George Groves disputes decision in Badou Jack defeat

Image: George Groves lost to WBC super-middleweight champion Badou Jack on a split decision in Las Vegas on Saturday night

George Groves felt he controlled his fight against Badou Jack and disputes the split decision which saw him lose a third world title fight.

The Hammersmith man was knocked down in the opening round but recovered to take the WBC super-middleweight champion the distance in a close scrap which was scored 115-112, 113-114, 116-111 in the title-holder's favour.

Groves, whose only other losses were in back-to-back fights against then-world champion Carl Froch, did not dispute the knockdown but had a problem with the decision.

"I thought I won the fight decisively,'' he said. "I thought I controlled the fight with my jab and that I was in control throughout, though, it appeared closer to the judges.

"It was a legit knockdown in the first round. He landed the right hand over the top, but I have good fitness and I thought I got back in control of that round. But all credit to him though, scoring the knockdown in the first round."

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George Groves has lost his third shot at a world title after he was beaten by WBC super-middleweight champion Badou Jack

Groves will now take stock before establishing what his next career move will be, but has spoken of a desire to face Jack in a rematch.

"Congrats to Badou," he said. "I hope he has a successful reign as champion. I'd love to fight him again and hopefully I will do better next time. I am going to take some time to work out what's next. Losing a world title fight is the worst feeling in the world."

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Image: Groves kneels on the mat after being knocked down by Jack

Jack, who was making the first defence of the WBC belt he took from Anthony Dirrell in April, said: "Groves has a lot of heart.

"Body work is becoming my signature. I wasn't effective enough because I couldn't knock him out. I felt like after the first round I could, but I just couldn't. I didn't go to the body enough.

Image: Jack connects with a right to Groves

"I haven't thought about my next fight yet, but there's a lot of big fights for me. I heard Julio Cesar Chavez Jr wants to fight me. I want to enjoy this win but I will fight anyone."

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