GEORGE Groves believes that there is not a promoter in the country that would pass up the chance to sign rising cruiserweight star Luke Watkins.

The number one contender for the WBC super-middleweight title is also the manager of the Swindon boxer and following another knock-out performance from the 25-year-old, Groves, who like Watkins is trained by Ferndale Road-based Paddy Fitzpatrick, feels that the world is at his charge’s feet.

Watkins’ third-round stoppage win against Jeno Markhot last weekend was the Swindonian’s third win inside the distance to maintain his unbeaten four-fight record.

And while he has started to shoot up the domestic cruiserweight rankings, Watkins is currently 15th and just four places behind town rival and Southern Area champion Lawrence Bennett, Groves wants to have his fighter in a position where the promoters have splash the cash to have him in their organisation.

“There is not a promoter in the country that won’t be interested in signing him up,” Groves told the Advertiser.

“But we are not interested in getting him signed up, we are doing a good job with Luke, I’m sure he is happy with how his career is progressing.

“We want to get him into a position where his value only increases, and then you have to make those big bad promoters put their hands in their pockets and pay for him.

“Right now, because he is so popular and putting in such good performances, everyone is going to want to have him involved in their shows.

“I think that is more than enough right now – he doesn’t need to make any long term commitments, we’ll just keep him busy - and winning.”

Despite blowing his opponents away, Groves, who was ringside to see the victory over Markhot, says that they now need to step up the level for Watkins.

And while the former New College student has defeated boxers with winnings records that is no longer enough for his manager.

“We know he (Watkins) is big. We know he is strong and we know that he can hit,” Groves added.

“He is becoming more and more difficult to match now, so guys that looked good on paper aren’t enough now - he needs to be tested even more.

“What was impressive about him (against Markhot) was that didn’t put a foot wrong - it was a 10 out of 10 performance.”