By Olly Campbell: On Friday afternoon here in the UK, the constantly twisting saga surrounding Carl Froch vs George Groves 2, took a rather dramatic turn. Various media outlets and Matchroom sports promoter Eddie Hearn, revealed that the IBF have ordered an immediate rematch, that by their rules, must take place within the next 90 days.
The first fight in November is regarded as the best domestic fight of 2013, and is rightfully in many writers top 3 clashes of the year worldwide.
The controversial nature of the stoppage by referee Howard Foster has been deemed “inappropriate conduct” by the federation, following an official appeal from George Groves. The grievances of the Hammersmith fighter have been backed fully by the IBF, who have criticized Foster for both waving the fight off from behind Groves head and for not looking directly into the fighters eyes.
Most fans also felt the stoppage was premature, including this writer, who has watched the fight many times over since. It’s fair to say that Groves dominated almost the entire contest up until that point, and did so in such a classy fashion, an observing layman would be forgiven for thinking he (Groves) was the champion. Even before the explosive first round knockdown, Froch appeared nervous and uncharacteristically tentative. This was his conduct for much of the fight, and despite limited successes, we witnessed a Carl Froch unlike any we had seen before. A slow and ponderous fighter who had appeared to grow old overnight. The young, hungry challenger, 11 years Carls junior, simply outclassed him.
Now, I’ve always been a Carl Froch fan, and I appreciate the die hards will say “he still won the fight”. This is what Froch himself has been saying, and his continual deluded arrogance in insisting Groves was on his last legs is insulting. Hopefully the IBF ruling will drill this home to Carl Froch and force the issue of a rematch just that little bit more. Carl is a proud man, after all. However, I for one shan’t hold my breath. Froch’s seemingly continued refusal to give Groves any credit (bar a little, begrudgingly, in the post fight interview) has made me lose some of the respect I once had for him. Carl should remember how he felt, dropping a hometown decision to Mikkel Kessler in Denmark, as part of the Super Six. He pressed for, and got his rematch. And he didn’t do a number on the Viking warrior the way Groves did on him. If, as Froch diehards will say, it was just a bad night then why not honour Groves? Especially now, with this IBF ruling? Then Carl can prove it.
I think it reeks of those situations as a child, playing football. When the kid who owns the ball doesn’t get his way, he takes it home. That’s what Froch appears to be doing. Except he can’t take the IBF belt home now if he doesn’t face Groves, and I honestly expect him to vacate that title. For one reason. A big US PPV money fight against popular Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Chavez Jr seems to be the way Froch is leaning. His promoter, Eddie Hearn seems to bend to his every whim, and like a dog taking its owner for a walk, Carl Froch seems to be calling the shots, despite the fact Froch/Chavez carries no weight to casual fans. It could never be PPV over here, unlike Groves 2, which has garnered much interest from people who aren’t even proper fight fans. Hearn states he wants to serve and be loyal to British fans, but sending Carl to Vegas and HBO isn’t doing that. However, for real fans of the sport, that fight does carry appeal.
I, for one, think Froch and Chavez has potential. However, I don’t think Froch just had a bad night against Groves, and would honestly have concerns for Carl going into this fight, although for different reasons.
Like Froch, Chavez is coming off of a controversial win, a 10 round decision most observers felt he was gifted, against Bryan Vera. UNLIKE Froch, Chavez has a March 1st rematch to get through before he can even consider the Englishman. If its true that Hearn and Bob Arum are already in discussion, is Chavez guilty of looking past Vera? Despite most fans not giving him a chance, could Vera upset things in March? That could put paid to a fight later in the year anyway, so I would think it makes sense for Froch to rematch Groves first, then fight Chavez in say July or August, providing they both come through. It makes sense to me, but business doesnt always add up, I guess.
Carl Froch is looking at Chavez because he thinks he is more beatable than Groves. In many respects I see why he thinks that, but I don’t think Froch is the same now. Chavez may not be as slick as Groves but boy, can he punch. In fact, their styles could clash for a great fight if they stand in the pocket and trade. Someone’s getting knocked out if that happens. Chavez was beaten from pillar to post by Sergio Martinez and still showed power to the last. However its Groves who would box Chavez like Martinez did, not Carl Froch. I guess I’m just afraid that whichever way he decides to go, Carl Froch will get beat.
Two different fighters, two different styles, with the fire of youth, and a plan to beat Carl Froch. It could easily happen, and the legacy of a true British warrior and champion, could end on a bum note. Let’s just hope if he does fight Chavez, the Mexican comes into the ring stoned!!
Thanks for reading as always. Email Ollygothroxxx@gmail.com, I hope to have a laptop soon to make replies easier or Facebook, which has no glitches, Olly Campbell, Olly.Campbell.666
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