Froch v Groves Countdown: The Gloves Are Off

[Coco]

If You ain't nervous, you ain't ready

[Grilling Machine]

I wonder if Froch has found it hard to motivate himself? He seems to be carrying more muscle this time (subject to change at the weigh-in, of course), which could point to a different training approach. More of an eye on an early stoppage win, possibly.

I query his motivation because he gains very little traction from winning this fight. He must dream of a rematch against Ward, winning that convincingly, and then retiring. I think it's fair to say that he is still the division's #2. For Groves, the psychology's much easier; he almost won last time, and this - once again - is effectively his penultimate fight for the championship. Groves has every right to call out Ward if he wins.

There's always one massive motivator for top fighters: the fear of humiliation. Froch will come in great physical shape, but it's all to lose for him. For a man who once battled through a series of elite opposition, he clearly resents Groves having a much easier path to the top than he had.

But I think that's the wrong way of looking at it. Calzaghe wouldn't give Froch a shot for the same reasons. Froch should remember this and take pride in what he's doing. Because to the British public - to his fans (or what's left of 'em!) - this could generate more respect for him than edging out Ward might. The latter's undoubtedly the big fish and the greatest prize, but the manner of victory - indeed defeat - is what we really remember. This isn't an opportunity to 'go' anywhere for Froch, but it's certainly a fight that, in years to come, could be our first-recalled of his. Should he perform.

[lefty]

I wonder if Froch has found it hard to motivate himself? He seems to be carrying more muscle this time (subject to change at the weigh-in, of course), which could point to a different training approach. More of an eye on an early stoppage win, possibly.

I query his motivation because he gains very little traction from winning this fight. He must dream of a rematch against Ward, winning that convincingly, and then retiring. I think it's fair to say that he is still the division's #2. For Groves, the psychology's much easier; he almost won last time, and this - once again - is effectively his penultimate fight for the championship. Groves has every right to call out Ward if he wins.

There's always one massive motivator for top fighters: the fear of humiliation. Froch will come in great physical shape, but it's all to lose for him. For a man who once battled through a series of elite opposition, he clearly resents Groves having a much easier path to the top than he had.

But I think that's the wrong way of looking at it. Calzaghe wouldn't give Froch a shot for the same reasons. Froch should remember this and take pride in what he's doing. Because to the British public - to his fans (or what's left of 'em!) - this could generate more respect for him than edging out Ward might. The latter is the big fish and the greatest prize, but the manner of victory - indeed defeat - is what we really remember. So while this isn't an opportunity to 'go' anyway for Froch, it's a fight that could be the first of his that we recall in years to come, should he perform.

I think he struggled with motivation before the first one but I definietly dont think it's the case in this one.

[Grilling Machine]

No, he looks determined. But if that's caused by resentment rather than fire, I don't think we'll see the best version of Froch. I think Groves will be at his peak.

[whiskey]

Groves is going ape because they put the weigh-in back from 1pm to 4pm.

He's struggling to make weight on account of the extra muscle he's added with the fitness coach he's added for the first time.

Rocky Fielding knows all about that, it bit him hard last time too, doing the same thing.

[Sklar]

Groves is going ape because they put the weigh-in back from 1pm to 4pm.

He's struggling to make weight on account of the extra muscle he's added with the fitness coach he's added for the first time.

Rocky Fielding knows all about that, it bit him hard last time too, doing the same thing.

If you're struggling bad on the scales 3 hours feels like a lifetime. It's a bit naughty them pushing the weigh-in right TBF.

[dragons]

Froch fans seem to be quite happy with that but his new facade this time is fake and he's had to lie and make excuses in order to keep it up. He lied and contradicted himself all through the first part. He was not being tongue in cheek when he referred to himself as an international superstar last time, that's an excuse for his actions. He did the same on Ringside when he said he pushed Groves cos he spat on him, again an excuse for his actions. The big excuse in the build up so far is that he underestimated Groves. Froch fans are hoping that's the difference. Well he didn't underestimate Taylor and he still got outboxed, he didn't underestimate Dirrell and he still got outboxed, he didn't underestimate Ward and he still got outboxed, and he didn't underestimate Kessler the first time and he still got outboxed. It makes no difference.

Excellent post mate.

[dragons]

If You ain't nervous, you ain't ready

Froch v Groves 1

I've never seen Froch look so nervous.

[Monte Fisto]

Froch won the talkathon but I think he is having to act an awful lot to keep his nerve/temper. This may be very draining for froch but he is keeping it together well. Will be down to skills on the night.

[palooka]

Groves is going ape because they put the weigh-in back from 1pm to 4pm.

He's struggling to make weight on account of the extra muscle he's added with the fitness coach he's added for the first time.

Rocky Fielding knows all about that, it bit him hard last time too, doing the same thing.

If you're struggling bad on the scales 3 hours feels like a lifetime. It's a bit naughty them pushing the weigh-in right TBF.

