George Groves demands neutral officials for Carl Froch rematch George Groves says he will only fight Carl Froch if neutral officials are sanctioned for their super-middleweight world title rematch at Wembley Stadium. Groves wants a non-British crew of match officials for the fight on 31 May after his controversial ninth-round stoppage against Froch, 36, in November. Did you know? George Groves During a news conference on Monday, George Groves played with a Rubiks cube on stage while Carl Froch was being interviewed. The 25-year-old believed that fight was stopped too early, adding: Thats why Ive requested neutral officials. Its conditional on the fight going ahead. British boxings biggest crowds since the Second World War 1: Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano (2008) - City of Manchester Stadium: 55,000 =2: Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler (2007) - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff: 50,000 =2: Bruce Woodcock v Lee Savold (1950) - White City Stadium: 50,000 (approx) =2: Freddie Mills v Bruce Woodcock (1949) - White City Stadium: 50,000 (approx) 5: Chris Eubank v Nigel Benn (1993) - Old Trafford (Manchester United): 42,000 Promoter Eddie Hearn said 60,000 tickets had been sold within a hour of going on sale on Monday and that he expected sales to hit 80,000, which would set a new post-war British attendance record for a boxing match. Hearn insisted the fight would make history and that the rematch would be a savage bout, with the two boxers totally hating each other. George had a few things to say - he tried to get under my skin and he failed miserably, said Froch, who shoved Groves at a pre-fight publicity day. I am too long in the tooth to pay attention to his childish games. I thought I was in the last fight but I wasnt. This time it spells trouble for him because I am mentally in the right place. When you fight at this level, you come across some classy characters. Unfortunately this is where George Groves lets himself down a little bit. He is very disrespectful. He is evidently trying to get under my skin and I am not having it. I dont think George Groves can do 12 rounds at any sort of pace. I cant see this going the distance. It is going to be one hell of an entertaining fight. Nottinghams Froch retained his WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles by stopping Groves at Manchester Arena last November. The International Boxing Federation ruled inappropriate conduct by referee Howard Foster contributed to the result - ordering a rematch within 90 days. Carl is set in his ways and has managed to get by with what he has got, Londoner Groves told BBC Sport. Slowly his attributes are starting to deteriorate. He is left now with a good chin and a bit of determination. Technically, he punches terribly. In the last fight, he was abused - physical, emotional, spiritual - he was totally abused. How is he going to deal with that when the flashbacks come? This is a three-round fight. I know I can hurt Carl Froch. This is a torrid time for Carl.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:10:38 +0000