Newly-crowned European super-middleweight champion George Groves has admitted that he expected a tough bout after beating Christopher Rebrasse on points at Wembley Arena.
The Saint threw plenty of punches, but despite failing to stop his French opponent, Groves looked positively on his night's work.
He told Sky Sports: "He took an awful lot of punches. We knew it was going to be tough tonight, we talked about the come down from the historic last fight. I always say I deal with pressure well, and tonight I've got a bit of success to go with it.
"I want to knock people out. I didn't manage to do it tonight, but I gave it a real good go. I think all the fans here tonight appreciate that, so that's why they come out to support me.
"I didn't want to run out of steam. I felt in great condition but you always have to be cautious with a guy who has never been stopped."
Groves could be set for another shot at the world title shot later this year, against WBC champion Anthony Dirrell.
Chris O'Keefe
