George Groves says being a dad isn’t dulling killer instinct in his hunt for fourth world title bid
Londoner's desire to dominate super-middleweight division is stronger than ever despite baby son transforming his home life
GEORGE GROVES insists becoming a father has not dulled his killer instinct as he chases a fourth world title shot.
Since defeating domestic rival Martin Murray in June, the Londoner’s day-to-day life has changed following the arrival of his firstborn.
But Saint George's desire to dominate the super-middleweight division is stronger than ever now that he has a baby son to provide for.
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And he knows victory over Eduard Gutknecht at Wembley Arena tonight will put him within touching distance of another crack at that elusive world title.
Groves, 28, said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying being a dad. I’m not sure exactly what’s changed in terms of boxing yet, but day-to-day life has obviously changed.
“Luckily I’m not in charge of feeding and I keep all my bum changes to the daytime, so I get a full night’s sleep. I’m coping pretty well.
“After this fight I’ll be able to assess it properly, but at the moment I’m in fight mode and it’s all about business.
“The killer instinct is there and I definitely haven’t become soft. When the gym doors shut I’m fully focused.
“I’ve certainly got a good few good years left in me and a handful of big fights, so I’m not tapping out until I’ve achieved what I want to.”
Groves first challenged for world honours in November 2013 when he faced Carl Froch for the IBF and WBA titles.
That contest ended in controversial fashion with ref Howard Foster ruling Groves could not continue.
But there was no doubt over the result when Froch KO’d him six months later at Wembley Stadium.
The Chelsea fan rebounded with two victories to secure a shot at WBC champ Badou Jack last year, only to lose a split decision in Las Vegas.
Defeat led him to trainer Shane McGuigan and the partnership has produced three straight wins going into tonight’s fight with 34-year-old Gutknecht.
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Groves added: “I truly believe I’ll be world champion.
“I want to go on and be involved in the big fights, with a significant belt around my waist.
“The motivation is still there, the drive is still there. I’ve been close and unlucky in the past, but I’m not going to let that stop me.
“I’ve made some unforced errors and they’ve cost me, but I’ve learnt from them. There have been tough, tough periods in my career and I’ve learnt from those too.
“I feel I’m in a really good place. I’m enjoying my boxing, training and working with Shane alongside all the other guys in the gym.”
Former world light-heavyweight title challenger Gutknecht, who was born in Kazakhstan but resides in Germany, has lost four of 35 pro bouts.
Watch Groves v Gutknecht live on Channel 5