Groves ought to expect to be messed about, team Froch will look for every advantage and they have a very compliant promoter. Groves has had a weeks notice though so surely he can get it sorted.

I'd have imagined that a fitness coach would work on cardio and endurance, wouldn't that help him make weight and shed excess muscle?

I hope Groves at least attempts to make weight, I don't think Fielding eve tried.

[rapid2]

4pm is a better TV time.

[macaca]

I'm not so sure what George is doing. Especially with that creepy look but the signs people don't notice are there. Froch Fidgeting in his seat.. Talking drinks of water to calm down and at the end sweaty hands.. He is more nervous in these situations but he's putting a good show on.. I think Groves is very intelligent and is playing a little game here

How the hell could you tell that?

Watch how he wipes his hand on his trousers before shaking George's hand.. Your hands are the first place to get sweaty when your nervous.

Doesn't mean shit, maybe he wanted to show Gerogie Pordgie that at that moment he didn't want to catch his germs................ he can wait a few days to be repeatedly fed germs to the face every 15 seconds.

[Old Jack J]

Gomez in jerking off Carl Froch shocker.

In the end Palooka is right...Groves fans will see what they want to see, and the same with Froch boys.

I remember in the first fight build up, Froch fans said he wasn't wound up then as well. It is the same tired arguments being done to death. In the end the fight will come down to whether Froch can avoid the right hand, and whether George can keep it going for a full 12 if he has to.

All the rest is totally irrelevant

In a nutshell.

[thepocketrocket]

Gomez in jerking off Carl Froch shocker.

In the end Palooka is right...Groves fans will see what they want to see, and the same with Froch boys.

I remember in the first fight build up, Froch fans said he wasn't wound up then as well. It is the same tired arguments being done to death. In the end the fight will come down to whether Froch can avoid the right hand, and whether George can keep it going for a full 12 if he has to.

All the rest is totally irrelevant

In a nutshell.

Cheers pal! There is no objectivity. Who 'won' the arguments in both fights comes down to who you like. You look for what you want to see.

Just bring on Saturday. I can't wait. Just want a definitive result. No stoppage controversy, no horsecrap scorecards (seems to be getting missed that Groves was on the way to the shaft first time round)

Let the best man win, and everyone come home safe. That's how I like my boxing

[danconnollyeire]

Lee Froch in jerking off Carl Froch shocker.

Corrected

[palooka]

Lee Froch in jerking off Carl Froch shocker.

Corrected

GOmez isn't Lee Froch and he's sound. If any of us knew a boxer personally we'd put their side forward and knock the other man.

[stevedoc]

Lee Froch in jerking off Carl Froch shocker.

Corrected

GOmez isn't Lee Froch and he's sound. If any of us knew a boxer personally we'd put their side forward and knock the other
man.

there's sticking up for a mate and there's just typing rubbish i know which one i think he does

[greenyox3]

Didn't Groves have a nose cartilage problem a while back? Whenever he speaks he sounds blocked up. In a high-paced 12-rounder I think that might give him problems.

Btw I thought Froch gave him a hiding in the face-off. Groves dug himself into a few holes and it was slightly cringeworthy watching him trying to think of something to say.

A lot of people saying it's boring now, but I'm rather enjoying it. And I imagine Sky are as well.

[whiskey]

GOmez isn't Lee Froch and he's sound. If any of us knew a boxer personally we'd put their side forward and knock the other man.

You don't have to vouch for me dude. I have been on boxing forums since 2000.

I like all these helmets getting their panties in a twist when presented with facts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8m37w9rYB8

[domjon]

GOmez isn't Lee Froch and he's sound. If any of us knew a boxer personally we'd put their side forward and knock the other man.

You don't have to vouch for me dude. I have been on boxing forums since 2000.

I like all these helmets getting their panties in a twist when presented with facts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8m37w9rYB8

war Froch! fornicate me he looks ready for this one

[mickey1975]

GOmez isn't Lee Froch and he's sound. If any of us knew a boxer personally we'd put their side forward and knock the other man.

You don't have to vouch for me dude. I have been on boxing forums since 2000.

I like all these helmets getting their panties in a twist when presented with facts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8m37w9rYB8

Like Carl did in the first fight?

[whiskey]

war Froch! eff me he looks ready for this one

He definitely is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Q4y0Bq_m0

[palooka]

He didn't look too bad before the first bout though GOmez; I remember him bashing Darren Barker up and saying he was really up for it and having a brilliant camp.

Do you think Groves is sat on his arse eating kebabs etc?

This will be a hard fight for both men and both men will be a bit wiser about each other after the first bout.

[187]

Froch appears to be very angry in that interview from today, that's not a good thing is it?

[Final round]

war Froch! eff me he looks ready for this one

He definitely is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Q4y0Bq_m0

McKracken doing all the work for some of those shots.