George Groves has started 2016 with a fifth-round stoppage win against Andrea Di Luisa at the Copper Box Arena in London.
The British super-middleweight was competing in his first fight since losing a split-decision to WBC champion Badou Jack in September, and he delivered a solid performance under the guidance of new trainer Shane McGuigan.
Groves eased himself into the fight, executing his sharp jab to good effect, before he began to use his right hand with more regularity which eventually led to Di Luisa touching down in the fourth, although whether his knee hit the canvas was open to debate.
There were no arguments in the fifth when a body shot floored the Italian, and moments later, the bout was brought to an halt after Di Luisa went down again before his corner threw in the towel.
Groves is targeting a high-profile contest in the summer, with a domestic clash against St Helens fighter Martin Murray one of a number of possible matches.
Darren Plant
