WBC delays George Groves world title shot

The WBC has ruled that British middleweight George Groves will not fight for the world title until the autumn after handing a four-month voluntary extension to champion Anthony Dirrell.

In September, Groves defeated Christopher Rebrasse to become mandatory challenger for the American's belt, which he won by beating previous title holder Sakio Bika in August.

Promoter Kalle Sauerland had hoped to secure a meeting with Dirrell for the start of 2015, but with Dirrell first requesting a voluntary defence, the date of any match was delayed.

After remaining inactive, it appeared as though Dirrell would have to face Groves in the spring, but on Friday night, Sauerland revealed on Twitter that the WBC had stepped in to grant the champion further time to fight an opponent of his choosing.

@WBCBoxing voted in favor of Dirrell four month extension 4 Voluntary Defence. No opponent or explanation given as yet. #GrovesDirrellSaga

— Kalle+NisseSauerland (@SauerlandBros) February 6, 2015

Sauerland later stated that an appeal would be made to the governing body as soon as possible.