Froch v Groves: Changing of the 168 guard?

[earsjohn]

I like this fight.

Too often in boxing, opportunities to address questions that will be raised in future are either ignored, deliberately avoided or are not considered as viable until too late.

We have 2 guys operating at the same weight, but at divergent ends of their careers - Froch has, maybe, 3 fights left at the top level, while this will be Groves's biggest challenge in his short career by a long distance.

Super Middle has been a UK specialist division since its inception and the glory days of the Benn/Eubank/Collins era. Towards the end of their time, a new kid on the block emerged from the Valleys in the shape of Joe Calzaghe. And while Calzaghe famously beat Eubank, it couldn't be described as a prime or even near-prime Eubank - he was a good 3 years from his last decent world level win and, IIRC, came in at late notice and fairly drained. While the win signalled a metaphorical passing of the baton, it has always felt a little hollow (from a historical, prime v prime, who beats who perspective)

Then we had Calzaghe's reign; domestic challengers (Reid, Woodhall) came and went without ever threatening to really unseat Joe as the top dog at 168, until the emergence of Carl Froch, again towards the end of his career. Slight difference this time being that while Joe was still performing at a very high level, at the time of his last Super Middle fight (against Kessler), Froch was still operating at domestic level (he fought Robin Reid a week later). The two could have met in the ring (ignoring the political difficulties), but it would have been a case of a close to prime Calzaghe against a not-yet ready Froch. Again, the historical who beats who, prime for prime, would not have been satisfactorily addressed.

Now we have a situation where the current dominant force is still at or close to his prime and comfortable at the weight. Some are suggesting that this is too soon for Groves, but he has comfortably surpassed domestic level (wins over Anderson, DeGale, Smith) and has proven himself against a tough warhorse in Glen Johnson. I think that Groves will go on to become a genuine force at 168 over the next few years and can see him winning multiple world titles. If this fight was to wait 9-12 months, say, I could see a situation where Froch gets beaten by Ward again, or comes a cropper against Stieglitz and then the Groves-Froch fight would be viewed in many ways similar to the Eubank-Calzaghe fight.

This, therefore, is a prime opportunity for 2 guys who may well be future top 5 in the UK at the weight, to put a definitive answer to the who wins question. Of course, if Froch destroys Groves, then a lot of this is moot, but I can't see that happening. If Groves does go on to become a force, with the dethronement of Froch as the first step, then that won't reflect too badly on Carl's legacy, while Groves can look forward to a decade of fantastic domestic clashes with the likes of DeGale, Cleverly, Eubank Jnr, Martin Murray, BJ Saunders, Ryder.

[palooka]

There's many a slip between cup and lip. Predicting a decade of thrilling bouts for Groves is maybe a touch hopeful though I think he is a very dangerous man for Froch to box; I remember seeing Ward outmuscle Froch, he didn't just fiddle and run - he was stronger inside. Groves is a big powerful man this is a good bout for the viewer and it may change the scene.

[loaded_gloves]

Froch will walk over Groves, that dreary pose & throw ten punch a round approach of the Booth boxers is going to fall flat here.

[Deserter]

I could see a situation where Froch gets beaten by Ward again, or comes a cropper against Stieglitz.

Ward I understand, but Stieglitz, really?! He's Froch Lite

[Roars Like Me]

Why do I have Froch ringing in my ears saying 'He's young and he can come again'?

No changing of the guard here

[DMA1987]

Groves appears to be improving. His hand speed and power look to have come on leaps and bounds - he is a fighter I am excited for in the future. That being said, this fight is way too soon for him. There is nothing that can prepare him for the difference in class between who he has been fighting, and Carl Froch. I fully expect Groves to look quite convincing early, but I expect Froch to come on strong and have him out of there before the 10th. I hope Groves will learn a lot from the fight and come again, because I expect he will be incredible when fully developed.

[dookus]

Groves has improved a lot, but still lacks the defence or chin to deal with 12 rounds of Froch. This is going to be a lot like the Bute bout, although with Groves' movement it should at least go to the middle or later rounds.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Froch is going to beat Groves easily, not in the same league.

[stevieb_8006]

Everyone has been saying how groves has improved, but look who he's been fighting? If fw put him in vs that level he'd be crucified. And I include the ancient glencoffe in that.

His defence is still leaky, if Carl lands like Paul smith did at the end of that first round, its over.

[TopGun]

Froch is going to beat Groves easily, not in the same league.

This could be fight of the Year! No way is this an easy night for Froch....warrrr Groves!!!!

