Carl Froch will be too tough against undefeated George Groves

Carl Froch puts his world titles on the line against George Groves in an all-British super-middleweight clash.

Froch added the WBA belt to his IBF in a dramatic victory over long-term rival Mikkel Kessler in May, taking his record to 31-0-2 with 22 KOs.

Undefeated George Groves (19-0-0) was on the undercard that night and his 5th round knockout victory over Uruguayan Noe Gonzalez Alcoba secured IBF mandatory challenger status.

While Groves, who is priced at 3/1 with Ladbrokes to win the fight, has been extremely impressive to date, this bout represents a huge step up in class.

The heavy-handed Nottingham man has established himself as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters over the last decade securing wins over tough, world-class opponents such as Kessler, Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell.

Froch, who has never been stopped, enjoys trading with opponents and with a granite chin is not afraid to take big shots in order to land his own and he is 1/4 to defend his titles once more.

It is a bold move by Groves at an early stage in his career to take on such a tough fighter. Trained by Adam Booth, Groves came to prominence after a close decision over James DeGale and relies on excellent technical ability in order to land powerful and accurate well-timed punches.

To this day, the DeGale fight remains Groves’ toughest, having won by mixed decision in a closely fought encounter. DeGale chased his former gym-mate down throughout the fight and a similar approach will be adopted by Froch, who will cut off the ring and apply pressure from the off. Whether Groves has the ability to trade with a fighter as tough as Froch remains to be seen.

Doubts also remain over the ability of Groves’ chin to absorb punishment. Knocked down against Kenny Anderson early in his career, DeGale also had him wobbly at the knees while rumours continue to circulate that he was knocked out in sparring. Froch is 10/11 to win by KO, TKO or disqualification.

If Groves is to win, it will have to be a patient display of in-and-out counterpunching and avoid trading with Froch. It is 7/1 that the fight goes the distance and Groves triumphs.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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