George Groves made short work of Italian Andrea Di Luisa on his return to the ring at London's Copper Box on Saturday.

In his first fight since losing to WBC champion Badou Jack in September, and with new trainer Shane McGuigan in his corner, Groves dominated the catchweight contest before claiming victory in the fifth round when Di Luisa's team threw in the towel.

Di Luisa was already wearing a concerned expression by the second round and walked into a crisp one-two combination from Groves which drew blood from the Neapolitan's nose. Back in front of his British fans, Groves seemed eager to impress and ripped open Di Luisa's defences with his swift hand speed.

Di Luisa had brief success when he switched to southpaw in the third, landing a crisp left hand, but Groves answered this tactical switch with a left hook of his own.

The left hook also proved a potent weapon in the fourth as he connected again with the static Di Luisa, who was forced to take a count after referee Ian-John Lewis ruled that he touched down. Di Luisa could have no complaints as he was floored twice more in the fifth round to prompt the intervention of his corner.

A spiteful body shot from Groves forced Di Luisa to drop to his knees and although he rose with pained expression, another big overhand right was quickly followed by the white towel.

The 27-year-old Londoner now boasts a record of 22 wins from 25 fights, with his other two defeats coming against Carl Froch.

Groves told Sky Sports after the bout: "I'm really happy with the performance. I think I boxed really well. Obviously I'm gonna make a couple of mistakes, first time back in a little well, but I felt really sharp. I felt I dictated the pace from the get-go."

 "I want to be as busy as Shane. He's the busiest guy I know. I feel fresh. I'm back on Sky and headlining in London. We'll look for another big date. I'm ready to crack on. I'll fight anyone, take any opportunity. We've been working on some things and I'm sure doors will open up quickly. In the meantime, we'll train more with Shane and gel more."

On life with McGuigan, Groves added: "I'm enjoying it. I think we're going to be a winning team."

Promoter Kalle Sauerland revealed he aimed to secure Groves a fourth world-title shot later in 2016. There are options out there as George is a big name in the division," he said. "This year, hopefully we'll challenge for a world title again."