“The Battle of Britain” weigh-in concluded earlier today with IBF champion Carl Froch and challenger George Groves making the super middleweight limit without difficulty. Froch tipped the scales at 167 while Groves came in a pound lighter at 166. Groves spent the majority of the press lead-up ridiculing Froch and seeming to get under the veteran’s skin on several occasions. Froch returned the favor today by repeatedly whispering taunts in Groves’ ear before the men were separated.
PREDICTION: Now this is the arrogant, smug Carl Froch we all know. This is going to be a good fight with Groves, having faster hands and feet, being able to land on Froch due to the champion’s tendency to keep his guard low. However, Froch has a iron chin and good timing — he’ll eventually be able to time Groves with his underrated jab and force the younger man to the ropes. Once that happens, it’ll be all Froch. To win, Groves will have to constantly fight off the backfoot, avoid slugging, and spin off the ropes or tie up whenever he feel them on his back. While he looks in good condition, the pressure Froch brings will eventually catch up to him (even Andre Ward was gassed and looking at the clock in the 12th against The Cobra). Look for Froch to gradually wear Groves down into a stationary target and give him a battering on the ropes, forcing a TKO stoppage in the eighth.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 