George Groves Handed Stern Test Against Glen Johnson

Groves features on bill that also includes Ricky Burns and Billy Joe Saunders

Undefeated super-middleweight champion George Groves will put his Commonwealth title on the line in the biggest test of his career when he steps in the ring with former IBF light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson.

Groves has suffered a frustrating time over the last 12 months and has only been in action once since stopping Paul Smith in the second round back last November.

A scheduled world title bout against Robert Steiglitz was cancelled due to injury, while a rematch against Kenny Anderson was also called off with Groves again struggling with persistent injuries.

However, a successful return to action against Francisco Serra saw Groves earn a sixth round stoppage win and he will now face Johnson at the Excel Arena on December 15.

Johnson, 51 wins in his 70 bouts, has mixed with some of the biggest names in both the super-middleweight and light-heavyweight division. He famously stopped Roy Jones Jnr back in 2004 and has gone the distance with the likes of Antonio Tarver, Chad Dawson, Tavoris Cloud, Carl Froch and Lucian Bute.

The 43-year-old had announced his retirement from boxing earlier this year after losing to Andrzej Fonfara but he it seems he has been coaxed into returning to the ring to take on the undefeated Brit.

"It will be my toughest challenge - no-one has an easy fight against Glen Johnson," said Groves. "I'm buzzing for the fight and am preparing for 12 hard rounds because he will give anyone a hard night's work. I'll be ready."

Also appearing at the Excel on the same date is two-weight world champion Ricky Burns and undeafeated Commonwealth middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders who will be ini action against Nick Blackwell.