Froch vs Groves Venue Confirmed

As part of my role as everyone’s favourite green badge holder thought I would let folk know the venue for Froch and Groves has been announced for the Manchester Arena on 23rd November. Tickets go on sale on 17 September.

Is anyone going? Does anyone care?

Don’t want to influence anyone’s decision but me and TSMR are going so not only do you get to see the fight you may get to meet me, in person!

Nothing more to add to this, so as you were.

Have they re-named the "M.E.N." the "Phones 4 U Arena"? It was bad enough changing the name from the "Nynex"

Can't say I'm overly excited. Is it PPV? Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?


The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao. I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Think me and the family might be going up, Jeff. Wear that same lovely top you wore last time so that I can pick you out again, mate.

You're only going to cheer Groves on Chris. Herman told me.

I can't go, if I catch a glimpse of that lovely David Haye, I'll undoubtedly lose control and make a scene.

As in you will be smashed out in the floor? Not much of scene Dave......there will be a scene in the ring which will resemble no mans land in World War involving a trench and you know who.

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?


The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Wow, nice positive attitude there. "A fight between between the UKs current top fighter and a highly ranked domestic rival? Na, not for me thanks, but I would like to moan about the promoter".

 

Hoping to.

Great to have both this and the Fury-Haye fight outside of London.

Boxtthis wrote:

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?


The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Wow, nice positive attitude there. "A fight between between the UKs current top fighter and a highly ranked domestic rival? Na, not for me thanks, but I would like to moan about the promoter".

I don't give Groves much chance, I reckon he's packing china. Just don't see it as competitive but if it's half as glitzy as the Froch v Kessler fight then it should at least be a good night out for anybody who is going.

hazharrison wrote:Hoping to.

Great to have both this and the Fury-Haye fight outside of London.

There seems to be more demand for boxing in Manchester with even the higher priced tickets selling out quickly.

I can only imagine Haye is travelling North because it's worth his while.

Maybe the MEN is cheaper to hire or maybe the penalties for calling a fight off in the O2 are more punitive.

Strongback wrote:

Boxtthis wrote:

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?


The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Wow, nice positive attitude there. "A fight between between the UKs current top fighter and a highly ranked domestic rival? Na, not for me thanks, but I would like to moan about the promoter".

I don't give Groves much chance, I reckon he's packing china.  Just don't see it as competitive but if it's half as glitzy as the Froch v Kessler fight then it should at least be a good night out for anybody who is going.

What makes you say that? Undoubtedly he's not if the Froch league when it comes to chins (or trenches) but there's not much to suggest that Groves is going to get taken out with the slightest tap. He was down against Anderson but got up again, he was caught by DeGale but came through it. I think "china" is perhaps a little insulting but hey, you're entitled to your opinion.

Have only been to one fight at the O2 and it was a right royal pain in the arse. Venue was perfectly acceptable but was Haye Enzo and went out late for the American audiences, obviously nobody had thought to put any extra transport on to get everyone across the water and there was one taxi firm trying to shift the 10,000 odd people who did not have anything arranged. Sitting around waiting your turn at half two in the morning for two hours was a lovely way to finish the evening.

Much prefer the MEN or whatever they are calling it nowadays. Fairly central so easy enough to get a hotel at sensible price within walking distance so you don’t have to rely on transport that is unavailable.

Warren may have lost the fight that night but he made his money back in taxi fares no doubt

I know its off topic but I feel it would be remiss of me not to put out this warning:

Don't stay in the Britannia Sachas hotel in Manchester.

I stayed there on a stag and it's rough. Bedrooms with no windows and staff that walk around with two fingers permanently up. It is right bang in the centre but thats not enough of a redeeming feature.


The Northern Quarter has some good pubs.

Have already booked Strongy and fortunately not there. Thought it prudent to get in quick before the hotels realised there was something on and put their prices through the roof.

Is Groves a warrior though? Is he ready for a war which will undoubtedly go into the trenches?

Was his fight with DeGale in the trenches or was that like a slight furrow?

Have you been to the Marble Arch pub in Manchester Jeff? Nice place to sit down for a couple of hours and enjoy a drink and the food is restaurant standard. Has all those ales you guys like. Like I said a nice place to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.


http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d2414825-Reviews-The_Marble_Arch-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html

Cheers strongy, will give it a go. Am going with the missus so is always nice to have somewhere without sawdust on the floors.

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?

The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Do your research Strongy...

How can it stink of Arum when Eddie isn't lining up a member of his stable...the member in question is the mandatory for Froch's title....i.e. he got into this position by becoming the highest ranked contender in the IBF Rankings!

Will Eddie get all the money for this one?! Erm no....SKY will take a portion...as will both fighters...as will the rest of the boxers on the card....as will the sanctioning body!

