How good could groves have been?

He did well to recover from the Froch fights and become a world champion.

Had a good career and made a lot of money.

I actually thought he’d have a better career than he did when I was following him early on. Was so happy when he beat Degale.

Had a world class jab and right hand. Wasn’t the toughest in terms of taking punishment but that was made to look worse by the fact he’d tire and look ragged in the later rounds in high paced fights. Had serious balls and heart though.

Talent wise he was at Froch’s sort of level but didn’t quite have the same career or signature wins.

 

I don't know what to say really, I mean what held him back? I guess he could have fought a different fight in some of his bouts... but he always gave it everything, was dedicated... honed his craft.

He will always be one of my favourites. Pleasure to see him work.

 

Not having a top level experienced coach for big fights me. He was small margins away from being up there with the best in the world gave Froch fits in the 1st fight. Lost the 2nd then beat some good but not great fighters. Again with out a top level coach lost V Jack and then same again really beat some good opposition but no one great.

 

Fair assessment, guess thats what seperates a lot of the champions from the 'could have beens'... you can train super hard... but without the right management...

 

Another great thread
Personally a massive fan of groves. That doesn’t necessarily mean I think he was the best.
Think the way he jabbed was unbelievable. The fight with froch obviously made his career to an extent but probably took something out of him. Was dead chuffed when he became a world champion. I must say I like it when he’s a pundit, always find him thoughtful and well reasoned

 

It’s worth mentioning what he had to go through on a personal level with the Gutknecht injury. It took a big part of him away, and I think once he achieved his dream of a world title he was happy to walk away from the sport.