[earsjohn]

That's a really good post, earsjohn. I take issue that Reid didn't come close though.

It was a clsoe fight, but even if he'd have won, I don't think it would have resulted in an era of the Reaper. It would probably have driven Joe to come back and put in a performance in a rematch.

[earsjohn]

I could see a situation where Froch gets beaten by Ward again, or comes a cropper against Stieglitz.

Ward I understand, but Stieglitz, really?! He's Froch Lite

Sorry, I didn't mean I expect Stieglitz to win, but there's enough danger in that fight, particularly if Carl is not as focused as required, for an upset, however unlikely. That hypothetical defeat would lead to a lower grade view of Carls hypothetical fight with Groves down the line and the diminishing of Groves's subsequent, hypothetical stellar career.

[Deserter]

I could see a situation where Froch gets beaten by Ward again, or comes a cropper against Stieglitz.

Ward I understand, but Stieglitz, really?! He's Froch Lite

Sorry, I didn't mean I expect Stieglitz to win, but there's enough danger in that fight, particularly if Carl is not as focused as required, for an upset, however unlikely. That hypothetical defeat would lead to a lower grade view of Carls hypothetical fight with Groves down the line and the diminishing of Groves's subsequent, hypothetical stellar career.

[Emmseegee]

Can see groves going a few rounds up on the cards by hitting and moving before Froch starts walking him down taking shots to land his own. Although I wouldnt underestimate Groves' punching power, is it really going to be enough to stop Froch walking forward?

My prediction would be a Froch stoppage in the second half of the fight. Maybe the 7th or 8th round.

[Teddy's Toupee]

Groves might fancy it after his sparring sessions with Kessler. Maybe he feels he handled Mikkel better than Froch did.

[lefty]

Can see groves going a few rounds up on the cards by hitting and moving before Froch starts walking him down taking shots to land his own. Although I wouldnt underestimate Groves' punching power, is it really going to be enough to stop Froch walking forward?

My prediction would be a Froch stoppage in the second half of the fight. Maybe the 7th or 8th round.

Froch does seem to have an abnormal ability to absorb big punches that is for sure.

[palooka]

Can see groves going a few rounds up on the cards by hitting and moving before Froch starts walking him down taking shots to land his own. Although I wouldnt underestimate Groves' punching power, is it really going to be enough to stop Froch walking forward?

My prediction would be a Froch stoppage in the second half of the fight. Maybe the 7th or 8th round.

Froch does seem to have an abnormal ability to absorb big punches that is for sure.

And sooner or later that ability will reduce.

[Deserter]

Can see groves going a few rounds up on the cards by hitting and moving before Froch starts walking him down taking shots to land his own. Although I wouldnt underestimate Groves' punching power, is it really going to be enough to stop Froch walking forward?

My prediction would be a Froch stoppage in the second half of the fight. Maybe the 7th or 8th round.

Froch does seem to have an abnormal ability to absorb big punches that is for sure.

And sooner or later that ability will reduce.

That's undoubtedly true, but bar the Kessler tear-up, he's actually got a lot better in terms of 'self-preservation'. Doesn't look ready to 'go' yet in that regard and as much as GG might have a dig, let's not forget Kessler has one hell of a right hand and bar one round (think it was the 11th), didn't really trouble Froch seriously.

[jameswilson]

I can see Groves getting a lead in this fight. Whether or not he keeps it tho will be the question.

[ALI]

I cant see anything other than a Froch KO.

I expect Groves to back peddle for as long as it lasts, this might get him through the first few rounds, or even through the first half of the fight depending on the level of negativity he brings, but one way or another Froch is getting to him, he will knock Groves out.

Booth/Groves game plan will be to try and steal a points win. It will be hit and run tactics similar to the DeGale fight.

[jamesmcdonnell]

You need to be busy and cute to beat Froch- a few power shots here and there are not going to do the job.

Froch is a machine, and he's still in his prime I think, he looked just as good ever against Kessler - and has learnt how to win the big fights. I don't see him losing to anyone but the elite at 168.

[Final round]

Credit to Froch for giving Groves the opportunity, credit to Groves for wanting to take on the best and credit to Eddie Hearn for hosting two Sky PPV worthy fights over three months.

[liamlion]

One thing going for Groves is that he has a great fast, accurate jab. I can see Froch eating a good few of those early on.

Whether Groves will have the conditioning to keep a strong marauding Froch off him for the full 12 is the real question IMO

[deadpan]

The word for the day is 'levels'.

Any folk who think otherwise are deluded to a positively Audleyian degree.