I swear people just write anything on this board these days. Just so they can get in their thinly veiled swipe at those they don't particularly like.

The fight will be PPV, and whilst Hearn does usually stack his undercard I will be intrigued to see how he manages to do so on this one given in the 2 months prior to this we have:

Brook Card Featuring: Joshua, Stalker, Brian Rose, Cardle, Yafai, Smith (26th October)

Carpe Diem - Joshua Debut, also featuring: Kevin Mitchell, Lee Selby, Wadi Camacho & Larry Ekundayo

Haye Card: Scott Quigg fights on this one (28th Sept)

Burns Card: Appleby, Cardle, Smith (7th )

Looking at those I can't imagine him rolling out Cardle & Smith 3 times in 3 months. The big names aren't going to feature as an undercard fight as they are all lined up with their own things.

That leaves: Rees, Purdy, Lee Campbell, Rocky Fielding

You would imagine he would have to get 2 of those on to really make it worth the PPV standing it has. Even that is pushing it as you wouldn't put any of those down as marquee names. The card would need another big addition for it to be PPV and value....

Think the olympians will be the answer Ozzy. No reason novice pros like Joshua and Campbell cannot be out in action every month at the least.

Assuming everyone goes ok with said Olympians of course Rowley; think your right though most likely will see those on it.

I am as sceptical as most when it comes to PPV however Hearn put on a very good card for the Froch/Kessler fight and it was worth the £15 quid in my eyes. Certainly when compared to PPV's which we've suffered through previously.

That said, whilst they are Olympians so a little more thought of, I would be hesitant to shell out £15 quid for a card featuring as little as that. Think he needs to put on something like:

Froch v Groves
Joshua
Campbell
Fielding (Commonwealth fight due)
Yafai
Smith

Does look as bit thin when you look at it like that but will reserve judgement. You can never tell with these things. Eddie has worked with Hennessy for the Fury fight and has links with Golden Boy I believe so may be able to ship folk in from other promoters.

To my mind it would make more sense to stack this card than Haye Fury as this seems the tougher sell on PPV

Strongback wrote:Have you been to the Marble Arch pub in Manchester Jeff?  Nice place to sit down for a couple of hours and enjoy a drink and the food is restaurant standard.  Has all those ales you guys like. Like I said a nice place to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.


http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d2414825-Reviews-The_Marble_Arch-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html

english lounge is pretty decent for that as well, and the various chop houses think we have now sams, alberts and toms! as someone else said northern quarter is best place for a drink and round the corner from m.e.n. just avoid deansgate and the locks full of scallys

owen10ozzy wrote:

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?

The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Do your research Strongy...

How can it stink of Arum when Eddie isn't lining up a member of his stable...the member in question is the mandatory for Froch's title....i.e. he got into this position by becoming the highest ranked contender in the IBF Rankings!

Will Eddie get all the money for this one?! Erm no....SKY will take a portion...as will both fighters...as will the rest of the boxers on the card....as will the sanctioning body!

I swear people just write anything on this board these days. Just so they can get in their thinly veiled swipe at those they don't particularly like.

The fight will be PPV, and whilst Hearn does usually stack his undercard I will be intrigued to see how he manages to do so on this one given in the 2 months prior to this we have:

Brook Card Featuring: Joshua, Stalker, Brian Rose, Cardle, Yafai, Smith (26th October)

Carpe Diem - Joshua Debut, also featuring: Kevin Mitchell, Lee Selby, Wadi Camacho & Larry Ekundayo

Haye Card: Scott Quigg fights on this one (28th Sept)

Burns Card: Appleby, Cardle, Smith (7th )

Looking at those I can't imagine him rolling out Cardle & Smith 3 times in 3 months. The big names aren't going to feature as an undercard fight as they are all lined up with their own things.

That leaves: Rees, Purdy, Lee Campbell, Rocky Fielding

You would imagine he would have to get 2 of those on to really make it worth the PPV standing it has. Even that is pushing it as you wouldn't put any of those down as marquee names. The card would need another big addition for it to be PPV and value....

Alright Ozzy hope you're keeping well.


I took up your challenged to do my research and sloped on over to the IBF website to have a look at the ratings. George Groves is rated No.6. http://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/


What I meant when I said Eddie gets all the money is that he gets his cut from both fighters share of the purse, I guess I need to be more obvious.


I could mention something about people typing any old thing into the Internet but there would be no other word for that than childishness.




PS I reckon Purdy won't be fighting.

I did a bit more research. Froch v Groves has not yet been announced as a PPV.



I remember Eddie saying in an interview that the fight would not be PPV if the undercard was not stacked. Might be the case Sky will wait and see how the Haye fight goes and see if they can get away with fooling the casuals into buying another one sided walk over of a fight.

