George Groves stops Denis Douglin in seven rounds

George Groves will face WBC champion Anthony Dirrell early next year after stopping Denis Douglin in seven rounds in Liverpool.

The Saint struggled in the early stages as the American southpaw was able to land punches on the Londoner with ease and cut his opponent's nose with a heavy right hand.

However, that blow proved to be turning point as Groves's work rate and speed proved too much for Douglin by the sixth round as his challenge began to fade away.

Groves managed to floor his opponent in the seventh round thanks to two successive right hands. The Saint did not waste any time in finishing the contest, with the referee stepping in moments later.

It was the Londoner's 21st professional win and his 16th by knockout.