Home Boxing News George Groves vs. Carl Froch 2: Prediction and Result

George Groves vs. Carl Froch 2: Prediction and Result

“The angry, aggressive, spiteful, bitter, war-hardened, tough, strong, mentally determined dangerous fighter, brutal warrior – that’s what I am. You’ll see that guy turn up on 31 May I promise you that because I am ready.”—Carl Froch

He’ll say he’s a ’championship fighter’ he’s done 12 rounds several times before I think he’ll come out do his best for six rounds, hang on, do his best, get a bit of confidence, and think I’ll blow up.”—George Groves

Prediction

Carl lacks fine technique and fights ugly (some say in a non-cerebral manner), but he is tough as nails and is very good at winning.  Indeed, he is in a fight until the last second of the last round as Jermain Taylor found out at the 2.46 mark of the twelfth round in their 2009 thriller.  

This time around, I see Froch winning inside the distance. Last time he was surprised; this time he knows what to expect and while George (19-1) is a heavy load, Froch (32-2)  has more to lose going forward.  Unless Father Time has caught up with him, Froch will be more physically and mentally prepared for this fight.

More specifically, I think The Saint’s best chance is to come out fast and make it a fire fight ala Hearns-Hagler or Benn-Barkley. We now know that Groves starts fast. But Froch does not. Thus,  if the Cobra can withstand an early attack and then take George into the late rounds, his superior experience in title fights and his solid stamina should prove the difference as he closes the show around the tenth or eleventh round even though Groves seems to be expecting that strategy.

Result

The atmosphere was super-charges and the anticipation was palpable. The fighters did not disappoint as they waged a competitive battle.

While Groves started well as expected using his left jab to control matters, an ever-so-subtle change occurred in the fifth round as he started to fight with his mouth open. A savvy and more relaxed Froch saw the door of opportunity open and immediately launched a body attack complemented by effective flurries. This attack lasted until the 2.34 mark of the eight round when he pinned Groves against the ropes but instead of going to the body as he had been doing during the previous three rounds, he went upstairs and knocked The Saint into Wembley dreamland with as clean a straight right as you will ever see. American Referee Charlie Fitch looked directly into Groves eyes and stopped the fight without counting. No controversy this time.

For Froch fans it was immensely satisfying. For Groves’ fans it was terribly disappointing. For boxing fans, it was a special treat.