George Groves has called for a rematch following his controversial stoppage defeat to Carl Froch.

Groves's first world title fight began in dramatic style as he put WBA and IBF super-middleweight champion Froch on the floor in round one.

However, referee Howard Foster stopped the fight in the ninth after a flurry of punches left Groves on unsteady legs.

Groves, who had been ahead on points in the opinion of all three judges, told Sky Sports News: "He caught me with a good shot, but that should never have been a stoppage.

"If you look, probably near enough every round beforehand I had Carl buzzed and buzzed much heavier, and because he's got this warrior image I think he got the benefit of the doubt a lot of the time. Because, for some reason I've got this chinny image, it was stopped prematurely in my opinion.

"I know I'm going to be a great fighter and I feel I had it taken away from me tonight unjustly. I'll be back. I'll be back fitter and stronger. [Promoter] Eddie Hearn needs to make this [rematch] happen. I'm just gutted, I'm truly gutted."

Despite the pre-fight bad blood between the fighters, there was mutual respect after the contest.

Groves added: "I would just like to say I've got immense respect for Carl Froch. I have done in the whole build-up. I think now he would respect me a little bit more after my performance tonight.

"I tried to shake his hand right at the end and he wasn't interested. He cooled down for a little bit and then he came and he spoke and he said some kind words. I had to come in and upset Carl Froch, tell him the truth, and I told you what was going to happen in the first three rounds.

"We can watch it back, we know what happened and now I'm getting cheered. I'm getting cheered in front of all these amazing fans. I'm so proud to come in and give this display and for all these people to believe in me."

Former world champion Joe Calzaghe has also said that Foster was wrong to stop the fight.