By Jake Donovan

Badou Jack knew the odds were well against him ahead of his showdown with unbeaten super middleweight titlist Anthony Dirrell.

It mattered little to the Las Vegas-based Swede that fans choose to remember him for his shocking one-round knockout loss to Derek Edwards and not for the potential he's always possessed. In fact, he suspected that his opponent had him pegged as an easy mark. 

All that Jack asked for was the opportunity to shine - and once the bell rang, a fair shake from the judges. 

He did in fact shine, and the judges were cooperative in rewarding a majority decision Friday evening at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

"I knew they couldn't rob me. I thought I clearly won," insisted Jack (19-1, 12KOs), whose career-best win aired live on Spike TV. "I had a tough start to my career, but I re-focused myself with my team and got back on track."

His rise to the top comes with mandatory obligations. Jack was well aware of this, and is ready for the challenge that lies immediately ahead.

"I want George Groves next," Jack boldy stated, acknowledging that the British contender is well on his radar. 

Groves was seated ringside with promoter Nisse Sauerland, and confirmed that he intends to enforce his mandatory title shot. The bout will likely be orderd by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the next few days.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox