Super Middleweight George Groves, out of the Hayemaker stable, has always shown star potential and now he’s proving it.

His history makes for interesting reading - as an amateur he recorded 75 bouts, two senior ABA titles, nine international gold medals, and defeated Olympic middleweight gold medallist James Degale in the 2006 ABAs.

A former child kickboxer, Groves was a regular on Eurosport broadcasts at age 13. He won four world junior titles and an EKU title live on television. Claiming he was ‘shy’ as a youth, Groves quickly snapped out of this fear of the limelight as superstardom loomed.

Despite achieving plenty as a fledgling kickboxer, Groves’ hands proved to be the real moneymakers. Everyone – well, nearly everyone - could see it from the moment Groves first stepped through the doors of Dale Youth ABC.

“I remember during the first week at the gym one of the trainers, Mickey ‘Northole’, told everybody that I would be something special. He said I’d win an ABA title and even stuck a cut-out on the wall with writing on it saying I’d be an ABA champion. All the other boxers in the gym said I was just a kickboxer and a fairy. I still think that cut-out is up on the wall now.”

George has three role models; he’s a big fan of Oscar De La Hoya, and closer to home would like to emulate the style and success of David Haye. Then there’s the tattoo which adorns George’s mid-section; it’s Mars the Roman god of war, one of the most worshipped and revered gods in ancient Rome. It acts as a symbol of energy, action; of lust and passion and brings George strength as the fighter and protector.

“In the few remaining minutes before I enter the ring I don’t fear anything; I feel like I can take on the world and conquer it.”


In 10 years time...?

“I hope I have not only the financial security to retire but also the ability to let go of the sport I have partaken all my life. I know a lot of people find it difficult to quit when they’re ahead, and that’s never truer than in boxing. I hope that I’ll still be involved in the sport to a certain degree, whether it’s training or managing young fighters or even promoting. I would find the challenge just as exhilarating as fighting it self and would have insider knowledge of what’s best for fighters.”