Froch Vs Groves - Ringside

by Rick James Fri Nov 01, 2013 5:19 am

Is anyone watching Ringside?

Froch is coming across very nervous, whereas Groves seems extremely calm, reassured and knowledgable.

by Lumbering_Jack Fri Nov 01, 2013 5:58 am

Groves is picking up an any little mistakes he makes.

Pretty petulant but seems to be annoying Froch all the same. Froch seems a bit of a muppet actually.

by **hampo17** Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:19 am

Was funny when Groves though Froch was going to cry, really did look like he got something stuck in his throat.

by Strongback Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:35 am

Froch is going to pulverise Groves!

by RanjitPatel Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:45 am

Haven't seen Froch that rattled before but I don't the wind up tactic is a good thing for Groves. This will be like Bute but earlier.

by John Bloody Wayne Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:46 am

During the media faceoff Froch seemed really wound up and Groves seemed fairly chilled. There's just something about Groves that gets under people's skin without really trying.

Still think this is all working against Groves though. Froch looked pretty nervous against Pascal and Abraham but performed brilliantly.

by mobilemaster8 Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:22 am

Cant wait to see the warrior in a few weeks.

Groves is a little scumbag.

by BallchinianMuffwig Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:24 am

i really really really really want Froch to win this one, more so than his other fights.
Tables have well and truly turned for Groves since the Degale build up, showing his true colours now.

by Strongback Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:30 am

BallchinianMuffwig wrote:i really really really really want Froch to win this one, more so than his other fights.
Tables have well and truly turned for Groves since the Degale build up, showing his true colours now.

He's learned how to be a disingenuous, slimy, smug weasel from hanging around with Haye and Booth.

by BallchinianMuffwig Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:31 am

Got the worst feeling he's got Froch at the right time and will actually have what it takes to get a clear but not inspiring backfoot victory

by milkyboy Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:31 am

Probably because I'm a smug git myself, I'm not sure why groves is getting such a bad rap.

I know he's not showing enough respect for the massive international superstar he's facing, but really, is he that bad people?

by Guest Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:35 am

milkyboy wrote:Probably because I'm a smug git myself, I'm not sure why groves is getting such a bad rap.

I know he's not showing enough respect for the massive international superstar he's facing, but really, is he that bad people?

No. Can't really see what he's doing wrong in the build up myself.

Froch has looked seriously rattled throughout.

by BoxingFan88 Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:35 am

Agree with you milky, Groves isn't doing anything wrong in my book.

He is getting under Froch's skin no doubt though, Froch looked visibly rattled.

Regardless of the hype this isn't worthy of PPV.

by Guest Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:39 am

Spookily similar posts there by BF and I. On Halloween too. ghost

by md_fan Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:39 am

Hoping for a Froch win in style. Got to admire his work ethic even if he has some grand ideas about his superstar status. He is brave to take this fight - no guarantees in boxing

by KingMonkey Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:40 am

Watching now. Groves is doing nothing wrong but he's winding Froch up something chronic. George is going to have ro perform above and beyond anything we have seen so far.

He's a smart guy. I like him.

by milkyboy Fri Nov 01, 2013 9:10 am

md_fan wrote:Hoping for a Froch win in style. Got to admire his work ethic even if he has some grand ideas about his superstar status. He is brave to take this fight - no guarantees in boxing

There's never any guarantees, but why do you see this as a brave step for froch md? On paper, mack aside, his easiest fight for some time?

Maybe he's fearful of being rendered defenceless by George's now legendary halitosis?

by Lance Fri Nov 01, 2013 9:29 am

Froch always comes across rattled. hes not exactly a natural in front of a camera. I think he has plans for what he would like to say and when somebody puts him out of his stride he gets cagey. Groves on the other hand seems much more at ease. doesn't make any difference to how the fight will go though.

by BoxingFan88 Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:07 am

Unless Groves improves 10 fold, it should be an easy night for Froch.

by tunes666 Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:38 am

Funny how people see things, I think Froch is just playing mind games with Groves and putting pressure on him. And I think its working. To be honest Groves makes me cringe and comes across like a little kid that feels he needs to retaliate and sounds like he is getting upset by Froch's attitude.

Froch comes across as arrogant but I think that's his intention. And he does not look nervous to me in the slightest.

by leedizzle1986 Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:43 am

Froch looked so angry at times he did well to contain it. I think he comes across rattled but is just letting Groves talk and sell the fight, similar to Haye with Fury.

I am a Froch fan and used to like Groves but he did not come across well in my opinion. Watching that made me want him to get smashed up.

Was it just me who was not convinced when Groves was asked if Booth was secretly working with him? He looked more anxious when asked that than anything else.

