My first thread!! I enjoyed the fight on saturday night and I think we can all agree that it was stopped prematurely, a rematch is on demand but I think second time round the result will be different - if Froch follows the same tactics. He seemed to under estimate groves' entirely, his power, movement and speed were too much for Froch to defend and the only thing which saved Froch in this fight was his granite chin/ heart and ability to still pack a punch when exhausted. For Froch to stand any chance on the rematch I think he needs to change his tactics and admit to groves and the crowd he respects Groves' ability by fighting on the back foot and soaking up the attacks, fighting on the counter, this way he could absorb the punches with his will power/ lion heart and hit Groves when he makes mistakes and tires. Even with this approach I think it will be hard for Froch as I believe age is creeping in and his opponent seems to have a physical and mental edge. It would be a new approach for Froch and he would be commended for being versatile, but with Groves development in this period between the fight I can't see him winning the fight in the same way he did the first. Thoughts? And please intelligent debate is desirable!
It wouldn't be a new approach, he fought like that against Ward , albeit Ward's attack was much different than Groves', and to a lesser extent, in Kessler I. Thing that makes Groves a bit different is that he has handspeed and some power. That slow, long jab of Frochy is an invitation to Groves' straight right. So, I don't think he can keep Groves at jab's length and box him to a decision that way. It's a must to suck him into a brawl again. He did have some late success with that hayemaker right. I expect Groves would be more reluctant to do get sucked in again, but just might anyway, as Froch is a resilient animal and might be able to force it. Obviously he'd have to eat some more punishment to do it though.
Froch Tactics: I don't think Froch fighting on the back foot in a rematch would be a good idea. He's too slow and his reflexes aren't good enough for him to counter rove or catch him coming in. I think Froch's best chance is to pressure the crap out of Groves from the beginning to wear down/tire out Groves as quickly as possible and fight dirty like he did at times in the 1st fight. That is imo the best way to slow Groves down. If Froch fights on the back foot I think he just loses round without tiring Groves out. Groves tactics: Groves needs to just focus on outboxing Froch, winning rounds and not making any mistakes that Froch could capitalize on. No macho stuff, no tiring himself out too much by trying to KO Froch. If he outboxes Froch and lands clean punches the KO could come and if not he gets the decision win anyway. He should try to be versatile and unpredictable as well. Be negative and frustrate, jab and move/not engage some rounds. Be aggressive and land the right hand power shots in other rounds. Work both head and body. Keep Froch guessing and wary. Be more aware/defend better on the inside. Don't get caught with rabbit punches
froch will aim to take him out next time, ASAP, lil G is too dangerous to stay in the ring with for 12 rounds - although he withstood Gbabys attacks up to round 9 that's no guarantee he would over 12 rounds. He has to do what he does best, MDK, Froch doesn't have the skill to cope with GG's speed and accuracy in any round, never mind over 12. Carl needs to shut out the battlefield background noise, the audience will be against him unless its fought in the Midlands. Groves must stretch for a points victory and not be drawn into a war, because his power is, at least so far as we can see, less than Carls chin. So this fight will not be something hes used to. Fewer bombs than this weekend, pace himself, save the right hand for the openings. Running early on is not something Grovesy is used to doing, so it wont come naturally. Playing to the audience could be a key. G-kid can somehow dupe Froch into thinking he is coming into a war next time, and then use the opposite game plan.
Karl frochowski only tactic is use head as defense Swing wild hope you connect Have ref in pocket Groves is too stupid to stick to a game plan Very competitive match up
