Hammersmith boxer stopped Russian in sixth round on Saturday

Hammersmith local George Groves became the WBA world super middleweight champion on the Matchroom promotion at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Saturday with a sixth-round stoppage of Russian Fedor Chudinov.

The former Dale Youth boxer came out from the start, landing a series of crunching right hooks to the head and the body.

It was Chudinov, though, that kept coming forward and forcing Groves to box on the back foot and counterpunch after being pushed up against the ropes.

There was also a cut which opened up over Groves’ left eye in round four, but in the fifth, a right hook from the Hammersmith man almost stopped the Russian.

In round six, a flurry of punches to Chudniov’s head produced a devastating finish with referee Stephen Gray intervening, leaving Groves to celebrate his title success.

Groves won his first world title at the fourth attempt, having previously suffered two defeats to Carl Froch and one to Badou Jack.

Groves posted on Twitter on Tuesday: “Time for a few thank-yous: one, to everyone who was at Bramall Lane and gave me such a great reception.

“Two, to my team: my promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland; my commercial agents Duncan Ross and Dean Baker; my training team Daryl Richards, Josh Pritchard and head coach Shane McGuigan.

“My corner, physio and backroom team Mick Williamson, Jimmy Tibbs, Barry McGuigan and Kevin Lidlow.

“My security personnel Tomasz and Ali; Philip Sharky for catching everything on camera; Graham who drove me about all week and my solicitor Neil Sibley.

“Three: to everyone on here (Twitter) who’ve left me great messages of support in the build-up and since the fight.

“Four: finally and most importantly, my family and long-standing friends who backed and helped me from day one.

“My mum and dad who have given me every opportunity to succeed since I was seven.

“My glorious wife, who without here I wouldn’t have even got close. She’s the love of my life and my soul mate.

“First of many we believe (belts, not speeches). Watch this space.”

Groves’ first defence could be in the capital later this year.