Groves’s Irish trainer suggests they should part ways

George Groves’s coach Paddy Fitzpatrick believes ‘The Saint’ should work with a new trainer if he does decide to return to the ring.

Fitzpatrick surprisingly took the reins when the English fighter parted company with Andy Lee’s current trainer Adam Booth midway through the training camp for the first defeat to super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch.

The Irish coach, who looks after Derry man Eamonn O’Kane, was in the corner for two more World title defeats, the second reverse to Froch and a split decision defeat to Badou Jack in Las Vegas on September 12.

Whether or not Groves will return to the ring remains unclear and he indicated he needs time to make a decision post his third career defeat. However, if he does return Fitzpatrick suggests he should work with a new trainer.

Speaking to the Clare Champion Fitzpatrick said:

“Since the fight, we haven’t really spoken to be honest with you.

“It’s me that’s saying this now but if George was to come back he would need, and I think it would be better, to be with a different trainer.

“I’ve got nothing but full respect for the man. I’ve enjoyed our journey because we’ve been in it as a team and we’ve achieved a lot and overcome a lot. But he has still to achieve a goal that is physically and technically within his grasp.

“Mentally and emotionally, I don’t know. He definitely needs a break and there would be no shame either in having a chat to somebody about it over time, somebody that could clear his head out.

“Technically he has everything it takes. Physically he has everything it takes. Mentally and emotionally now I do believe he needs a coach to deal with some of the mental and emotional issues he’s had for the last two years.”