adminMANCHESTER. — World champion Carl Froch recovered from a first-round knockdown to defeat British boxing rival George Groves with a highly controversial ninth-round stoppage win in Manchester on Saturday. Froch retained his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super-middleweight titles after referee Howard Foster decided Groves was unfit to continue.
Groves, who sent Froch to the canvas in the first round, complained vehemently as he was heading for what seemed like a points win after a thrilling encounter.
Unsurprisingly, both English boxers had very different views of Foster’s decision to halt a contest scheduled for 12 rounds.
“It was a fair enough stoppage,” Froch told Sky Box Office.
“I felt I had a couple more free shots on him and I was lining him up for the uppercut. He was struggling, that last one or two shots can do great damage in this sport.
“The referee has to make a split-second decision.”
Froch, who had been angered by Groves’s “disrespectful” pre-fight comments, added: “He has earned more respect from me as a fighter . . . as a person he has been very childish and very rude.
“He’s held his hand up proudly tonight, he came in to the arena tonight to boos and is leaving with cheers,” added Froch, after his third defence of his IBF belt and first of his WBA title in his third stint as a world champion.
However, Groves said: “I’d like to say I have immense respect for Froch. I hope after today he’ll have more respect for me. I tried to shake his hands, but he didn’t have any of it — but then he came and said some kind words.
“I was getting boos and now I’m getting cheers in front of these amazing fans. I’m so proud to come here and give this display — I know I’ll be a great fighter. — AFP.
Online Reporter