The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Boxing: Carl Froch and George Groves both convinced they will be victorious at Wembley
CA RL FROCH and George Groves are convinced they will emerge victorious from their rematch at Wembley tomorrow.
The pair were in confident mood at the final pre-fight press conference yesterday, with Groves predicting exactly how he will knock out Froch in front of almost 80,000 fans at Wembley.
“It’ll be the left hook that finishes Carl on Saturday night,” he said.
Froch responded dryly: “I better pick that right hand up then and get it by my chin.”
Groves beats his chest, Froch rolls his eyes — it’s been that way ever since Howard Foster’s controversial ninth-round stoppage decided the pair’s first fight in the latter’s favour in November.
“I 100% know I can go 12 rounds — I could have gone 12 rounds the first time,” Groves said.
“That’s why we’re here right now, why it’s being called unfinished business — we’re picking up where the last fight left off and I plan to perform.”
Froch came back: “Hardcore boxing fans know what I’m about. When I turn up in the shape I’m in now — you’ve seen it time and time again against top, top opposition— I’ve proved I can perform at the top level.”
He continued: “I mix it with the elite boxers in the world.
“I’m bringing that confidence and that experience with me into this fight on top of being at absolutely unbelievable shape which will allow me to perform at my best for the whole duration of the fight if necessary.”
A t 26, Groves is 10 years Froch’s junior. The Londoner is lighter on his feet than his opponent, sharper in his angles and swifter with his hands.
But Froch is durable, cunning and with 32 professional victories out of 34 contests, his experience will prove invaluable when the adrenaline is pumping.
“You’re using the 36-year-old as a question mark around whether or not I can still do it at this level,” Froch said.
“But of course I’ve still got it what it takes and of course I can still do what I did in my twenties.” Groves is determined to prove otherwise. “I’m going to perform on Saturday night and become world champion and do it on the big stage looking very good doing it,” Groves said.
“In boxing you can be the most talented fighter out there but you need people to watch and I’m fortunate I’m in that situation.
“I will arrive on Saturday night — no stone has been left unturned, I’m fully prepared and I just can’t wait.”
A s the duo stood up, television cameras jostled for position to catch the simmering square-up that preceded the first fight.
There were no such dramatics this time, however.
Froch slapped his two world-title belts over his shoulder and Groves kept his own company with a wry smile. The time for talking is over.