Anyone here see the fight? I'm a mad boxing fan and thought it was an absolute cracker of a fight (the undercard was great too). It had everything, an early knockdown (that would've probably knocked out 99.9% of other super middleweights), all action, warriors trading blow for blow - Froch took an amazing amount of punishment - and a controversial finish. Should the ref have stopped the fight in round 9? I think he made the right decision, because Groves was visibly deteriorating rapidly and had just taken some big shots and looked in no mans land whereas Froch, like he normally does, was getting stronger as the fight went on. I still remember Eubank v Watson II in the early nineties and would hate for a repeat ending, and I feel if the Ref had let their fight continue Groves bravery would've gotten him seriously hurt. True Groves was ahead on points, but that's not what wins you fights. Froch did what he had to do and absorbed all Groves could throw at him, bided his time and prevailed. Whaddya reckon?
Yeah I saw it, best fight for a long time. Froch was clearly rattled early on but was really turning it around. I think it was the right call to stop, just, Groves had lost his guard and was swinging without connecting, 1 or 2 more hits he could have been seriously hurt.
I listened to it on the radio, being a student I can't afford the luxury of Sky Box Office haha. It does sound like an absolute cracker. I'm happy Froch won, I think it'll be a pass the torch type thing. Groves has a huge future ahead of him after last night. I see there is talk of a rematch now, I would be surprised if Froch agrees to it. I think Groves would beat him in a rematch, although Froch showed he has such a good chin with those early round punches he was absorbing.
Froch was getting stronger and stronger. Points wouldn't have mattered Groves would have managed 12 rounds. I think I rematch would probably yield the same result. Froch did suggest a rematch first in the post match interview given the interest there would be a good pot and Froch needs to start thinking retirement.
Just saw the fight again, minus the Jim Beam fog. ;-) How Froch took those punches in the 6th round -- and stubbornly fired back with his own -- is beyond my comprehension. I think if Froch sticks to his word and forced the rematch with his promoter, and Groves boxed in a less macho fashion and stopped trying to trade when there's no need -- and consistently stuck to his gameplan of countering with that fast overhand right on Froch's unguarded chin -- he'll beat Froch on points. Will be another great fight if it takes place. Personally when Froch's head clears itself and he spends a nice, cosy Christmas with his family and kids I don't think he'll fancy it because he know's Groves has the style, speed and technique to beat him.
On points, your right. I don't see Groves putting Froch down for a full count. Groves would need to get through 12 rounds for it to matter and Froch is so good at dishing out big hits when his opponent is tired. I also wonder if Froch wasn't entirely prepared fort he onslaught he got from Groves in the early rounds and would show more respect the second time round. Ultimately the only thing i actually know is that id love to see the rematch.
I think it would be a cracking rematch. Froch has said in the past he wants to retire with a good record and with his belts. I think it would all depend on whether Froch thinks he can beat him again but I suppose as well it would be a very lucrative fight. Personally, I don't think he would just because Groves was clearly ahead on points, saying that I am not a huge follower of boxing so probably wouldn't know.
Agreed. If Groves wins it's on points. In regard to preparing for the onslaught, even with a high guard, which is anathema to Froch, I think age is catching up with him, so he doesn't have the reflexes to deal with Groves attacks. Sure Froch is teak tough with a granite jaw, but taking all those punches still puts him on the back foot which is where he fights least effectively. I may even make the trek to Wembley Stadium to watch it! Yes I do believe the Hearn Matchroom marketing machine would fill it up. Along with some mates I attended the Froch-Bute fight in Nottingham last year and arrived back in Cornwall at 5am -- what a freakin' awesome night that was -- so London would be a breeze! ;-) If the rematch takes place which I so, so, SO hope it does, plus I strongly believe Groves needs to work on his fitness to ensure he keeps on his toes (Groves has fantastic movement and balance when he's not getting hit!) and avoid Froch's inevitable onslaught in the later rounds. However if he does an "Amir Khan" and attempts to trade toe to toe when under severe pressure I think Froch will stop him again. But I don't think Groves will. He'll learn a lot from this fight. He's a smart guy. OFF OFF TOPIC - Bath... the only place where I paid over a fiver for fried eggs on toast. And that was in 1999! LOL.
