Froch vs Groves - Ringside

[Roars Like Me]

Carl is happy boxing in the ring and isn't a tv peronaility, that's it really.
George is good at both so that's the real weakness he is exposing of Carl.

I recognise Carl's drained looking face and awkwardness as I used to look like that at work.
A couple of years and 100's of presentations down the line I'm ok with it all now.

It's just a simple mix of embarrasment and a lack of personailty as far as I can see with Carl.
I've seen him at weigh-ins where he looks nervy, timid even but he nearly always comes through.

I wouldn't necessarily call it lack of personality but I do see where you're coming from. I think it's more lack of on-screen presence. He seems to be a popular character with other pros and boxing pundits. I just don't think it comes across well on screen.

Yes that's fair enough, he has plenty of presence in the ring and really that's all you need. I suspect if he had worked harder on his image though it would have earned him a few more pounds.

[lefty]

I think that Carl is just a bit shy generally. He's ok with people he knows but in front of tv camera's he's just not comfortable. Even when he got asked questions by the audience he looked a little awkward.

[danamba7]

I think that Carl is just a bit shy generally. He's ok with people he knows but in front of tv camera's he's just not comfortable. Even when he got asked questions by the audience he looked a little awkward.

Exactly right. Which explains why other pros seem to really get on with him but a large amount of boxing fans seem to dislike him. His personality doesn't come across well in most TV appearances. As 'Roars Like Me' says, he possibly could've earned even more if he'd worked on it more. Could be worse though, could have to put up with Broner

[lillywhite14]

Only see the last 20 minutes. Groves looked far from cool and collected at the end.

All said and done, it won't have any impact at all come fight night.

[lefty]

Only see the last 20 minutes. Groves looked far from cool and collected at the end.

All said and done, it won't have any impact at all come fight night.

To me, Groves is banking on Carl reacting. The more Carl doesnt bite, the more flustered George gets.

[forcefraser]

I don`t see what others seem to see with Forch. I think he comes across as a smart and intelligent bloke. His answers are always clear and make sense to me.

[the truth]

Seriously? Carl was twitching throughout, cracking his knuckles, looking around everywhere refusing eye contact at all opportunities and even the hand shake at the end breeded a sense of insecurity. At no stage of them interviews was Carl confident or comfortable in the environment and GG knew that. The desperation at the end from GG was more about the fact he wanted to humiliate him on live tv again and although he knew deep down he was destroying him mentally he couldnt help but go for the kill. All the things that Froch was doing were first class signs. For me everything GG said was spot on regarding the mentality of Froch for this fight.

It's interesting you think that Jamie, because your perhaps the only person I've read that saw it that way.

The cameras were on Froch all the time, the questions - the whole show was focused on Carl and he paid his dues, answered every question honestly and was courteous to George.

Meanwhile George was trying to go fishing, looking for a bite - with his his 'Mandated' and 'Everything for a reason' - wow, it's just boring and played out to f*ck now and nobody is interested in it.

George was left hanging on a limb more than once. At one point he burst out into a forced, high-pitched squeal of laughter and Carl just did the 'cuckoo' motion with his hands.

Are you for real froch was edgy as fk! He's getting beat it's plain to see ! Everything groves said was true , ask a psychologist

[danconnollyeire]

Groves routine is tired as f*ck, had zero impact.

It didn't really catch fire because Carl didn't bite once.

Agreed, he composed himself well and handled interviwing/arguement much better than in the past, was relaxed and never bit. I don't agree when he says Groves has done nothing to get under his skin because he pushed him and Groves is cleaver trying to wind him up. Can't wait for the fight

[lefty]

Groves routine is tired as f*ck, had zero impact.

It didn't really catch fire because Carl didn't bite once.

Agreed, he composed himself well and handled interviwing/arguement much better than in the past, was relaxed and never bit. I don't agree when he says Groves has done nothing to get under his skin because he pushed him and Groves is cleaver trying to wind him up. Can't wait for the fight[/quote]
I dont think Carl was really angry there though. He just didnt want him waffling on in his ear which is understandable.

