Taking Care of Business

Champion Carl Froch (left) makes his point to challenger George Groves.

By guest writer Emma Mchale 

The psych up to the Carl Froch and George Groves boxing match has been an interesting one with some serious derogatory comments being thrown around before the match. The highly anticipated boxing match between Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch and George ‘The Saint’ Groves has made both boxers fully charged for the clash with the psych up to the match becoming a grudge match in itself.

“I’m ready to take care of business”, Carl ‘the Cobra’ Froch recently proclaimed ahead of his match on Saturday. The three time world super middle-weight champion will defend his IBF and WBA world titles in Manchester against George ‘the Saint’ Groves. The 36 year old Nottingham boxer said confidently that “he had boxed the best of the best in recent years. I’m under pressure but I don’t feel any different for this fight.” Froch also threatened that the defeat on Saturday would be a “devastating defeat” for Groves that Froch has previously described as a cheeky little idiot who can’t punch.

The undefeated and former Commonwealth champion Groves has been described as one of the rising stars of boxing. Labelling his opponent as “ a second rate” boxer, 25 year old London born George Groves has stated that he will make Froch look “clueless” in the ring and his reputation will be in tatters.

In September, Groves split from his long-term trainer Adam Booth, therefore George Groves will have to create chemistry with a completely new trainer. Some critics have perceived this as a negative sign for Groves as he will take on his biggest fight of his career so far without the advantage of a well-known mentor.

Froch is the favourite as he has more experience with 10 world title fights under his belt, but Groves has the advantage of youth. Welsh retired boxer, Joe Calzaghe has backed Froch for the win saying Froch’s experience will get him through, but said Groves may have a chance if he can absorb the damage. Froch'srecent bouts with youthful boxers Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell gave ‘the Cobra’ some of his toughest tests, so could his experience and age be working against him?

One thing is for sure, the match on Saturday will be the one to watch as youth and experience clash for the IBF and WBA titles. The sold-out match will be televised on Sky Sports Box Office at 6pm on Saturday night.

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Author bio: Emma McHale trained as a web journalist at the University of Sheffield and has a passion for boxing.