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Final Thoughts On Carl Froch vs. George Groves

The Carl Froch v George Groves fight on Saturday night is sure to be debated for a long time in terms of it’s ‘edge of the seat’ drama. ‘The Cobra’ was defending his WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles against undefeated ‘Saint George’.

It was an enthralling contest which saw the Champion on the canvas in round one, but which ended eight thrilling rounds later in genuine controversy.

Referee Howard Foster ended the fight in the ninth when Froch offloaded a flurry of hard punches and Groves looked smothered, briefly. Yes, to all watching – it seemed unbelievably premature and the incredulous reaction to the stoppage by Groves, his corner and the watching crowd was understandable.

But, the Referee is closer to the action than anyone else. Gut instinct and a split-second judgement is all ‘part of the job’.

Groves was booed into the ring but then cheered like a hero – on his way out of the ring. That’s little consolation when you’ve suffered your first defeat and were winning on all three judges scorecards 78-73, 76-75, 76-75, going into the ninth round.

But I think Groves will be proud now, not only of his performance during the fight – but also the enormous achievement in changing thousands of fight fans’ opinions in less than an hour.

He left the Phones4U Arena in Manchester with far more respect than anyone could have expected.

The immediate reaction to the result was a universal call for a rematch – and no doubt Groves will be going into it next time with an equal share of support (at least).

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