Froch fails to make eye contact with Groves on Sky Ringside

By Boxing News - 10/31/2013 - Comments

froch7939By Scott Gilfoid: A very nervous looking IBF/WBA super middleweight champion Carl Froch (31-2, 22 KO’s) failed to make eye contact with his much younger 25-year-old challenger George Groves (19-0, 15 KO’s) today in their face-to-face meeting on Sky Ringside to hype their fight for November 23rd in Manchester, England.

The idea was that Froch and Groves would make eye contact with each other and have a little bit of back and forth banter. But unfortunately Froch didn’t seem to want to go along with the program, because he never met the younger Groves’ stare and would look off into space or would stare at the Ringside analysts Johnny Nelson and Adam Smith.

Froch just looked incredibly nervous around Groves, and it was kind of sad to see because it was like their ages were reversed. At 36, Froch didn’t come across as even close to being as calm and self contained as the 25-year-old Groves; at least that’s how I saw it. I was uncomfortable to watch because of how Groves was able to get the better of Froch during every argument. I hope Froch can fight better than he can argue because otherwise Groves has got this win in the bag on November 23rd.

Here’s some of the interesting stuff on the program:

Groves said “Andre Dirrell beat him and didn’t get the decision…with no confidence but beat him on the back foot. Jermain Taylor had him beat but blew up in the last round. Andre Ward beat him. Apparently this guy is a warrior, stands and has it with anyone. Andre Ward pushed him back and bullied him. [Mikkel] Kessler beat him at his own game. Carl dines out on a I’ll fight anyone mentality. He signed up with the Super Six and came out of the Super Six with two losses…Carl, I don’t think you’re going to do anything different than before. If you show me anything different than before then you’re in big, big shock…He has insecurities, he has weaknesses, he’s vulnerable and I will exploit it…I knew I’d beat Froch before the fight was made and I know I’ll beat him now, and I know I’d beat him with no trainer.”

Froch looked upset each time Groves would speak, and appeared extremely nervous and agitated for some reason; whereas Groves was totally calm and seemingly enjoying himself. Why Froch couldn’t stay calm is anyone’s guess because Groves never raised his voice or attempted to come off in aggressive manner. Groves was just speaking to Froch in a logical manner by asking him questions and pointing out areas where he felt that Froch was wrong or contradicting himself.

Froch might do well if he wore sunglasses to the meetings where he has to interact with Groves because it looks bad with Froch unwilling or unable to make eye contact with someone so much younger than him. Usually the other fighter has no problems looking at the younger fighter, but in this case Froch doesn’t seem to be eager to do that for some reason. That’s why I think sunglasses might help Froch make the leap to where he can turn and face Groves during their interactions.



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