Groves should have knocked out Froch in 1st round

By Boxing News - 11/25/2013 - Comments

froch5629By Al Hmiel: George Groves (19-1, 15 KO’s) was robbed in what should hav been a 1st round KO of IBF/WBA super middleweight champion Carl Froch (32-2, 23 KO’s) last Saturday night in Manchester, UK. Granted, Froch is probably the UK’s greatest fighter of all time, but Groves showed little respect for Froch and just wouldn’t bow down to the king of British boxing. Groves did not fear or respect Froch.

Groves started out fast and stunned the 36-year-old slow as frozen molasses Froch. Not since Andre Ward showed how slow Froch actually was has the slowness of Carl been so apparent until meeting up with the 25 year old Groves.

George’s blinding speed repeatedly beat Froch back and around the ring in that first round. Then came the hard shot to Froch’s wide open jaw dropping the British legend on his rear. As a stunned and shocked British crowd gasped in awe at the work of the underdog Groves the referee stepped in for the count. As Froch got up in the count he looked shaken and unsure of where he was. Froch was old cold on his feet. But the Champion slowly rose on unsteady legs.

If the Ref would have asked Carl to walk towards him in the 1st round after the knock down, Froch wouldn’t have been able to do so too wobbly. Froch got a pass there and the bell sounded. Close to a first round KO and with a legitimate ref it would have been over in round one. The ref saved Froch from the quick KO.

Normally a referee stands there and wipes the downed fighters gloves off and asks that fighter to take a step towards the ref. Froch wouldn’t have been able to do that without staggering. The fight would have been over then and a KO given to Groves. Why didn’t the British referee follow boxing protocol and ask Carl Froch to take a step towards him to check his status and look into Froch’s eyes? Froch was allowed to get up slowly and on unsure jello legs fall back into the ropes to steady himself before being allowed to continue until saved by the bell a few seconds later.

George Groves probably got denied a true 1st round Knock out of the World Champion Carl Froch. Sorry to see the referee not wipe Carl’s gloves off and not ask Froch to take that step forward as Carl would not have been able to do so. Froch dazed and out on his feet was unable to take that step forward.

Fight then would have to have been waved off awarding Groves with one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. A first round KO of the Champion Froch. Sad to see Froch given that huge opportunity in the First round saving him from the humiliation of that deserved KO by George Groves. A rematch is most definite but it was an opportunity lost forever for George Groves. Sad in a way.



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