George Groves officially signs with Matchroom, added to Barker-Rotolo undercard

George Groves officially announced his signing with Matchroom Boxing today, after the news leaked over the weekend that he would be leaving Frank Warren for Eddie Hearn's stable, which continues to pick up steam and has clearly claimed the No. 1 spot as the UK's top promotional team.

“It is massive worldwide exposure for me and a step in the right direction,” said Groves. “I'm at that level now where I'm knocking on the door for World titles and working with Matchroom and being on Sky Sports should help me close in on that dream. ... I'm ranked number one with the WBO and Abraham vs. Stieglitz and fight for that in a few weeks so I'll be keeping a keen eye on that and I'll have just as close an eye on the Froch vs. Kessler fight as I really believe I could get a crack at the winner and I think Eddie knows I want that fight so it ties in nicely."

Groves (16-0, 12 KO) will get his first fight under Hearn's banner in on Saturday, when he faces Argentina's Dario German Balmaceda (11-6-2, 7 KO) on the Barker-Rotolo undercard, which will air on Sky Sports. Balmaceda likely will be no match for Groves, but it's all about showcasing the new acquisition, back on Sky, and Groves had been in camp for a scheduled March 16 fight anyway.

Groves, 24, is the third young, significant fighter to dump Warren in recent times, following Kell Brook and his old rival, James DeGale. DeGale signed with Hennessy Sports and is quickly becoming a Channel 5 featured player, while Brook is with Matchroom, where he's fought his way into an upcoming world title shot against Devon Alexander.

Groves will also be part of the Sky Box Office show on May 25, headlined by Carl Froch vs Mikkel Kessler.