By Gari Jones: As we get closer to the sequel of Groves v Froch the final week of promoting gets into full gear. It’s going to be great atmosphere where 80,000 fans will fill up Wembley stadium and be anticipating a great fight. Having watched the interviews and studied the first encounter I think Groves is taking Froch just a bit too lightly for me.
Groves believes that in every department he has Froch beat. What about toughness? He can’t possibly expect the fight to go the same way again. Any fighter preparing for a rematch should know where he needs to improve and Froch has stated that it was the mental side of his game that let him down the last time.
In the recent face off interview on Sky sports, Froch looked more composed with Groves across from him and seemed very determined. Groves took the opportunity to ask question after question to try and unnerve Froch, it didn’t appear to faze him at all. I agree with Groves saying he did outclass Froch in the first encounter; he didn’t however manage to finish him off. And I think this is where Froch will have the advantage.
Groves will have the better speed, technical skills and footwork, but Froch is a twelve round veteran who is used to taking punishment for that amount of time. For the longer the fight goes on the more in Carl’s favour I think it will be. So either Groves looks to utilise the quick start which he is more than capable of doing or Froch who will have trained and prepared to weather the first six-seven rounds starts to apply the more pressure.
The first fight Groves was in total control, he had the range, controlled the pace, landed the better shots and should’ve really punished Froch for the slow start. Whether you agree with the stoppage or not, that is not the issue. THE ISSUE is Groves letting Froch back into the fight.
If you study the first fight, look closely from round 7 you will see Groves relinquished his control and allowed Froch back in, and from there it was tougher for Groves who was on the receiving end of some strong shots and was looking troubled by them. That was in-experience from the younger challenger.
I don’t believe this will be a fight decided on skill, speed or punching power I think this fight will be more decided on who is mentally tougher. Froch has sought the help of a sports psychologist to help him prepare for this fight which seems to be working. In the exchange of words Froch has remained focused whilst Groves continues to pour doubt on his opponent’s ability and raising the stoppage issue. It seems to me that George may not be mentally focused and that may cost him the win.
I don’t really care who wins all I want to see is these two give it all they have and leave the ring with no regrets, controversies or bad decisions by officials.
If you want a prediction I would have to say 11th round stoppage for Froch, I just feel the experience and toughness will count in this fight.
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