Groves dispute Jack decision

  
 
George Groves felt that he controlled the fight against Badou Jack.

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."

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."

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.

"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."