Carl Froch: record, next fight and profile →
Carl Froch has all but dismissed the idea of going 'over old ground' in a rematch with George Groves. The WBC and IBF middleweight champion was on Ringside for the first time since his controversial win on November 23. Groves has demanded a rematch after being stopped in the ninth round of their contest and promoter Eddie Hearn has even admitted he - as a fan - wants to see a second showdown.
BoxingScene recently caught up with Jim McDonnell, trainer of WBC silver super middleweight champion James DeGale who recently overcame Dyah Davis in the third defence of his title. McDonnell discussed DeGale’s next move and the recent controversial fight between Carl Froch and George Groves.
Trainer Robert McCracken, along with IBF/WBA 168-pound champion Carl Froch, were left with a "sour taste" in their mouths after being booed in the aftermath of the ninth round stoppage of George Groves in Manchester. Most of the fans in attendance felt the stoppage was premature, as Groves was ahead on all of the scorecards after rocking the champion several times in the bout.
Well before Saturday’s HBO-televised doubleheader in Quebec, Canada, fans have been clamoring for a showdown between light heavyweight knockout artists Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev. Both fighters did their part to further create interest in such a future pairing; Stevenson successfully defended his World lineal championship with a 6th round stoppage of Tony Bellew, while Kovalev emphatically knocked out Ismayl Sillakh inside of two rounds. Kovalev (23-0-1, 21KO) continues to call out Stevenson, who for whatever reason continues to look elsewhere for his next opportunity. During his post-fight interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman, Stevenson (23-1, 20KO) insisted his fans would rather first see the Haitian-Canadian take on the likes of Carl Froch or Bernard Hopkins.
Britain’s fabulous record in the 168lb super-middleweight division seems destined to enjoy several future chapters given the strength of George Groves’ brilliant challenge to IBF and WBA champion Carl Froch last weekend. Since inauguration in 1984, these isles have already delivered eight world champions at 12 stone and the ‘Saint’ from Hammersmith could become the ninth. Despite his premature eviction in round nine of a fabulous and truly torrid battle, the 25 year old proved he has the technique, temperament and firepower to flourish on the highest stage.
Super middleweight contender George Groves is ready for a rematch with IBF/WBA 'regular' champion Carl Froch - if he is given a rematch. Last Saturday night, Groves knocked Froch down on his back in the first round and outboxed the champion, hurting him numerous times, over the course of the fight. A controversial ending in the ninth, as referee Howard Foster jumped in very quickly as soon a Groves got in trouble. After getting his in-ring experience againt Froch, the younger man is confident he would come on even stronger in the rematch.
Yvon Michel promotes another big night of boxing in Quebec this Saturday with both the main event and the chief support potentially explosive encounters. Adonis Stevenson’s second defence of his WBC 175lbs title against Brit Tony Bellew has fight fans in the UK excited, but what do the locals know of the Liverpool man? “In terms of the general public, they don’t know Tony Bellew, he hasn’t fought on television here,” explained Michel.
The news that British light welterweight champion Darren Hamilton has signed a high-profile promotional deal with Matchroom has hardly come as a shock. What is a surprise is that it has taken this long for his talent to be recognized. Hamilton’s rise in recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary. In March 2011, he was making up the numbers in a Southern area title fight against Peter McDonough. Except McDonough couldn’t handle him, retiring on his stool after 8. He was brought in as a selected opponent for John Watson, supposedly rebuilding after losing his British title. Watson had the advantage of boxing in his home city of Liverpool: Hamilton outpointed him over eight. In May 2012, he was brought in at four days notice to take on defending British champion Ashley Theophane. But the useful Theophane couldn’t get him under control, losing his title on a unanimous decision.
IBF/WBA "regular" super middleweight champion Carl Froch is looking for other options in the near future - and those options do not include a rematch with domestic rival George Groves (19-1, 15KOs). Last weekend, Groves dropped Froch (32-2, 23KOs) hard in the first round and rocked the veteran several times in the course of the fight. Groves was ahead on all three of the official cards when Froch stunned him in the ninth and the referee, Howard Foster, jumped in for a controversial ending.
A former England football international has hit out at boxing fans after they booed the defending champion after last Saturday’'s controversial refereeing decision. Writing exclusively on Sportlobster.com former England football international, Michael Owen, criticised boxing fans for the negative reception they gave the IBF and WBA super-middleweight champion Carl Froch after the referee’s stoppage against George Groves. Groves, the challenger, knocked down his opponent in the opening round, and led on all three judge scorecards going into the ninth, before Froch put together a series of good combinations and referee Howard Foster jumped in - a decision many observers felt premature.