Personally think the fight is genuinely intriguing, wouldn't say its a walkover, however the firepower Froch brings it certainly could be. groves is a smart cookie though and has shocked most of you before, nearly everyone picked Degale right?

Strongback wrote:

owen10ozzy wrote:

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?

The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Do your research Strongy...

How can it stink of Arum when Eddie isn't lining up a member of his stable...the member in question is the mandatory for Froch's title....i.e. he got into this position by becoming the highest ranked contender in the IBF Rankings!

Will Eddie get all the money for this one?! Erm no....SKY will take a portion...as will both fighters...as will the rest of the boxers on the card....as will the sanctioning body!

I swear people just write anything on this board these days. Just so they can get in their thinly veiled swipe at those they don't particularly like.

The fight will be PPV, and whilst Hearn does usually stack his undercard I will be intrigued to see how he manages to do so on this one given in the 2 months prior to this we have:

Brook Card Featuring: Joshua, Stalker, Brian Rose, Cardle, Yafai, Smith (26th October)

Carpe Diem - Joshua Debut, also featuring: Kevin Mitchell, Lee Selby, Wadi Camacho & Larry Ekundayo

Haye Card: Scott Quigg fights on this one (28th Sept)

Burns Card: Appleby, Cardle, Smith (7th )

Looking at those I can't imagine him rolling out Cardle & Smith 3 times in 3 months. The big names aren't going to feature as an undercard fight as they are all lined up with their own things.

That leaves: Rees, Purdy, Lee Campbell, Rocky Fielding

You would imagine he would have to get 2 of those on to really make it worth the PPV standing it has. Even that is pushing it as you wouldn't put any of those down as marquee names. The card would need another big addition for it to be PPV and value....

Alright Ozzy hope you're keeping well.


I took up your challenged to do my research and sloped on over to the IBF website to have a look at the ratings.  George Groves is rated No.6.  http://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/


What I meant when I said Eddie gets all the money is that he gets his cut from both fighters share of the purse, I guess I need to be more obvious.


I could mention something about people typing any old thing into the Internet but there would be no other word for that than childishness.




PS I reckon Purdy won't be fighting.

http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/02/carl-froch-told-to-fight-george-groves-or-risk-losing-his-ibf-world-super-middleweight-title-3865239/

‘Adonis Stevenson was the mandatory but got tired of waiting for the opportunity to fight Froch and moved up to light-heavyweight to box for the WBC title,’ IBF championship chairman Lindsey Tucker told the Sun.

‘Under the rules, when that happens we go down the list to see who is next. We got down as far as Groves and he has been made our mandatory challenger for Froch.

‘We have sent letters to both fighters, dated June 10, and asked them to start negotiations for a mandatory defence.

Link is there, extracted the quote for you though so you need not work to hard, clearly you didn't research very thoroughly did you...  

Of course Hearn gets a cut of both purses, he promotes both fighters so why shouldn't he? The point is you make it sound like he is some version of Arum, and is basically trying to keep his fights in house to make as much money as possible...this simply isn't the case. Anyone with half a brain would know that, given the fact his fighters have contested in at least 4 title challenges abroad....and to boot he has worked with Peter Fury to bring about a Haye v Fury fight and is working with Frank Warren to put on Billy Joe Saunders v John Ryder.

For what it's worth I agree that Purdy will not be on the card...but that is the only thing I agree with, the rest is utter tripe!

88Chris05 wrote:Think me and the family might be going up, Jeff. Wear that same lovely top you wore last time so that I can pick you out again, mate.

Hold the bus! Have Jeff and Chris met? It's like discovering that the Easter Bunny once went out with the Tooth Fairy.

owen10ozzy wrote:

Strongback wrote:

owen10ozzy wrote:

Strongback wrote:Can't say I'm overly excited.  Is it PPV?  Wasn't Eddie talking about putting on a stacked undercard if it's going to be PPV?

The fight smacks of Bob Arum lining up his stable against Pacquiao.  I suppose Eddie gets all the money to himself on this one.

Do your research Strongy...

How can it stink of Arum when Eddie isn't lining up a member of his stable...the member in question is the mandatory for Froch's title....i.e. he got into this position by becoming the highest ranked contender in the IBF Rankings!

Will Eddie get all the money for this one?! Erm no....SKY will take a portion...as will both fighters...as will the rest of the boxers on the card....as will the sanctioning body!

I swear people just write anything on this board these days. Just so they can get in their thinly veiled swipe at those they don't particularly like.

The fight will be PPV, and whilst Hearn does usually stack his undercard I will be intrigued to see how he manages to do so on this one given in the 2 months prior to this we have:

Brook Card Featuring: Joshua, Stalker, Brian Rose, Cardle, Yafai, Smith (26th October)

Carpe Diem - Joshua Debut, also featuring: Kevin Mitchell, Lee Selby, Wadi Camacho & Larry Ekundayo

Haye Card: Scott Quigg fights on this one (28th Sept)

Burns Card: Appleby, Cardle, Smith (7th )

Looking at those I can't imagine him rolling out Cardle & Smith 3 times in 3 months. The big names aren't going to feature as an undercard fight as they are all lined up with their own things.

