George Groves appeals to IBF

George Groves appeals to IBF

Super-middleweight contender George Groves appeared before an IBF hearing last week as he continues his appeal for a rematch with IBF and WBA champion Carl Froch. Lindsey Tucker, IBF championship chairman, confirmed exclusively to World Boxing News that Groves filed an appeal and has requested an immediate rematch with ‘The Cobra’. Tucker stated the hearing took place on Jan. 15 in Newark, NJ, and the Londoner will be notified of the outcome within ten days. Groves is adamant his fellow countryman has only one option, and that is Froch follows up on his words and provides UK with the fight they want to see this summer.

Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn has a great relationship with Carl, although it seems even he isn’t aware of what path the champion will take as he spoke direct with The Daily Mirror. “The Groves fight is the biggest financially, but I don’t think Carl feels he needs it,” Hearn said.

“The public wants it but as far as he’s concerned he has beaten Groves. I’ll put the options on the table and the fighter generally chooses the fight which is the biggest financially. I think deep down, Carl will want to do a job on George Groves before he retires because he doesn’t like him at all…We’re already talking to venues about doing it at the end of May.” So, what options does Froch have if he doesn’t want to step in the ring with Groves again?

He has been linked with a potential showdown in Las Vegas against Top Rank’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and once again, a rematch against former conqueror Andre Ward has also come to surface. But do either of these stack up against a rematch with Groves, certainly not in the fans eyes they don’t. I’m a follower of Froch, I have traveled to see him twice now and I can say without hesitation he has to be a man of his words and follow through with the rematch. Should he choose to avoid this option, will his legacy stay intact and will he lose respect along the way, possibly. My opinion is solely on the basis of Froch’s comments after the fight, nothing else. There is no denying the achievements and contributions he has made to boxing.

George Groves is currently a free agent with several options at his feet. Interest has been shown from home and abroad, which isn’t surprising as he proved on Nov. 23 he has the abilities to mix it at world level. Could 2014 see him re-sign with Matchroom Sport, maybe even re-sign with Frank Warren? If not, I see Groves go stateside and continuing his career with a new chapter. This year, I am backing George Groves to become a world champion.

-David McIntosh / @daviemac89

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com