![Carl Froch and George Groves do battle in Manchester](https://i0.wp.com/news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71309000/jpg/_71309779_71309778.jpg) |
Carl Froch stops George Groves in the ninth round. Image Courtesy / Copyright: PA |
With plenty of heated build-up prior to the fight, many fans were very interested to see how the fight would pan out. George Groves entered to many boos from the fans in Manchester, while Carl Froch had home advantage – in spite of both men being Brits.
George Groves, eleven years younger than Froch, was looking sharp from the first round. Knocking Carl Froch down with around half-a-minute remaining in the first round, Carl Froch was dazed with his legs rocking, and any further damage was restricted by the bell.
Just a few rounds in and George Groves had already made a huge statement in the fight, winning exchanges and outclassing Froch. Much to the surprise of many, George Groves in fact followed up on his promise to hit Froch with two right hands, and those right hands hurt him.
As the rounds progressed further, Groves was slowing down but still had the Cobra in trouble. The duo were providing some fantastic action with thrilling exchanges of which Groves was winning time and time again with the right hand.
Carl Froch definitely improved in the latter rounds, but it was looking unlikely that Froch would manage to win on points.
In Round 9, a combination of huge punches from Carl Froch stunned George Groves and had him in trouble. The fights continued to come in before the referee stopped the fight controversially.
It was met with boos from around the arena, as the referee pulled Groves away, and furthermore the manner in which the referee removed it was speculated as rough too, pulling Groves away in a headlock allowing Froch to land one more shot on the ribs.
George Groves stuck to his plan and performed at the top, yet it seems clear that it was robbed from him.
The fact of the matter is that the referee could have stopped the fight went Froch went down in Round 1. Had the referee followed the same criteria for stopping the fight as he did in Round 1, Carl Froch would have lost.
Carl Froch was also lucky to not have been deducted of a point with punches after the clinch, and unauthorized strikes, but the referee did not deduct any points.
Its the manner of losing that may come as the biggest blow, George Groves would have preferred to lose after a defiant effort, not lose to an appalling decision. The only thing going forward now is a rematch.
What said it all was the reactions from the fans in the arena. Having booed Groves upon his entrance, he was cheered following the fight as they acknowledged their appreciation for his valiant effort. George Groves may have lost the fight, but he won the fans and earned respect from many in the boxing World.
A great fight is ended in unjust fashion. Carl Froch retains his Championship, but for how long is now the question, as George Groves is surely set for the rematch following the controversial stoppage.
– Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.