The George Groves appreciation thread.

Just echoing what’s been said on here really.

Big fan of Groves. He’s been a world level operator for a long time and P4P top 5 British fighter for last 5-6 years. Love his skills, fantastic jab and an awesome right hand that has unfortunately lost a bit of its sting in last year or so...i’d put that down to boiling himself down for too long.

The Froch defeat made him grow up. I really felt for him on what happened to Gutknecht. That must weigh heavy on him every day.

There’s still a couple more fights left in him but if he calls it quits, what a career.

 

Groves made me a real fan after the first froch fight. I liked the buildup in the sense he seemed alone, with froch and his family trying to bully him but he still managed to wind up Carl more than anyone else had. He made those fights interesting. I liked the way he matured after those fights and put it behind him, even to the point it looks like froch is the one they can’t let it go these days. George has mental strength and I admire that. He seems too smart to fight on too long so I hope he packs it in after another big pay day.

 

Iconic boxing stance.

 

Love Groves, hope he doesn't retire but think he has nothing left to prove if he does hang them up. Still believe that if he just took a knee instead of trying to trade with Froch when he was hurt in the first fight, his career could have been completely different. He has one of the best jabs in boxing.

 

SMW has always been my favorite division, maybe because at that weight fighters carry a good balance of power and speed, but also because the UK has had such excellent SMW fighters throughout the years, Benn being my absolute favorite, Calzaghe, Eubank sr, Froch and many others I've followed closely as well. I'm glad Groves got to hold a world title and join that group of elite fighters for a period of time, despite his flaws, I love his style of boxing, really quick and accurate puncher, had some power, plus his jab was absolutely first class. It's shame he's declined, but no wonder either, he's been in some wars especially Badou Jack and Carl Froch. I hope he gets a few good paydays and enjoys a healthy retirement, he's earnt it.

 

Definitely my favourite ever fighter in terms of someone I’ve been able to follow their whole professional career. What a journey it’s been. Remember being the only southerner in the pub in Sheffield for the second Froch fight. When cheering him on and being told “F@ck off you Southern c&@t” lol.

Always like the long range boxers who can whack and he fits into fat category for sure. Add his attitude of putting himself in the firing line and manoeuvring his career on his own way without having Hearn or Warren as his promoter, taking on all challenges, enjoyable fights, better ring walks and his dry humour and mental warfare in pre fight build ups. Great servant of the sport! British boxing will be worse off when he’s finished. Which can’t be far away.

Maybe Degale and Jack rematches the weight above so he doesn’t drain himself and then head off into the sunset and then enjoy retirement. More than deserved

 

I never liked him originally but over the years I've warmed to him. I respect how he kept picking himself back up from setbacks and eventually won his world title. Also, he's never ducked anyone.

 

Good luck to him whatever he decides to do with his life now.

If he calls it a day he can be happy knowing that he gave us some great nights.

All the best champ.

 

This is just....I don't know. In my opinion Fielding lost to Rebrasse, who a 1st gear George Groves dominated, for starters.

Eubank Jr, Murray, Chudinov and probably others would beat Rocky Fielding, who is one of the most overrated fighters in the country IMO. Smith won fairly on Friday and it was a great win, however, lets not pretend that Groves is 'just another challenger'. He was IMO the number 1 at 168lb going into the fight and outside of the champions (not Fielding, obvs) Groves is still the best.

 

Of course Groves is Smiths best win. I am referring to prior to their fight as alot was made of George beating the far better opponents. Smith beat Rebrasse too. Fielding would beat Eubank and Murray at SMW (well the version of Murray George beat).

 

Big fan of Groves, really like his post fight interview. He's not shot at all and he still has good fights in him for sure. He's bounced back plenty enough

 

Same as a lot of others here. I wanted Froch to deck him in fight 1 but groves won me over big time in that fight. In my time as a boxing fan I can't remember having so much dislike for someone at the first bell and then so much love at the end of the fight. To go in with someone like Froch and show absolutely no fear, going after him from the first bell like he did showed humongous balls and how can you not respect that? Froch 1 & 2 aside he's been in some great fights and took on all the challenges. He's had to rebuild as well and done it without the Sky/Hearn machine behind him which mustn't be easy as a British boxer in this era.

As for Friday, I thought he was boxing well, he didn't look shot at all to me. Definitely passed his peak but that's not surprising at this stage of his career. Smith just seems to be a freak at the weight, Groves couldn't seem to hurt him but clearly felt Smiths power and was getting caught frequently. It was obvious after a few rounds that Groves was up against it.

I'd be tempted to have a run at light heavy if I was him.

 

Groves is a quality operator when at his best. He really does deserve credit for the opposition he has faced and for when he faced them.

He was vulnerable and appeared to have stamina issues, however he was rarely in bad fights.

What character George showed when returning after the Froch fights.

I believe George has been put over in sparring numerous times throughout his career. It all adds up and quite frankly he has earned the right to retire. Don't want him sticking around too long and feeling the effects later on like many past fighters.

George has had a good career, credit where credit is due.

 

I always liked Groves but when he schooled Eubank Jnr after his creepy Dad had given the "i fear i built him too well" speech he was elevated to hero status for me.

And that bus entrance was one of the greatest entrances of all time.

Hope he get a couple of good pay days then calls it a day.

 

Unfortunately I fully believe James DeGale would want absolutely no part of that.

I also don't even think it's a great fight now, DeGale is that shot. Easy work for Saint George