Groves returns with explosive victory

George Groves returned to the ring with an explosive victory over Andrea Di Luisa, stopping the Italian in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena.

Groves floored his opponent with a body shot and his follow-up prompted Di Luisa’s corner to throw the towel in, ending what had been a one-sided fight.

It was the Hammersmith super-middleweight’s first outing since losing a world title fight against Badou Jack in September – and his first since linking up with new trainer Shane McGuigan.

He was sharp from the outset, landing his jab at will in the opening round and drawing blood from Di Luisa’s nose with a thumping combination in the second.

Di Luisa took a standing count after briefly touching down in the fourth following a left hook from Groves, who ruthlessly ended the contest in the next round.

The victory puts Groves on course for a fourth world title shot following his loss to Jack and two earlier defeats against Carl Froch.

The could mean a rematch with arch-rival and fellow West Londoner James DeGale, who lost on points to Groves in May 2011 but now holds the IBF world title.

“I’ll fight anyone – I’ll take any opportunity,” Groves declared.

“We’ve been working on some things and I’m sure doors will open up quickly. In the meantime, we’ll train more with Shane and gel more.”

Earlier, west London’s Deion Jumah won on his British professional debut, beating Colin Farricker on points in a six-round light-heavyweight bout.