Also i was under the impression Groves was with matchroom.... but he said he was on a rival promoters show??? Whats that about?

by **Seanusarrilius** Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:58 am

Groves was really winding Froch up there. He is going to be severely punished for some of those comments, IMO.

by Cass1234 Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:54 pm

tunes666 wrote:Funny how people see things, I think Froch is just playing mind games with Groves and putting pressure on him. And I think its working. To be honest Groves makes me cringe and comes across like a little kid that feels he needs to retaliate and sounds like he is getting upset by Froch's attitude.

Froch comes across as arrogant but I think that's his intention. And he does not look nervous to me in the slightest.

Couldn't agree more.

by **Fists of Fury** Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:20 pm

Hilarious you lot are - as soon as a young chap decides to act confidently and in a manner that is not at all unusual for a boxer in front of a camera, you decide he is a jumped up little so'n'so that needs putting back in place.

I for one wouldn't mind seeing Groves pull off the win. Froch has been really excellent for British boxing and has had a fine career, but he has gone as far as he can possibly go. There are no more exciting fights out there for him - we all know that he could fight Ward 100 times and it'd go the exact same way on each of those occasions.

Groves, whilst being nowhere near capable of beating Ward either, would at least offer us something different, perhaps generate a little interest from the US demographic and give us fights in which we might see something different.

I like the pair of them and won't be lending my support either way, but I certainly don't think George's comments are worthy of some of the guff written above. He's the underdog here...do you guys recall a chap called Cassius Clay doing something similar ahead of his shot at the seemingly indestructible Sonny Liston? Whilst Clay proved to be as special as they come, and thus gets some leeway, he did it for a reason and that was to get under the skin of Liston. It worked. Let's not slate Groves for trying.

by ONETWOFOREVER Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:35 pm

Fists of Fury wrote:Hilarious you lot are - as soon as a young chap decides to act confidently and in a manner that is not at all unusual for a boxer in front of a camera, you decide he is a jumped up little so'n'so that needs putting back in place.

I for one wouldn't mind seeing Groves pull off the win. Froch has been really excellent for British boxing and has had a fine career, but he has gone as far as he can possibly go. There are no more exciting fights out there for him - we all know that he could fight Ward 100 times and it'd go the exact same way on each of those occasions.

Groves, whilst being nowhere near capable of beating Ward either, would at least offer us something different, perhaps generate a little interest from the US demographic and give us fights in which we might see something different.

I like the pair of them and won't be lending my support either way, but I certainly don't think George's comments are worthy of some of the guff written above. He's the underdog here...do you guys recall a chap called Cassius Clay doing something similar ahead of his shot at the seemingly indestructible Sonny Liston? Whilst Clay proved to be as special as they come, and thus gets some leeway, he did it for a reason and that was to get under the skin of Liston. It worked. Let's not slate Groves for trying.

I think Groves is just doing enough to unsettle Froch by not insulting him outright but alluding to. Froch really has no answer for it but to react as he is, angry but not showing it. This will be a sniper job for Groves, he aint going to come out and trade with Froch but look for the big right hand to connect. Problem for Groves is if he gets caught.I don't rate Groves chin and see the fight ending should Froch find the target.

by Rodney Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:37 pm

Echo that Fists good post. Groves comes across smug but in no way disrespectful, in fact I see a sense of maturity for a man of 25. Froch should be too long in the tooth to be rattled and let's be honest he was far worse when he was in Groves position with the goading of Calzaghe. Nothing wrong with that as Joe was exactly the same when chasing Robin Reid giving him not an ounce of respect.

I'd like to see Groves win for a change, I like Froch and he's been superb but I'm becoming a little uneasy with he's mightier than thou attitude.

Cheers Rodders

by Rodney Fri Nov 01, 2013 7:42 pm

Meant to add I'd be very surprised if Booth isn't in George's corner come fight night.

Cheers Rodders

by milkyboy Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:01 pm

Grove is just saying he knows what he has to do to win. Lets be honest, he shouldn't get into the ring if he doesn't think he can win.

I think froch will bully groves and knock him out of his stride, and i dont think groves has the punch resistance. But if that doesn't happen, i think a lot of 'neutrals' would be quite happy. This place is littered with froch fans, but those who either haven't witnessed, or don't care about, his admirable 'fight anyone' road career...and just judge him on his current bigtime persona... probably think he needs taking down a peg or too.

When groves fought degale I was torn, I thought degale was the better prospect but liked groves more. I have mixed feelings about this too...i think there are still a few big fights left in froch after this one, above a level I think groves can reach, but froch really doesn't help himself when he opens his mouth.

by **rodders** Fri Nov 01, 2013 8:21 pm

Echo the thoughts above about Froch being rattled .... Groves really seems to be getting under his skin but then that could work either way come fight night.

