By Elliot Foster

George Groves has ruled out retirement despite losing his world title.

The former WBA Super world super-middleweight king was stopped inside seven rounds in the World Boxing Super Series final on Friday night.

Groves was in against 28-year-old Scouser Callum Smith, exclusively live on ITV Box Office, at the indoor arena at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

But after early success in the fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Groves was swarmed upon by Smith after ‘Mundo’ landed a left hook and unleashed a barrage of shots to force referee Luis Pabon to call a halt to proceedings.

“It’s just not meant to be,” Groves said afterwards. “Full credit to Callum, he boxed well and he caught me with a body shot at the end –– I’ve never been caught with one in my life –– but I was landing a few shots myself and he got the decisive shot at the end.”

Groves spent £50,000 on corrective surgery on his left shoulder after it was dislocated in his semi-final victory over Chris Eubank Jr.

But he insisted that it caused him no issues and that the man who was taking part in his first world title fight was just better than him.

“The shoulder was lightning fast in the changing room and Callum was the better man on the night.

“We knew he could punch but he has got height and reach on me as well so I didn't want to go 50-50 with him.

“I’m going to have a good rest, I’m not retiring –– I don’t know what’s next –– but it’s been a dogged year and I want to get home to see my family because I’ve missed them.”