By Edward Chaykovsky

Super middleweight contender George Groves (21-3, 16KOs) is focused, motivated and ready to start the year off right. Groves is back in action on January 30th when he faces Andrea Di Luisa at Copper Box Arena in London.

Last year, Groves saw action only once and suffered a disappointing twelve round split decision loss to WBC champion Badou Jack on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It was his third shortcoming in a title fight, with two previous failed attempts against Carl Froch.

Since the loss to Jack, the London fighter has hired new trainer Shane McGuigan, who is best known for his work with IBF bantamweight champion Carl Frampton.

“I’m enjoying being in the gym and that’s the most important thing right now. I’m looking forward to going out there and tearing someone’s head off," Groves told The Mirror. “The last few fights I haven’t felt like that was going to happen. I’ve thought I was going to beat people soundly, but not knock them unconscious. And after just a few pad sessions with Shane I’ve got the feeling back I’m going to make it happen."

Groves rejects the idea that his career is at stake in the upcoming fight, but a loss to Di Luisa will certainly send him spiraling down even further. His prior defeats came to world level fighters and Di Luisa is a mid-level European contender at best.

“People say it’s make or break with every fight, but as long as people keep tuning in you can resurrect yourself after a loss," Groves said. “So I don’t think this is a last-chance saloon with me. I’ve got more to offer.”