Froch vs. Groves: Unfinished Business

Courtesy of dailystar.co.uk 

In boxing, there’s a psychology surrounding a ‘bout that’s different than any other sporting event.  Sometimes we expect too much. Two big-name fighters in their prime, set to do battle in a long anticipated match can occasionally propel our minds to unreasonable expectations.  But those thoughts were constructed by a history so rich in dramatic theater, that to expect anything less would go against the very fibers of the sport. 

The psychology even runs deeper, as there are times when expectations are mild at best… yet produce some of the most magical moments in boxing.  Expectations and anticipation are what make boxing the greatest sport on this aging rock we call earth… and there’s no better example than the rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves. 

Roughly 80,000 fight fanatics are predicted to grace Wembley Stadium sharing the same expectation of fans watching around the world.  Their first bout exceeded our imagination in the ring, but was robbed of its integrity by a premature stoppage.  In retrospect, what was a travesty at the time may be a blessing in disguise.  Without that stoppage, the psychology of the “unknown” would not exist in the anticipation of the rematch.

The first bout showcased a young rising contender in "Saint" George Groves (19-1,15 KOs) who walked into the ring undefeated.  His resume was light, but wins over veterans like Glen Johnson and James DeGale gave the English boxer the proper chops to step in the ring with Froch. 

Carl “The Cobra” Froch (31-2, 22 KOs) has seen it all… his thrilling KO of Jermain Taylor in the 12^th round graduated the Nottingham native to the public eye and his rough and tough fighting style has captured the hearts of fight fans internationally.  He brutalized rising star Lucian Bute and possesses wins over Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and Jean Pascal.  Froch is the epitome of a brawler.  He walks in with his hands down and is willing to take punishment with the sole intention to unleash his own. 

What culminated from the first match-up between Froch and Groves was the belief that Groves has the ability to outbox Froch… and only his pride of engaging in unnecessary war could deter him from victory. 

George Groves controlled the majority of the first half of the first fight… dropping Froch in the first round and beating him to the punch throughout.  As Groves grew more confident, he took more chances, allowing Froch to hammer back with his potent attack. 

As Froch began to land his heavy shots, they accumulated and the effects were ever apparent on the body of Groves.  He was slower.. and ultimately his advantage of beating Froch to the punch ceased.  The result was an epic failure of a stoppage by referee Howard Foster, robbing us of a suitable conclusion. 

So here we are… anticipating yet another representation of the sweet science that damn near promises to provide ample amounts of theater.  A 50/50 fight that can be argued intently and justified for both parties.  The boxer versus the brawler.  Experience versus youth.  A battle for English supremacy and most importantly… a battle of will.

In my opinion, we will see a familiar boxing match compared to the first melee.  I expect Groves to be sharp as he was in the first bout… but I also expect Froch to be much sharper then his former showing.  The difference in the rematch stems from the same psychology that made the first fight so electric…. pride. 

Groves could win this bout rather easily if he picks his spots and box’s Carl Froch.  Unfortunately, in the ambiance of 80,000 screaming fans, pride will overcome the young fighter and he will bite off more than he can chew.  Froch by 7^th rd TKO.