BBBoC Rejects Groves' Appeal To Reverse Loss To Froch
Feb 13, 2014 • 10:40 AM ET
By Terence Dooley
The BBBoC have rejected George Groves's appeal against the result of his WBA and IBF Super middleweight world title fight. The "Saint" hoped to have the loss to Carl Froch overturned and was hoping it could be rendered a No Contest. Groves lodged an appeal last week, but the Board have made their decision without taking the matter through to a formal hearing.
Groves floored Froch in round one at the Phones 4U Arena, he also dominated the early exchanges, however the defending champion came into the fight after the middle stanzas. After a series of back-and-forth battles, Froch finally put the challenger under pressure in round nine. This prompted referee Howard Foster to step in at 1:33 of the round; the experienced official clearly felt that the Londoner was under pressure and unable to defend himself. Groves, though, has bitterly disputed the stoppage and loss, a sentiment echoed by the majority of fans in attendance and those watching the fight on Sky Box Office.
However, the fighter's attempts to have his solitary defeat expunged from his record came to naught.
The BBBoC have rejected George Groves's appeal against the result of his WBA and IBF Super middleweight world title fight. The "Saint" hoped to have the loss to Carl Froch overturned and was hoping it could be rendered a No Contest. Groves lodged an appeal last week, but the Board have made their decision without taking the matter through to a formal hearing.
Groves floored Froch in round one at the Phones 4U Arena, he also dominated the early exchanges, however the defending champion came into the fight after the middle stanzas. After a series of back-and-forth battles, Froch finally put the challenger under pressure in round nine. This prompted referee Howard Foster to step in at 1:33 of the round; the experienced official clearly felt that the Londoner was under pressure and unable to defend himself. Groves, though, has bitterly disputed the stoppage and loss, a sentiment echoed by the majority of fans in attendance and those watching the fight on Sky Box Office.
However, the fighter's attempts to have his solitary defeat expunged from his record came to naught.
"We know that the IBF made their decision to grant Groves a rematch, but we won't hear the case against the result," said Robert Smith, the Board's General Secretary. "Howard Foster is a world class referee, we support his decision and the result will not be changed."
Groves (19-1, 15KO) will now hope to make amends in his highly anticipated rematch with Froch. It is set for May 31 and will take place live on Sky Sports Box Office. Promoter Eddie Hearn is scouting football stadiums, he yesterday told me that the fight is too big for an indoor venue and repeated this sentiment when announcing the bout earlier today.
"Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said 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.
Groves (19-1, 15KO) will now hope to make amends in his highly anticipated rematch with Froch. It is set for May 31 and will take place live on Sky Sports Box Office. Promoter Eddie Hearn is scouting football stadiums, he yesterday told me that the fight is too big for an indoor venue and repeated this sentiment when announcing the bout earlier today.
"Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said 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!"
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Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk or Twitter @Terryboxing.
