Froch vs. Groves II is (Finally) Official:
Carl Froch and George Groves will meet in a rematch of their controversial and exciting title clash, after terms were agreed this morning, after seemingly endless negotiations and missteps. The proposed date for one of the most hotly anticipated rematches in British boxing history is May 31, with a host of Britain’s most iconic sporting stadiums in the running to stage the contest.
Froch and Groves lit up the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester in November in their epic first clash, with Groves stunning Froch in the first round with a vicious right hand flooring the champion.
The Cobra beat the count and the pair battled through nine brutal and thrilling rounds before referee Howard Foster controversially stepped in to halt the contest and cap a remarkable turnaround for Froch in one of the greatest fights seen on British soil.
Groves gets his chance for revenge that his superb performance demanded while Froch will seek the devastating conclusion he believes he was on the verge of completing.
Here’s what Froch had to say:
“I’m pleased to finally get my next fight confirmed.
“We had a number of options but ultimately I listened to the public and gave them what they wanted, I expect this to be one of the biggest fights the country has ever seen.
“It’s been a difficult period for me following the first fight. I’ve had to listen to his endless whining and appeals when ultimately the referee did him perhaps the biggest favour possible and saved him from a devastating knockout, whilst denying me the right if a clinical finish and a great comeback victory.
“I was poor in the first fight. I didn’t give him the respect as a fighter and lacked the drive that I had against Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler. Well now he has my attention but ultimately it’s not going to get any better for George from here. He threw the kitchen sink at me that night and I still found a way back in the fight to win. I love to fight and I can’t wait to get back in there and do a proper job in him.”
And here’s what Groves had to say:
“I feel blessed that I am getting this fantastic opportunity to participate in what could be Britain’s biggest ever boxing match.
“I am still shocked that Froch has agreed to take the fight. I respect him for his bravery.
“Now I am preparing to get in the greatest physical and mental shape possible to destroy Froch in what can only be a three-round fight. Britain will have its own Hagler-Hearns to talk about for years to come. I am counting down the days until I’m World Super Middleweight champion.”
“Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Taking away the controversy from their first encounter, it was one of the most epic and exhilarating fights I have ever witnessed and I’m delighted the public are going to get a chance to see it all again. The unanswered questions from the first fight may now be answered. Get ready for a whirlwind of a build-up and an event and fight for the ages – Froch v Groves 2 is on!”
