Froch puts world crowns on line against Groves

BOXING

CARL FROCH and George Groves will go head to head in a huge world title clash this winter.

The mouthwatering allBritish showdown will take place in late November or early December when Froch will defend his IBF and WBA world super middleweight titles.

The Cobra said: “I’m excited the first defence of both my belts is a big domestic clash.

“I’m a proper fighter and a proper champion and I’ll always face my mandatory challenger rather than vacate the title. I’ve known George for a while. I’ve sparred with him and watched him grow and now he’s my mandatory.

“I’ll be pouring everything into my preparation for the fight. George will face the very best of me.

“It’s better this way than a low-key overseas opponent as this fight will relight memories of some of the great all-British clashes.

“With world titles on the line it’s a really huge occasion and one that will grab the attention of British sports fans.” But Groves reckons he’ll be ready for anything his big rival can throw at him.

“This is the biggest fight of my career. Being a world champion is something I dreamed of as a kid,” he said.

“I’m well ranked across all the governing bodies, but fighting Carl is the one that I wanted the most.

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“He’s a big name in the UK and a well-respected champion around the world.

“I have a great team around me that can put together the right game plan to beat him so I can become a world champion and a major force in the super-middleweight division.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has been working hard to get the pair signed up to the massive showdown.

“I’m delighted to have got this fight made,” he said.

“It’s a great fight for British boxing with a real throwback feel to the big domestic fights in the 90s.

“When George became the mandatory challenger, I knew there was no way Carl would relinquish the belt and no way that George would look anywhere else.

“This fight will grow and grow and fans can expect an exciting night and a packed undercard.”