The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Froch and Groves set for battle
CA RL FROCH yesterday attempted to goad George Groves into brawling when they clash later this year by demanding his British rival plays his part in producing a spectacle for fans.
The Matchroom stablemates will meet either in November or December at a venue to be confirmed after Froch’s efforts to secure a rematch against A ndre Ward were frustrated by the brilliant American’s refusal to fight in the UK.
With a decider against Mikkel Kessler also failing to materialise, Froch has instead turned his attention to defending his IBF and WBA super-middleweight belts against 25-year-old Groves.
Taking on a seasoned campaigner who has built his reputation on facing the toughest opponents is a bold move by Groves but he was happy to engage in mind games as soon as the fight was announced at midday.
The granite-chinned Froch’s strength lies in trading and the champion, 11 years his senior, hopes his former sparring partner will oblige to produce a British classic.
“George has (trainer) A dam Booth in the corner, the master tactician as he calls himself, so we’ll see what his tactics are,” Froch said.
“He’ll listen to ‘Too Smooth Booth’ and will probably get on his back foot, box and move around the ring.
“The fans want to see a fight, so do your moving and boxing for three or four rounds, but don’t make it a running and hiding mission.
“Stand and fight, because you can have a tear up when you want one. Let’s give the fans what they want.
“This fight is on Sky, on pay-per-view, and I like to give the fans what they want. If George boxes the way he did against James DeGale, it won’t be very exciting.”
Groves is skillful and powerful but has proved vulnerable at times, so will keep exchanges with Froch brief.
The Londoner, unbeaten in 19 fights, jumped on Froch’s comments.
“It’s interesting that Carl is already asking me to conform to a certain style of boxing for this fight. He’s asked me not to move, why?” Groves said.
“I have a few variations on how to approach this fight, while Carl is one dimensional and likes to walk forward and brawl.
“It’s worked well for him so far, but why is he already asking me to conform to a certain style of fighting?
“I didn’t expect to hear this much desperation this early in the build-up to the fight whereby he is adamantly pushing for me to fight one particular style.”