Callum Smith claimed the WBA super-middleweight title with a dramatic seventh round knockout of George Groves in the dessert of Jeddah on Friday night.
As well as the WBA title, Smith also took the Muhammad Ali Trophy as World Boxing Super Series champion, and becomes just the third man after Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward to claim The Ring Magazine super-middleweight belt.
Smith, the much taller man, was on top for much of the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia, and controlled the ring well, though Groves, ranked No.1, always carried a huge amount of danger.
All eyes were on Groves left arm in the first round, having not fought since dislocating his shoulder in February, while Smiths six-inch reach advantage was evident early on in a rather cagey opening from both fighters.
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Smith edged the second round, before the fight exploded in the third; Groves came forward but was wobbled by a cracking right hand, though managed to steady himself and unload a series of big punches of his own.
Smith reacts to beating Groves
Credit to Groves, he has been a great champion. Whether he carries on or not, Id like to wish him good luck.
I waited so long. It just means everything. I am not a man who shows a lot of emotion, you never see me ecstatic but you can see tonight it is a lifetime of work all gone into one.
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Groves had a much busier fifth round, perhaps fearing he was down on the card, and Smith was given a scare when he hit the mat – though it was an accidental trip.
The Liverpudlian came out with a little more fury and intent in the sixth, and once again rocked the defending champion, though Groves was landing some heavy counters of his own in an absorbing contest.
But Smith ended the round in a ferocious assault in the seventh round; Groves went on the attack but was pummelled by a stunning left hand.
Groves wobbled back towards the ropes, but Smith followed, stalking his opponent, and ripped through the Londoner with an incredible barrage of punches before a brutal body shot saw Groves finally fall to the ground, failing to make the count.
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More: Boxing
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Callum Smith claimed the WBA super-middleweight title with a dramatic seventh round knockout of George Groves in the dessert of Jeddah on Friday night.
As well as the WBA title, Smith also took the Muhammad Ali Trophy as World Boxing Super Series champion, and becomes just the third man after Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward to claim The Ring Magazine super-middleweight belt.
Smith, the much taller man, was on top for much of the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia, and controlled the ring well, though Groves, ranked No.1, always carried a huge amount of danger.
All eyes were on Groves left arm in the first round, having not fought since dislocating his shoulder in February, while Smiths six-inch reach advantage was evident early on in a rather cagey opening from both fighters.
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Smith edged the second round, before the fight exploded in the third; Groves came forward but was wobbled by a cracking right hand, though managed to steady himself and unload a series of big punches of his own.
Smith reacts to beating Groves
Credit to Groves, he has been a great champion. Whether he carries on or not, Id like to wish him good luck.
I waited so long. It just means everything. I am not a man who shows a lot of emotion, you never see me ecstatic but you can see tonight it is a lifetime of work all gone into one.
More: Boxing
Groves had a much busier fifth round, perhaps fearing he was down on the card, and Smith was given a scare when he hit the mat – though it was an accidental trip.
The Liverpudlian came out with a little more fury and intent in the sixth, and once again rocked the defending champion, though Groves was landing some heavy counters of his own in an absorbing contest.
But Smith ended the round in a ferocious assault in the seventh round; Groves went on the attack but was pummelled by a stunning left hand.
Groves wobbled back towards the ropes, but Smith followed, stalking his opponent, and ripped through the Londoner with an incredible barrage of punches before a brutal body shot saw Groves finally fall to the ground, failing to make the count.
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More: Boxing
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