Groves links up with promoter Warren

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George Groves has signed a three-year deal with promoter Frank Warren.

Groves, 23, added the British super-middleweight title to his Commonwealth crown when he beat bitter rival and fellow west Londoner James DeGale – who is already signed to Warren.

Previously signed to Hayemaker Promotions, Groves will retain Hayemaker’s Adam Booth as his trainer and manager.

“Having sat down with Adam Booth and discussed at length what was the best move for my career to progress towards a world title, we agreed that everything that Frank put to us made perfect sense,” said Groves.

“He [Warren] is the most experienced promoter in Britainby far and we feel has the experience and ability to take me to the very top.”

Booth added: “On the surface, this may seem a strange decision from me and Hayemaker to have made, but this is all about what is best for the career of George, and we believe that working with Frank is the best decision we could have made.”

Groves, from Shepherd’s Bush, took his professional record to 13-0 with May’s split-decision win over Harlesden’s DeGale, who wants a rematch and is due to fight Poland’s Piotr Wilczewski for the European title next month.

“I’m very happy that George has chosen to come under my promotional banner and we will now be involved in some big fights,” said Warren.

“He’s a good fighter and the last fight against James DeGale was the first time I had worked with him.  

“Of course, everyone is asking about a return with James, who I represent, and it is an obvious fight that will definitely happen again.  The last fight was very close and a few observers felt that it could have gone either way.  

“One thing’s for sure: the public will want to see it again.  It’s a big domestic rivalry that will become ever bigger.”