By Left Jab Lammy: Before we get into the ‘keys to victory’ let’s take a look at the background of George Groves, as not many people outside of the United Kingdom have heard of this talented contender. The man they call ‘Saint’ has had a very good amateur career. George Groves fought in the 75 kg category as an amateur and won the ABA championship for his weight. Although he was not chosen to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics he had previously defeated the man who was selected instead of him and who incidentally went on to win the gold medal (James DeGale).
It should be noted that Groves and Degale also met as professionals in a Commonwealth and British Super Middleweight title fight. Groves was declared the winner by majority decision after 12 closely fought rounds. Many consider George Groves to be inexperienced at the highest level but I think he has proven to be one of the best fighters in the division judging by recent performances.
Keys to victory
· George Groves is unbeaten, and we all know how dangerous unbeaten young fighters can be. His confidence in believing he is unbeatable can give him the advantage. His self assured trainer (Paddy Fitzpatrick) will surely be reminding him of this fact right up until fight night. As simple as it may sound but unwavering confidence is key for Groves, especially against a four-time world champion.
· Both fighter have also shared the ring with a common opponent (Glengoffe Donovan Johnson) but George Groves had the more convincing victory over the veteran Johnson, this can only boost his self belief even further. It should however be noted that the stakes were higher when Carl Froch fought Johnson.
· ‘The Cobra’ Froch tends to fight on the ‘back foot’ when under pressure and if you look closely at the technical style of Groves, he seems to only put his opponents under significant pressure when he believes he has more power than them. If a sports psychologist, his trainer, or even a hypnotists can somehow make Groves believe he has more power than Froch, then I do feel that by adopting this ‘pressure’ strategy will help him get the judges vote if it goes to points. Jermaine Taylor adopted such tactics in his fight with Froch and was successful in the early rounds, but he did not have the stamina to implement such strategy for the full twelve rounds.
So who will win? I believe George Groves will ultimately adopt the same game plan as when he fought James Degale, i.e. constantly moving and hitting when the opponent is repositioning or setting themselves to the ‘cross counter’ or straight jab. This would work against most fighters but I cannot see this strategy working against the likes of elite pugilists like Froch, such fighters are adept at ‘cutting off’ the ring without expending too much energy, they tend to work the angles of the ring in an effortless manner which tends to go unnoticed to the untrained eye. This fact coupled with a reach advantage will prevent meaningful shots connecting and doing much damage to Froch, as he will be able to block / fend them off even while adjusting to the constantly moving Groves.
Legend tells us that Saint Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland but I cannot see ‘Saint’ George Groves doing the same to ‘The Cobra’ in England. It’s safe to say that Froch will win, probably by knockout or a unanimous points decision. We could even see the equivalent of a boxing massacre if Froch shows up in the same mood as when he fought Lucian Bute.
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