing effectively with his left jab and several stiff rights before ending the contest in brutal fashion.

Groves, the Commonwealth champion, floored Gonzalez with a crunching right to the chin and although the Uruguayan got to his feet, he looked groggy and referee Terry O’Connor opted not to let the fight continue.

Gonzalez, 34, came to the ring having lost only twice – against former world champions Felix Sturm and Adonis Stevenson – and had won both his previous bouts in the first round.

But Groves, whose leaky defence has previously caused some concern, held a tight guard when necessary and deceived his opponent with clever movement before delivering the decisive blow.

The victory took his record to 19-0 and he is expected to fight again in September ahead of a possible world title challenge later in the year.

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