Sunday 31 January 2016 11:33, UK
Glenn McCrory was impressed by the return of George Groves, but still sees 'a chink' that can be improved upon.
In his first bout since September's split decision defeat to WBC world super-middleweight champion Badou Jack, 'The Saint' pleased the Copper Box Arena with a fifth-round stoppage of Italy's Andrea Di Luisa on Saturday night.
Groves has recently hired Shane McGuigan as his coach and while McCrory saw an improvement in the use of the Londoner's naturally-long jab, the former world cruiserweight champion also highlighted a slight cause for concern.
McCrory told Sky Sports: "I think the jab was excellent. I liked the way he was very steady on his feet. Previously, I've often criticised him because he's moved about a little bit too much, not knowing whether he's puncher or boxer.
If you're throwing a jab and want to throw another jab and have a wide stance, you can't do that.
"In that respect, everything was positive and everything was good. He looked as sharp as anything.
"A little chink I saw... he's always had quite a wide stance but it looked as though it was getting even wider. If you're throwing a jab and want to throw another jab and have a wide stance, you can't do that.
"If you want to throw your right hand afterwards as well, you can't do that because it's too wide. I don't know whether that's a little bit because he got weary of being too close.
"It's great to have one good jab but to bring anything behind that, your central balance has to be there to do that. If you're trying to reach, then it's harder to get back into range. I'd like to see what Shane says about it.
"He loses four inches in height when he stretches like that."
Groves' gym-mate, IBF world super-bantamweight champion Carl Frampton, agreed, adding: "I think he's best when he's doing that but I think Glenn has a point and maybe he needs to bring the right foot in a little bit more.
"The jab is brilliant and working well but if the right foot comes behind it, then you can throw the right hand and the left hook after that. We're working on things and I know Shane wants to try things out.
"I keep talking about that jab and it's an amazing weapon for him."
