Froch V. Groves Was A Historic Night For British Boxing

 
Carl Froch knocked out George Groves

The highly anticipated Froch v. Groves 2 fight in London, England this past Saturday was a bonafide success and another example of supply and demand. Reports indicate 80,000 tickets of varying price levels, were sold for the historic event, which was a rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves. The bitter rivalry inside and outside the ring played out to a packed house at Wembley stadium in North London. Said rivalry undoubtedly helped to sell tickets, as fans love characters and a good show.

However, only one man was left standing in the bout and it was Froch, who came away the winner. Froch sealed the deal with a right hook that floored Groves during the eighth round, rendering a knock out. Groves, who also fought with heart, was gracious in defeat. Froch retained his super middleweight titles and pocketed a multi-million dollar purse. Groves shouldn't feel too bad, as he is said to have made between $1,500,000 to $3,000,000 for the fight. 

The night was kicked off  by heavyweight boxer and Olympic gold medalist, Anthony Joshua, a power puncher, who is built like a tank. Joshua quickly dispatched challenger, Matt Legg, in 83 seconds for a first round knock out. British boxer Jamie McDonnell, having won 22 fights with 2 losses, knocked out Thailand's Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat, an experienced pugilist, who came into the fight with an impressive record of 51-2. However, McDonnell's win affirms my view that anyone can win on any given day in sports. McDonnell won the vacant WBA bantamweight title. James DeGale also stopped Brandon Gonzales in the fourth round.  

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British Boxer George Groves Is Managing Himself Ahead Of Big Froch v. Groves Fight

 

Froch v Groves Boxing Match Sells Out Wembley In London Within Hours (Video)

British Boxer George Groves Is Managing Himself Ahead Of Big Froch v. Groves Fight

Carl Froch (left) and George Groves

British boxer George Groves, is scheduled for a May 31, 2014 rematch against champion Carl Froch, in London’s legendary Wembley stadium. Taking a page from the Floyd Mayweather school of boxing, Groves has decided to take a more hands on approach to his career. Groves applied for a boxing license in Britain to become his own manager, in a move that has been granted by the commission. Groves, presumably with the help of a lawyer, is negotiating his own contracts. 

Groves stated of the bold move, "I may not be the smartest man in west London but I do know that an 80,000 crowd brings in £5million. Then there's the television and so on. So I'm not going to accept £100,000 or £1m." Groves was reportedly offered $1,600,000 to fight Matchroom boxer, Froch, but held out for more. As an athlete, you have to earn all you can while you can, especially in sports like boxing and football, where injuries can really sideline careers. 

Froch pushing Groves

If Groves is of the belief he has the acumen to be his own manager and make the most astute, financially savvy and sound decisions, why not. He will make more money in doing so, provided he pursues the right deals inside and outside the ring. Froch v. Groves, in addition to the undercard featuring boxers like gold medalist Anthony Joshua, promises to be an interesting and entertaining night of boxing.

STORY SOURCE 

Groves: I don't trust anyone to manage me

April 4, 2014 - George Groves has applied for a manager's licence from boxing's authorities because he doesn't trust anyone to look after him following his controversial fight with Carl Froch. Londoner Groves was unhappy after being stopped by referee Howard Foster in the ninth round at the Manchester Arena and battled hard to secure a rematch, set to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 31.

It took a protest to the International Boxing Federation in New York to force another world super middleweight title bout - and it led to Groves deciding that he is better off sorting out his own business. "He's in a bad place" George Groves believes he has the psychological advantage over Carl Froch as the pair prepare for their rematch at Wembley. "I know I would have beaten him the first time if it hadn't been improperly stopped," he told talkSPORT." Now there's no way Carl can beat me.

"He says he can't even stand to hear my name spoken and he can't look at me for the stare-down photographs which are part of being a professional and selling a fight. "He's seeking help from a sports psychologist because he's in a bad place." "You have to have a manager to be a boxer and you can no longer just appoint yourself as your own manager like the old days," he explained to the Daily Mail. "So I formally applied to the British Boxing Board of Control for a manager's licence.

"It's taken a while because first they said I hadn't done the form properly, then I hadn't sent the two photographs. But it's all done now. "I'm taking charge of my own business because I don't trust anyone at the moment." Promoter Eddie Hearn reportedly offered Groves £1 million for the Froch rematch, but Groves wasn't interested as interest in the fight hit fever pitch...

 

 http://www.espn.co.uk

Boxing Champ Wladimir Klitschko Visits Miami And Is Challenged By Shannon Briggs In Shoe Throwing Incident (Videos)

Boxing Royalty Hits South Florida

Wladimir Klitschko (right) and sparring partner Jonathon Banks (left)

World class boxing champ Wladimir Klitschko, 38, is here in Miami this week. Local news stations interviewed him at The Heavyweight Factory Gym in neighboring Hollywood, Florida, just minutes outside of Miami. Yesterday, he spoke about boxing, his brother, fellow boxer Vitali Klitschko, his love life and separately Russian President Vladimir Putin and the conflict in his native Ukraine.

Klitschko was interrupted during his training session by former heavyweight champion, Shannon Briggs, who threw a shoe at him and began issuing threats. He used the standard line boxing critics and rivals use, stating the person in question doesn't fight any real competition and needs to get in the ring with (fill in the blank). It was quite entertaining (LOL). 

 "Briggs goes off on Klitschko"

"Klitschko discusses Briggs gym ambush"

"Boxing Champion Klitschko gives Putin warning"

It's been an interesting month in boxing. First Carl Froch pushed George Groves. Then Tyson Fury flipped over a table during a press conference while verbally slamming rival Dereck Chisora. Now Briggs goes after Klitschko. Wonder if Money May (Floyd Mayweather) feels like doing any trash talking before his fight with Marcos Maidana scheduled for May 3, 2014. 

Froch v. Groves Boxing Match Sells Out Wembley In London Within Hours (Video)

 

 

The highly anticipated boxing rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves sold out quickly yesterday afternoon. Froch was awarded the fight in a controversial decision against then undefeated Groves. Demand was so high, promoters are seeking to release 20,000 additional tickets at the venue. The press conference for the fight revealed tensions between the two men. Froch’s large, rough around the edges brother Lee, also had a threatening stance and tough words for the well-groomed and smartly attired Groves, who tried to take things in stride. 

 

 

Carl Froch (left) and George Groves

 

 

Froch pushes Groves 

 

Things also didn’t get friendly during a photo call at Wembley, as Froch pushed Groves while repeatedly refusing to acknowledge his existence. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the fight before the fight. Froch’s brother continued his taunts, prompting Grove to state, “Who was talking to you sweetheart!” (LOL he was calling you a girl). 
 

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn smiling at how much money he's making off the fight and associated television deals without having to catch an actual beatdown himself in the ring

Annoyed by the attacks, Groves told promoter Eddie Hearn to handle it. However, Hearn, being the brave, courageous fearless promoter he is, laughed and quickly got out the way, determined not to accidentally get his butt kicked in any potential melee. It’s not everyday you see that kind of bravery *cough* self-preservation (just teasing).