At the Copper Box Arena, London, George Groves made easy work of fringe contender Andrea Di Luisa, stopping the Italian visitor in 5 rounds. Di Luisa, who enjoyed some rare success during scrappy inside exchanges, was ultimately overmatched in every department, being pummelled by a stiff jab and crisp straight counters from Groves. The Groves vs Di Luisa pre-fight script was certainly fitting in this one.
After getting soundly outboxed for the first three rounds, Groves buckled the knees of a bloody-nosed di Luisa in the 4th which, in the eyes of the referee, warranted a ten-count. For what it’s worth, di Luisa’s knee didn’t make contact with the canvas, but the man was clearly buzzed by the right hook which had thudded into his ear.
Di Luisa resumed the action, but became increasingly cautious. Groves, sensing the fight was leaving his man, upped the ante and began pressing forward, unloading with thunderous shots. Di Luisa hit the canvas courtesy of a Groves straight right to the body, and again shortly after by a right hook to the temple. Di Luisa wasn’t on queer street exactly, but was in incredibly deep waters. Di Luisa’s corner mercifully threw in the towel, saving their fighter from unnecessary further punishment.
Groves now improves to 22 wins, 3 defeats, 17 knockouts, while di Luisa falls to 18 wins, 4 defeats, 14 knockouts.
So there you have it. George Groves is officially back to winning ways, and should have a decent domestic scrap ahead of him for his next encounter. Fellow Super Middleweight – and fellow ‘Nearly Man’ – Martin Murray is a strong candidate, and yeah, I think that would be an intriguing event. While Groves is a slick, awkward counter-puncher, Murray is a physically strong, all-round boxer who has always performed well in big fights. Stylistically, it has the right ingredients.
So what about it, fight fans? Is Groves vs Murray the best option for both fighters? Who would you be backing in a tasty clash such as this? And what’s your overall take on Groves vs Di Luisa?
