George Groves eyes WBC title bout with ‘disrespectful’ Anthony Dirrell after making winning comeback

Groves beat Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse on Saturday in final eliminator

George Groves celebrates his win over Christopher Rebrasse (GETTY IMAGES)

George Groves, after adding the European and WBC Silver titles to his credentials with Saturday’s unanimous decision over the tough Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse, will step up his attempt to force a WBC super-middleweight title fight with the champion Anthony Dirrell.

Groves was told by the WBC that he would be the mandatory challenger to the American if he beat Rebrasse in his comeback fight after being emphatically knocked out by Carl Froch at Wembley on 31 May.

But Dirrell has been dismissive of a match-up, saying Groves is not really in his class and that Rebrasse was no challenge. However, Groves said: “We’ve got the letter from the WBC saying the winner of this becomes his mandatory challenger. We’re going to get it blown up and put it on the gym wall.”

He went on: “Dirrell has already made some statements, he’s a bit cheeky, a little bit outspoken. He’s been quite disrespectful to Rebrasse. I knock out a lot of guys and Rebrasse took some big shots. I’m not sure Dirrell could stand up to some of the punches I landed tonight. He has said he doesn’t want to fight me, that he doesn’t want to come to the UK but now he may just have to.’’

Groves poses with Arsenal's German players Mesut Ozil (left) and Lukas Podolski after his win (GETTY IMAGES)

Promoter Kalle Sauerland confirmed: “We’re ready to start talking to Dirrell’s people. I don’t see any other options for them, there are no bigger fights out there. George is a natural entertainer. He has a style that would be very appealing to a US audience.’’