By Jake Donovan

Despite the belief that there remains more to be accomplished, George Groves is decidedly content with what he’s already achieved and has opted to call it a career.

The 30-year old former super middleweight titlist announced his retirement through his verified social media account on Monday, officially stepping away from the ring after 10 years in the pro ranks.

“After taking a little time to reflect on the recent events in my career, I have decided that it is time for me to retire as a professional fighter,” George explained in a heartfelt statement.

Since the inception of the super middleweight division in the 1980s, boxers from the United Kingdom have long played an integral role at the weight. Groves’ run for most of the past decade was no exception, from his handing countryman James DeGale his first-ever career defeat to his pair of wars with Carl Froch, onto finally capturing a major title.

The latter moment came in a May ’17 knockout win over former titlist Fedor Chudinov, taking place in Sheffield, England, roughly three hours north of his Hammerfield hometown.

“In 2017, I boxed in front of a home crowd in Sheffield and became the WBA super middleweight world champion,” Groves (28-4, 20KOs) fondly recalls of the feat. “After four attempts I had finally fulfilled my childhood dream and the experience was as great as I had always imagined it would be.

“It was without a doubt the best moment of my career.”

It was a moment that carried deep emotions based on his previous win.

George enjoyed a bounceback year of sorts in 2016 following a heartbreaking loss to Badou Jack in Sept. ’15, falling short in his third attempt at a major title. The decision defeat came a year after the latter of his two stoppage losses to Carl Froch, the second of which came in front of 80,000 strong at London’s Wembley Stadium in what would be Froch’s final fight.

Following the loss to Jack, Groves rattled off four straight wins to position himself for one more title shot. The last of the set produced bittersweet results; a landslide points win of Germany’s Eduard Gutknecht in Nov. ’16 put Groves in direct path for a major title, but whose aftermath left his opponent with a brain aneurysm and fighting for his life.

The moment understandably stayed with Groves, even long after Gutknecht recovered three weeks later and was able to return home to his wife and kids. In fact, it wasn’t until Groves was embraced by Gutknecht’s family members that he was able to move forward with his own career.

The 36-year old veteran contender was among those Groves made sure to personally honor in his retirement speech.

“[A] prayer for Eduard Gutknecht, who suffered a brain aneurysm after our fight in November 2016,” Groves stated. “He was put into an induced coma for [three] weeks and bravely fought his way back to consciousness. He lives in Germany with his wife, three children and a full time [caretaker]

“This fight brought home the realization that boxing can have brutal consequences. After this, I truly fight like my fighting days were numbered. After winning the WBA title, I decided to only continue fighting while it felt necessary.”

Proper motivation to continue on came in the form of his joining the super middleweight field in the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament. Befitting the British stranglehold on the division, Groves’ path to the finals required his facing his countrymen in three straight fights.

A knockout win over former amateur teammate—and roommate—Jamie Cox in Oct. ’17 landed Groves in the semifinals, where he scored perhaps the most impressive win of his career in a spirited 12-round decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr. last February.

Ironically, there existed a chance to bow out from boxing with a win as Groves suffered a dislocated shoulder towards the end of the bout. Rather than hang ‘em up or even allow an alternate to take his place in the WBSS finals, Groves was permitted time to heal as his championship match with countryman Callum Smith was delayed more than three months.

Their fantastic finals clash last September saw Groves more than hold his own until the unbeaten Smith was able to adjust and turn the tide. A left hook to the temple left Groves dazed and wobbly, with the ensuing attack—capped by a crushing body shot—put him down and out for the night.

His ability to compete with the younger and healthier Smith left observers of the belief that Groves still had more to offer the sport. Admittedly, the former super middleweight titlist believes the same but no longer feels it worth pursuing—at least not in the ring.

“Some of you might think it odd that I’m choosing this time to retire,” noted Groves. “I’m still young, still fit and healthy and there are some big fights out there for me. But it’s for these reasons that I am choosing to retire now. I have a young family at home; it’s time to spend some of my better days with them. I don’t want there to be a time where I’m “too old” to box on, or where an injury retires me in or out of the ring.

“Over the years, I have seen and sadly known the dangers of the sport and I want to respectfully bow out while I’m at the top of my game. I’ve learned that doesn’t always mean coming off the back of a win. I’ve boxed at the highest level, all over the world. I’ve been a champion and I’ll be leaving the sport (relatively!) intact.”

Groves will remain involved in the sport, including a role as part of the ITV broadcast for the February 23 grudge match between DeGale and Eubank Jr. Having faced and defeated both, Groves’ insight will prove invaluable to the broadcast—even more so that he can do so without having to campaign for a shot at the winner.

“Boxing has been good to me and I believe I have been good for boxing,” said Groves. “I hope I have entertained you all; I have always strived to be the best fighter I can be.”

From such efforts came plenty of memories without which the super middleweight scene in the past decade just wouldn’t have been the same.