A Boxing Memory: Froch vs. Groves 2

A Boxing Memory: Froch vs. Groves 2

It was a rematch that was born out of controversy. A perceived early stoppage in their first meeting. George Groves denied a rightful victory. Carl Froch cheered into the ring. Booed on his way out of it. The initial reluctance soon gave way to the inevitable. What started in Manchester ended in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. All the bitter pre-fight words were made redundant by one brutal right hand that ended a career on one almighty high.

Howard Foster did Groves a favour in their first fight in November 2013. Groves had started quite brilliantly in Manchester, dropping the iron chinned WBA and IBF super-middleweight champion heavily towards the end of the opening round. The bell almost certainly saved Froch. But despite taking the proverbial shellacking, although the scorecards tried to tell a different story, Froch was coming on as his opponent was gradually starting to fade. The intervention of Foster in that pivotal 9th round was almost certainly a few seconds early, but if it hadn’t come, Froch would have almost certainly celebrated a definitive victory without any touch of controversy. If Foster had just blinked a few more times, Groves would have got no rematch.

But Foster helped in paving the way for one of the most eagerly awaited rematches of recent times. Groves campaigned hard for his rematch. Froch went on holiday, ignoring the many missed calls. Eddie Hearn saw the dollar signs. He gambled hard that the controversy would sell enough for Wembley Stadium. It did. Froch couldn’t ignore the noise around him. The pre-fight shenanigans included a push and a pull. It was a perfect storm. Groves got his rematch, and Froch would eventually get his famous line to dine out on for the rest of his life.

Both fighters were different in May 2014. Froch wasn’t the undermotivated fighter from the previous November. Groves wasn’t the explosive fighter that very nearly defied all the odds in Manchester. Froch had his mind on the job, Groves had his mind on energy consumption, feeling that was the one thing that let him down the last time.

The rematch lacked the drama and excitement of their first meeting. But it was a thoroughly absorbing affair. Groves was overly cautious. Froch, this time, had his mind where it needed to be. It was close when that violent climax came. After seven rounds, two judges had Froch a round up. The remaining judge somehow had Groves three rounds ahead.

Froch looked as though he was edging it, but Groves had the look of the fighter who was gathering momentum. The challenger had a good 7th, making Froch stumble backwards at one point. But if Groves was starting to think it would be his night, Froch would unleash his great equaliser in the following round.

That one perfectly placed right hand that Froch landed in the 8th round was the perfect way to end their scintillating feud. And a career. Froch 36, never fought again. One of the few who left the sport on their own terms. Thankfully, he never tried to have one last dance. The perfect storm was the perfect ending to a quite remarkable career.

Groves was ten years younger, and at the fourth time of asking, he finally became a world champion on a memorable night at Bramall Lane when he stopped Fedor Chudinov in 2017. Froch was ringside in Sheffield and applauded his old rival on his triumphant night. Groves had gone to many a dark place after his two fights with Froch. He deserved his moment in the sun after so many heartbreaking setbacks. The George Groves story is one of perseverance. Eventually, that story got its due reward.

Froch and Groves eventually buried their feud and could appreciate what they served up. Both of their careers are enhanced greatly by their rivalry.

Photo Credit: AFP