British professional boxer George Groves has revealed he nearly quit the sport in 2015 after a devastating loss to Swede fighter Badou Jack

Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), is a very distinguished and successful boxer, having taken part in five world title fights, including an intense fight at Wembley against Carl Froch in front of 80,000 fans.

The 29-year-old lost to Jack via split decision in what was his third world title fight, a loss that demoralised the Englishman for a long time, to the point where he thought he wouldn't return to the ring.

"I fought Badou Jack believing it was my time to finally win the world title, but I was disillusioned with the boxing," said Groves, as per ESPN. "I was ready to pack it in.

"I was thinking about a unification title fight with James DeGale and then walking away.

"At that stage I'd earned enough to pay off my mortgage and maybe have enough change left to open a coffee shop or something, get out of this rat race. I was so sick of it. I just wanted to get it over with and get it done.

"I was out in Vegas for the Badou Jack fight and was being asked about what it felt like to be on the card for Floyd Mayweather's last fight. I'd not long boxed in front of 80,000 people and did not give a s--- about it.

"To then lose a split decision away from home against Jack was hard. I was frustrated.

"It wasn't long until I decided to carry on. It was more about like putting off the washing up -- I felt like I just couldn't face it. It didn't take long.

"More than anything, I felt like I hadn't achieved enough in boxing, I didn't have that belt. It took me another two years after Jack to lift the title but hey, I'm there now.

"My dad told me when I was younger never to work on a building site but other than boxing I don't know what I could do. I'm truly enjoying the boxing now and take nothing for granted."

Groves has bounced back brilliantly, having registered six wins since that loss to Badou Jack, and as of May has now claimed the world title.

Groves now faces compatriot Eubank Jr. at the Manchester Arena in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series in an eight-man knockout tournament as Groves is proving he was right to never retire from a sport he has so much more to offer. 

"The Eubank team talk about miles on the clock," Groves added. "But I have a lot of experience and I don't feel old like I've got miles on the clock and need to be scrapped any time soon.

"I've got a lot more experience than Junior. I'm 29 and he's 28, there's not a lot of an age gap between us but I've been involved in the big time.

"This fight won't be any more difficult than fighting Jamie Cox.

"He's [Eubank] got two game plans. He could either bum-rush me or he's going to showboat and skills rounds."

The winner of Groves-Eubank will progress to face either England's Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) or Germany's Juergen Braehmer (49-3, 35 KOs).