According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch will rematch George Groves after the two had a controversial fight on November 23rd that saw Froch score a 9th round stoppage. The fight was halted prematurely by most accounts.
“I’m pleased to finally get my next fight confirmed,” Froch said. “We had a number of options but ultimately I listened to the public and gave them what they wanted. I expect this to be one of the biggest fights the country [of England] has ever seen.
“It’s been a difficult period for me following the first fight. I’ve had to listen to his endless whining and appeals when ultimately the referee did him perhaps the biggest favor possible and saved him from a devastating knockout, whilst denying me the right of a clinical finish and a great comeback victory.”
“I feel blessed that I am getting this fantastic opportunity to participate in what could be Britain’s biggest-ever boxing match,” Groves said. “I am still shocked that Froch has agreed to take the fight. I respect him for his bravery. Now I am preparing to get in the greatest physical and mental shape possible to destroy Froch in what can only be a three-round fight. Britain will have its own Hagler-Hearns to talk about for years to come. I am counting down the days until I’m world super middleweight champion.”
“I was poor in the first fight,” Froch said. “I didn’t give him the respect as a fighter and lacked the drive that I had against Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler. Well, now he has my attention. But ultimately it’s not going to get any better for George from here. He threw the kitchen sink at me that night and I still found a way back in the fight to win. I love to fight and I can’t wait to get back in there and do a proper job in him.”
“Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Taking away the controversy from their first encounter, it was one of the most epic and exhilarating fights I have ever witnessed and I’m delighted the public are going to get a chance to see it all again. The unanswered questions from the first fight may now be answered. Get ready for a whirlwind of a build-up and an event and fight for the ages.”