Originally thought this would be a nothing fight and that Froch was on another level to Groves but the way the build up has gone this is becoming more and more intriguing - there seems to be genuine dislike there and Groves is playing a bit of a blinder in terms of mind games...really thought Froch was going to go for him there at one point....

by Strongback Fri Nov 01, 2013 9:27 pm

Froch has always been a weirdo and can't do an interview to save his life. His warrior stuff has always been cringeworthy. At the start of the Super 6 I wasn't too keen on Froch but I must say what he has done in the ring in the intervening period has won me over.

It's interesting the way the build up hype can create doubts in people's minds. When this fight was muted I said it would be an easy win for Froch. On this one for me no amount of interviews or Sky hype will change my mind on that. Some people were giving Alverez a chance which really shows how susceptible people can be to the baloney talked to sell a fight.

by Mayweathers cellmate Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:01 pm

Don't think either came off to good. Froch looks uncomfortable in front of the camera when he's not having it his own way and Groves looked like a bit of a childish simpleton.

by milkyboy Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:09 pm

Fair points strongy, its easy to find yourself wavering on your initial thoughts as fight night comes closer. Ultimately, your first instincts are usually the right ones. My view (like most) was that froch will get to him at some point whatever tactics groves uses.

by Strongback Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:41 pm

I see it going two ways Milky, Froch gets to Groves early and gives him a brutal beating or Groves runs around the ring for 12 rounds with Froch winning a 120-108 shutout.

I'm guessing Groves goes for the same positive tactics Haye used against Wlad. At least Georgie Boy gets to live another day.

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:20 am

I think Groves is coming on strong because he knows what he is up against. That said, he can act how he wants in the run up, it won't change the outcome IMO. Froch is just gonna train harder and my only concern for this was he wouldn't take it seriously. Groves has legitimate speed and reflex advantages here, but froch is gonna hunt him and hrt him and stop him and call the world out afterward but really go for Kessler 3!

by Steffan Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:21 am

by catchweight Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:26 am

Not often I find mself really rooting for one side or another in a fight but Froch is intensely dislikeable. I dont think Groves has really done anything other than what you would expect but Frochs ego has swelled so much that hes managed to work himself up into a state about Groves comments. Id really love Groves to smash him but cant see it happening. Martin Murray has also delivered his kiss of death on poor Georgey. He has no chance now.

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:29 am

catchweight wrote:Not often I find mself really rooting for one side or another in a fight but Froch is intensely dislikeable. I dont think Groves has really done anything other than what you would expect but Frochs ego has swelled so much that hes managed to work himself up into a state about Groves comments. Id really love Groves to smash him but cant see it happening. Martin Murray has also delivered his kiss of death on poor Georgey. He has no chance now.

Like Froch, dislike Froch - Groves is getting battered.

by Steffan Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:31 am

As much as I would like Groves to give that slimey loathable horrible piece of work a career ending beating I think Froch will win this on points no problem

by Guest Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:42 am

Agree with Steffan (gasp), as much as Froch annoys me with all his warrior bull****, Groves will have to fight out of his skin for the full three minutes of every round to secure the win. I'm sure he'll have some successes and may, on occasion, make Froch look ponderous and cumbersome but it's only the elite operators like Ward who can do that to Froch AND take advantage of it.

Groves isn't a bad fighter in his own right but he's till some way below the likes of Ward and Kessler circa 2010. Even Kessler had to take his lumps and Groves isn't that kind of fighter.

Wish him well but I have a horrid feeling Froch will chase him down in the latter part of the fight and get the points win or a hard earned stoppage..then go on to dismiss Groves and talk about how he himself is the only true warrior fighting in the trenches and battlefields and arenas and that his record speaks for itself when it comes to fighting the best of the best (yes, it does, it says "Carl Froch...LOST!" and blah blah blah blah blah.

by mobilemaster8 Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:42 am

Cheers for the link steff, will check it later on after work.

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:51 am

DAVE667 wrote:Agree with Steffan (gasp), as much as Froch annoys me with all his warrior bull****, Groves will have to fight out of his skin for the full three minutes of every round to secure the win. I'm sure he'll have some successes and may, on occasion, make Froch look ponderous and cumbersome but it's only the elite operators like Ward who can do that to Froch AND take advantage of it.

Groves isn't a bad fighter in his own right but he's till some way below the likes of Ward and Kessler circa 2010. Even Kessler had to take his lumps and Groves isn't that kind of fighter.