[gazza8]

Froch came across well but i cant help that it looked and felt quite forced on his part.

I think Froch will unravel and show his true colours before fight night

[Wa1nuts]

Seriously? Carl was twitching throughout, cracking his knuckles, looking around everywhere refusing eye contact at all opportunities and even the hand shake at the end breeded a sense of insecurity. At no stage of them interviews was Carl confident or comfortable in the environment and GG knew that. The desperation at the end from GG was more about the fact he wanted to humiliate him on live tv again and although he knew deep down he was destroying him mentally he couldnt help but go for the kill. All the things that Froch was doing were first class signs. For me everything GG said was spot on regarding the mentality of Froch for this fight.

It's interesting you think that Jamie, because your perhaps the only person I've read that saw it that way.

The cameras were on Froch all the time, the questions - the whole show was focused on Carl and he paid his dues, answered every question honestly and was courteous to George.

Meanwhile George was trying to go fishing, looking for a bite - with his his 'Mandated' and 'Everything for a reason' - wow, it's just boring and played out to f*ck now and nobody is interested in it.

George was left hanging on a limb more than once. At one point he burst out into a forced, high-pitched squeal of laughter and Carl just did the 'cuckoo' motion with his hands.

Are you for real froch was edgy as fk! He's getting beat it's plain to see ! Everything groves said was true , ask a psychologist

Even if GG has got to Froch, in my opinion, Froch at the top of his game physically will beat GG regardless.

Froch does come across as slightly nervous, but at the end of the day, in the ring, he always performs, against top quality opponents. GG is quicker, but I wouldn't say smarter, he threw the last fight away, and for me Frochs' experience and quality will come through. Going to be a great fight though.

[The_Don1]

Not a fan of Froch as a person by any means, but Groves is over-egging the pudding now, Froch didn't look particularly comfortable probably because he doesn't want to be in Groves' presence but Groves needs pipe down as he's risking losing support.

[jackukmma]

Groves has got the rematch he desperately wanted so not sure why he keeps peddling this mandated stuff. Change the record it's boring.

Also if Groves handled Froch the way Froch did with the McCracken question stuff people would be all over here saying Froch has lost the plot. Groves was speechless he didn't know what to do with it

[mickey1975]

Groves has got the rematch he desperately wanted so not sure why he keeps peddling this mandated stuff. Change the record it's boring.

Also if Groves handled Froch the way Froch did with the McCracken question stuff people would be all over here saying Froch has lost the plot. Groves was speechless he didn't know what to do with it

Everything for a reason.

[Ezzard]

If Groves is pissing people off on this thread imagine how much he's pissing Froch off?

For George it's just showmanship...and he thinks it gives him an edge. Carl doesn't come across as the sort of bloke who can play games and/or laugh it off easily.

They have both proved themselves to be tremendous fighters. And I think it's a 50-50 fight.

I am expecting George to try and win rounds early on whilst keeping as much in the tank as he can to avoid Carl closing the gap late on. I suspect Carl will respect George's right hand much more.

I'd love nothing more than Groves to win a dodgy decision or to be out on his feet at the end after suffering a couple of KDs in the last round...so everyone can start screaming for the rubber match...and the term "rubber match" to become common parlance.

[mickey1975]

If Groves is pissing people off on this thread imagine how much he's pissing Froch off?

For George it's just showmanship...and he thinks it gives him an edge. Carl doesn't come across as the sort of bloke who can play games and/or laugh it off easily.

They have both proved themselves to be tremendous fighters. And I think it's a 50-50 fight.

I am expecting George to try and win rounds early on whilst keeping as much in the tank as he can to avoid Carl closing the gap late on. I suspect Carl will respect George's right hand much more.

I'd love nothing more than Groves to win a dodgy decision or to be out on his feet at the end after suffering a couple of KDs in the last round...so everyone can start screaming for the rubber match...and the term "rubber match" to become common parlance.

I'd like Groves to controversially stop him and then ignore his calls for a rematch.

[Ezzard]

Noooo!

