Froch: I could freeze Groves out if he continues being disrespectful

By Boxing News - 06/05/2013 - Comments

froch323By Scott Gilfoid: IBF/WBA super middleweight champion Carl Froch (31-2, 22 KO’s) doesn’t like the fact that unbeaten #1 WBO, #2 WBA, #2 WBA, #7 IBF, George Groves (19-0, 15 KO’s) has been calling him out left and right trying to get a fight with him.

Froch says if Groves keeps showing him disrespect than he won’t bother fighting him.

Speaking with Steve Bunce’s ESPN Podcast, Froch said “I’m in the position where I could freeze him out, and if he carries on being disrespectful I’ll just say ‘You know what, I don’t even need to fight you.’”

That sounds all well and good but the problem is Groves is only 25-years-old and is ranked too high for Froch to go on ignoring him for the remainder of his career. Froch will be forced to fight him at some point or else he’ll have to give up one of his straps, and I think Groves is okay with getting the title either way.

Froch can avoid Groves for whatever is left in his career, but unless he retires or vacates his WBA or IBF strap, he’s going to have to fight Groves or else he’ll get stripped of his title for failing to fight his mandatory challenger. Once Groves locks himself in for the title shot, Froch won’t have much choice.

The good news for Froch is that Groves is ranked #1 by the World Boxing Organization, meaning he’ll be facing WBO champion Robert Stieglitz sooner or later for the WBO title. If Groves captures the WBO title, then he won’t need Froch. He’ll make nice cash just defending the strap against the mostly weak opposition the WBO has ranked in their top 15.

If I’m Groves, I wouldn’t even bother trying to fight Froch. It’s pretty clear that Froch doesn’t fancy the fight with him, just as he doesn’t seem excited by the idea of getting in the ring again with American talent Andre Ward. Groves should just look to make his own mark without Froch. I mean, Joe Calzaghe never fought Froch, and it didn’t really matter. So, Groves shouldn’t even bother mentioning Froch’s name anymore because it just comes across like he’s too needy. That’s a real turn off. Let Froch be the one that comes looking for the fight. I don’t think he ever will, but let him call the shots.



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