Wish him well but I have a horrid feeling Froch will chase him down in the latter part of the fight and get the points win or a hard earned stoppage..then go on to dismiss Groves and talk about how he himself is the only true warrior fighting in the trenches and battlefields and arenas and that his record speaks for itself when it comes to fighting the best of the best (yes, it does, it says "Carl Froch...LOST!" and blah blah blah blah blah.

I don't see how Groves goes 12, tbh. I am not blind to Froch's flaws, and I do think Groves will tag him a bit early, but Froch will end up getting him into a scrap and Groves will be doomed from that point on. Froch inside 8

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 12:56 am

I see Bute as Froch's the most similar opponent to Groves. Prior to Bute (a fight you all called for Bute pretty much) being beaten by Froch, he was showing good foot movement, an ability to stay on the outside and some fierce punching ability. Froch was able to get to him very easily, and Groves has not been any more elusive than Bute was prior to facing Froch. Groves has been tagged by far less skilled fighters than Froch, and we know his chin is suspect. Groves said in some interview ihe was dropped twice prior to his last fight. That is too recent for me. Also, why do you think he and Booth had issues? Probably because Groves wasn't listening, or Booth perceived him not to be, and they split. If Booth jumped ship before one of his top talents gets flattened that also tells you something. I am betting hard on Froch by KO. The fact Steffan can't bring himself to back Groves tells you all you need to know.

by **rodders** Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:10 am

Yeah good shout - If Booth thought Groves had a chance he wouldn't have ditched him.

by Steffan Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:17 am

Froch will win via UD. He will not KO/TKO Groves

Groves will also not KO/TKO Froch

If he is to pull this off it will be to box his way to victory

Both fighters and fans talking about knockouts and stoppages is just silly

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:22 am

Steffan wrote:Froch will win via UD. He will not KO/TKO Groves

Groves will also not KO/TKO Froch

If he is to pull this off it will be to box his way to victory

Both fighters and fans talking about knockouts and stoppages is just silly

Yeah yeah yeah. Like when Froch fought Bute.

When Froch stops him you WILL come on here and praise me. Otherwise this relationship is over (kidding, see you at home xo)

by Steffan Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:26 am

Seanusarrilius wrote:Yeah yeah yeah. Like when Froch fought Bute

Froch did suprise me that day I admit. He failed to stop old bambi legs Kessler in the last fight though. I cant see him stopping Groves

Seanusarrilius wrote:When Froch stops him you WILL come on here and praise me. Otherwise this relationship is over (kidding, see you at home xo)

Im staying around my girlfriends tonight actually. Dont worry il be back in the morning and your still the one for me

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:32 am

Steffan wrote:
Seanusarrilius wrote:Yeah yeah yeah. Like when Froch fought Bute
Froch did suprise me that day I admit. He failed to stop old bambi legs Kessler in the last fight though. I cant see him stopping Groves
Seanusarrilius wrote:When Froch stops him you WILL come on here and praise me. Otherwise this relationship is over (kidding, see you at home xo)
Im staying around my girlfriends tonight actually. Dont worry il be back in the morning and your still the one for me

Just make sure she knows she is on borrowed time.

heart

by JabMachineMK2 Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:54 am

Admittedly I didn't watch the whole thing - but anyone picking Groves - you'll have to go into some more detail as to what you're basing your decision on because I think you'll look pretty silly after the fight.

Lets look at it this way (btw I dislike Froch but he is a superb boxer) Groves hasn't fought anyone at Froch's level. Nobody. He fought an old Glen Johnson who is a tough customer, but thats it. Name someone at Froch's level. You can't. Name a performance befitting that of a world class boxer. You can't. Unless Groves thinks he's Andre Ward which he clearly isn't - he doesn't have a hope in hell. The closest we saw was Kessler and Froch put that to bed in the last fight. Is Groves as good as Kessler? No. Not close.

I think people are getting carried away. Froch hasn't slipped an inch. He's not in the same stratosphere as Ward, but few are. Groves is at least 4/5 fights away from being able to take on Froch, this jump in class has come too soon.

by **Seanusarrilius** Sat Nov 02, 2013 2:00 am

Jab, you predicting a KO, too? Join me on the KO train

by Small Time Sat Nov 02, 2013 2:13 am

For me Grooves will have to employ the same, but ultimately better executed, plan as he did against De gale, but I really don't it happening for the full 12. In fact I see him walking on to one and being stopped around 6 or 7 while being up on the judges score cards.

I don't have any ill feelings towards Froch but I do think that in the interest of British boxing (for the flag wavers) it would be beneficial for Grooves to win. As someone pointed out earlier in the thread Froch has done all he's going to do, there are no new challenges and do we really need to see him going over old ground? (Ward UD's him at a canter, Bute is too weak, Kesslers ghost is out gunned yada yada yada).

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