George Groves believes he has the measure of Carl Froch ahead of their clash for Froch’s WBA and IBF World Super Middleweight titles at the sold-out Phones 4u Arena in Manchester on Saturday (November 23), live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Unbeaten Groves fights in his first World title contest in the North West, as Froch dons the gloves for his 11th fight in a row with a coveted strap on the table. ‘The Saint’ has been bullish in the build-up and has been awarded victory by many in the verbal battle between him and the champ – and the popular Londoner says the time is right for him to defeat Froch.
“This is the fight I have always wanted,” said Groves, speaking at his public work-out at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush. “I respect Carl Froch for achieving what he has in the sport, and I know he’s a tough fighter, but I also believe he is beatable and that I have the style to cause him nightmares.
“I think he knows it, too, and because of this he resents having to defend his belts against me. This is a risky, horrible style match-up for him, and he realises there’s every chance he gets taken to school and stopped for the first time in his career.
“I’m more than ready for this fight. I’ve beaten some good opponents in my career so far and nobody has found a blueprint to beat me. Unlike Froch, I don’t have a lot of miles on the clock and I don’t have a lot of ways to be beaten. And, anyway, why shouldn’t I be ready for a fight against the second best Super Middleweight in the world?
“We’re not talking about me fighting Andre Ward, the number one. I know I’m still a little way off beating Ward, but Froch is a different story altogether. He isn’t the best in the World and never has been. Do I think I can beat him with nineteen fights under my belt? Absolutely.”
Groves’ challenge against Froch leads a great line-up of action in Manchester on Saturday night.
Scott Quigg defends his WBA Super Bantamweight title against Diego Silva and his gym-mate and resurgent Lightweight star Anthony Crolla defends his WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title against Stephen Foster Jr. on a busy night for trainer Joe Gallagher, who also has Super Featherweight star Stephen Smith tackling Sergio Manuel Medina for the WBC Silver International title and unbeaten Lightweight talent Scotty Cardle on the bill.
There’s also a late spot on the bill for Murray, who is back in action after his controversial loss to Sergio Martinez in his second World title challenge in April. The 31 year old will now face Sergey Khomitsky in Manchester after his December fight in Australia fell through.
Former IBF World Bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell fights in an eight round bout, Rocky Fielding defends his Commonwealth Super Middleweight title and Olympic Gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE tackles his fourth pro contest, while unbeaten Super Flyweight Kal Yafai continues his comeback from injury, but Anthony Joshua MBE has been forced off the bill by a bicep strain.