That would be awful. And I would hate to see Carl stopped.

In all my time watching the sport he might just have had the most amazing career.

[danconnollyeire]

If Groves is pissing people off on this thread imagine how much he's pissing Froch off?

For George it's just showmanship...and he thinks it gives him an edge. Carl doesn't come across as the sort of bloke who can play games and/or laugh it off easily.

They have both proved themselves to be tremendous fighters. And I think it's a 50-50 fight.

I am expecting George to try and win rounds early on whilst keeping as much in the tank as he can to avoid Carl closing the gap late on. I suspect Carl will respect George's right hand much more.

I'd love nothing more than Groves to win a dodgy decision or to be out on his feet at the end after suffering a couple of KDs in the last round...so everyone can start screaming for the rubber match...and the term "rubber match" to become common parlance.

This worries me a bit though. He came out tentative left fight and look what happened. I don't think he needs to respect his right hand more, to be honest, I just think he need to bloody block a punch or move his head for once (and by block, I don't mean with his head)

[ajwesty13]

IMHO at first thought Groves had the better of froch but as time went on froch seemed to handled the situation and probably came out the better of the 2 ..... Groves tried to rile towards the end but it seemed to come over a little winney .... Still like Groves though and think he will beat Froch....

[Final round]

George actually looks quite smart, whilst Carl's TK Maxx hoody is fine for casual he could have made an effort. At least worn a obligatory Sky Sports 'straight out the packet' Shiny Shirt.

Forgetting that who were all the hoi polloi in the audience .. Gathered outside the studio with the promise of a hot cup of tea

[dbf]

I think the real truth is both Carl and George are actually quite shy and nervous (sounds absurd but being in front of a camera can't be easy) and thats why a lot of the time they just come across as awkward.

[BigRed]

Part One: Carl Froch and George Groves answer YOUR questions live at Facebook ahead of their mouthwatering rematch on May 31st

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152322192998762

Part Two: Carl Froch and George Groves go head-to-head at Facebook during a live Q&A ahead of their Wembley showdown on May 31st
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152322245533762

froch a lot more confident compared to last nights ringside. i still think GG has rattled him though, GG to win by KO ;)

[palooka]

George actually looks quite smart, whilst Carl's TK Maxx hoody is fine for casual he could have made an effort. At least worn a obligatory Sky Sports 'straight out the packet' Shiny Shirt.

Forgetting that who were all the hoi polloi in the audience .. Gathered outside the studio with the promise of a hot cup of tea

I was there; sat behind Froch - wild hair, staring eyes and my shirt unbuttoned to my navel; I was going to jump on Lee Froch' back and bum him

They both did well, neither seems to enjoy the limelight and Groves is trying to get an advantage again - he did rile Froch last time. Froch has taken advice and knows that anything Groves says is designed to upset him. It's a phoney war; both know it's going to be tough on the night. Groves looks bigger than Froch and he has a point about the mandated thing - Froch didn't want it again. It'll be British fight of the year again.

[Boxerbeetle]

I think the real truth is both Carl and George are actually quite shy and nervous (sounds absurd but being in front of a camera can't be easy) and thats why a lot of the time they just come across as awkward.

Yeah I agree with this, Calzaghe always came across badly on TV as well (and still does actually). Froch & Calzaghe are obviously quite shy by nature, Groves is a bit weird, so they do appear awkward on camera.

That's why I feel the build up to this fight is poor compared to Benn vs Eubank (apologies for using the default comparison they always use on Ringside!), although complete opposites Benn & Eubank both had supreme, unshakeable confidence so there was a genuine edge when they were face to face. Froch & Groves come across as 2 relatively normal guys putting on a front & forcing it for the camera.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm absolutely buzzing for this fight & couldn't really care less about the build-up.

[whiskey]

Groves was tickled on the Ringside show yesterday, then annihilated on the Facebook show today.

He looked choked about five or six times in one sitting.

But what I really want to discuss was.... who the eff wears shiny brogues, horse-shoe printed jeans and a hoody ?