Froch vs. Groves II: No controversy, no questions, both men in search of a definitive win

As London’s Big Ben counts down the final days and hours to the highly anticipated rematch between Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch and ‘Saint’ George Groves, the boxing world’s media descends on London to take their place among the 80,000 that will fill Wembley stadium on Saturday night. Fittingly labeled ‘Unfinished Business,’ this event will be one of the biggest events to unfold on British soil.

Six months have passed since referee Howard Foster stepped in to halt a Froch ninth round barrage amid a controversial decision. Following a career best performance by Groves, fans immediately took to social media to voice their desire to see Froch grant Groves a rematch to settle matters. As it turned out, that decision was made for Froch as Groves was named as his mandatory challenger.

Fans and pundits alike have become split on their predictions, a stark contrast from their first clash. Froch stepped through the ropes last November as a heavy favourite to put Groves away inside the distance. The end result tells a vastly different story than what unfolded. Groves displayed a superior array of shots in the midst of his finest hour, punishing Froch for the first six rounds. At this stage Froch began to gain ground, nailing Groves with some punishing shots. A brutal right hand from Froch was the beginning of the end as Groves began to unravel. Howard Foster had seen enough and waved off the bout as Groves slumped into his arms.

Foster’s decision to call a halt to proceedings robbed both fighters of the opportunity for a conclusive ending. A premature stoppage would best describe the fight conclusion. The fact remains that in the split second time frame a referee has to call a fight, Groves had slumped into Foster’s arms. The rule book declares a fighter must intelligently defend himself at all times, and in that moment Froch had a free shot on Groves. That fact aside, a rematch was the only justifiable next step for both men.

Speaking to media recently, George Groves exuded confidence ahead of Saturday’s bout, “The first fight I believed, this time I know.” Groves has subtracted many positives from the first bout. Displaying superior speed and footwork to compliment what many view as a higher quality skill set, Groves has proven a formidable challenge for Froch to overcome. In the build up to their first clash, Groves had dominated the mental aspect in the lead up. Thus far, a shift has begun to appear in the mental battle ahead of round ten.

Upon examining the first fight, it would be a difficult task to take many positives away in terms of Carl Froch’s performance. Beaten to the punch for the majority of in ring action, Froch’s mental and physical resolve carried him through the Groves onslaught. An attribute that has salvaged fights in years past. Froch’s admittance of taking Groves lightly in the first fight may hold some truth. Having expressed in media his displeasure and lack of genuinely interest in the bout. A mistake he surely will not make again.

On Saturday night, two vastly different career points meet at a crossroad. In his twilight years, Froch will look to solidify another chapter to an admirable career and springboard to a final bout or two stateside. Whilst Groves has a second opportunity to secure his first world title and prove his status as Britain’s best super middleweight. In terms of rematches, Froch has proven his worth. In two days time, ‘The Cobra’ will require his resolve in spade to halt a changing of the guard.