Sports

George Groves reveals plan for the future after being knocked out by Callum Smith

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Boxing - World Boxing Super Series Super-Middleweight Final - George Groves v Callum Smith - WBA World Super-Middleweight Title - The King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - September 28, 2018 George Groves looks dejected after losing his fight against Callum Smith Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge — The Londoner lost his title in a bruising encounter in Saudi Arabia (Picture: Reuters)

George Groves says he will take a long rest from boxing after being knocked out in the seventh round of Friday nights WBA super-middleweight title fight against Callum Smith.

Liverpudlian Smith, who dethroned Groves in a fiery battle in Saudi Arabia, also takes home the Muhammad Ali Trophy for winning the Super Series final, and becomes just the third man to claim The Ring Magazine super-middleweight belt.

Groves required surgery on a dislocated shoulder and had not fought since February, with some suggestions that he might consider hanging up his gloves, and he will now take a step back after Fridays defeat.

Asked about his future plans, he told ITV: Im going to have a long rest because its been a dogged year.

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I won the world title just over a year ago, but I want to go home because I miss my wife and kids.

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On his shoulder injury, he added: Im not going to make excuses. The shoulder worked and Callum was the better man on the night.

Thats tough for me to say but I have to be honest.

It was not meant to be. Full credit to Callum. Boxed-well, heavy-handed.

He got me with a body shot at the end, which is embarrassing for me, because Ive never been dropped with a body shot in my life, but he got the decisive shot in the end.