That leaves: Rees, Purdy, Lee Campbell, Rocky Fielding

You would imagine he would have to get 2 of those on to really make it worth the PPV standing it has. Even that is pushing it as you wouldn't put any of those down as marquee names. The card would need another big addition for it to be PPV and value....

Alright Ozzy hope you're keeping well.


I took up your challenged to do my research and sloped on over to the IBF website to have a look at the ratings.  George Groves is rated No.6.  http://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/


What I meant when I said Eddie gets all the money is that he gets his cut from both fighters share of the purse, I guess I need to be more obvious.


I could mention something about people typing any old thing into the Internet but there would be no other word for that than childishness.




PS I reckon Purdy won't be fighting.

http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/02/carl-froch-told-to-fight-george-groves-or-risk-losing-his-ibf-world-super-middleweight-title-3865239/

‘Adonis Stevenson was the mandatory but got tired of waiting for the opportunity to fight Froch and moved up to light-heavyweight to box for the WBC title,’ IBF championship chairman Lindsey Tucker told the Sun.

‘Under the rules, when that happens we go down the list to see who is next. We got down as far as Groves and he has been made our mandatory challenger for Froch.

‘We have sent letters to both fighters, dated June 10, and asked them to start negotiations for a mandatory defence.

Link is there, extracted the quote for you though so you need not work to hard, clearly you didn't research very thoroughly did you...  

Of course Hearn gets a cut of both purses, he promotes both fighters so why shouldn't he? The point is you make it sound like he is some version of Arum, and is basically trying to keep his fights in house to make as much money as possible...this simply isn't the case. Anyone with half a brain would know that, given the fact his fighters have contested in at least 4 title challenges abroad....and to boot he has worked with Peter Fury to bring about a Haye v Fury fight and is working with Frank Warren to put on Billy Joe Saunders v John Ryder.

For what it's worth I agree that Purdy will not be on the card...but that is the only thing I agree with, the rest is utter tripe!

What is it with the personal insults today. It sets a bad tone.

So the 6th rated fighter in the organisation is designated the mandatory. That's garbage but nothing in boxing surprises me. Seems Eddie has a bit of clout now he can put on sparkling big money events that involve having the IBF belt on the line. As you aren't great at reading between the lines what I mean is Eddie directly or indirectly manipulated the IBF into giving Groves the mandatory. Groves has done nothing to deserve being mandatory in any organisation.

You also aren't great at basic reading comprehension. I said the fight smacks of Arum. Froch had a hard fight in Kessler and they looked towards the next big money fight and Eddie kept saying Kessler again, he wanted no part of Ward again. Kessler wasn't sure and would need to rebuild anyway. The answer was to get Froch a keep busy fight to maximise the momentum he had built up with the public. Hey presto lets stick him in with Groves who although he is promoted by Matchroom is Booth's boy. Why not get Froch a fight with Stieglitz? Why? because it can be kept in the Matchroom family and its nice and cozy that way. I never said or intimated that Matchroom were doing this with any other of their other fights but this one smacks of Arum.


The tripe comment I am letting go but the next time I won't.

Funnily enough I was thinking of taking Joanne...as it's only 20 minutes away and It's been a while since I've seen a live bill.....

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:Funnily enough I was thinking of taking Joanne...as it's only 20 minutes away and It's been a while since I've seen a live bill.....

I think everyone on the board might show up if they know you're going.

Well I'll be more than happy to meet anybody..even you.

I'm going if Truss is and I'll be looking for the Tom Berenger look a like sitting next to Celia Imrie.

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:Well I'll be more than happy to meet anybody..even you.

We could do the Arnie / Carl Weathers Predator handshake. I'd be Arnie obviously.

Regardless of whether it's garbage or not the fact remains that Groves is Froch's mandatory; either he fights him or is stripped of his title. Carl has stated numerous times he would never a vacate the title; for that reason this fight HAS to take place!

You are banging on about Eddie giving Froch a keep busy fight until the next 'big fight' but somewhere along the line you are completely dismissing the notion that Carl has to make a mandatory defence of his IBF title before he fights someone else i.e. goes on to fight Ward or Kessler or who ever else is out there who isn't ranked number 1 contender by the IBF. For that very reason alone it makes it impossible for Hearn not too match these two together...

Eddie is happy to arrange a Ward fight; the fact is he only wants to do it over here. That isn't bad management; its good management because it is what HIS fighter wants. Carl has said he wants Ward over here...so that's what Hearn will try...if he can't then he will move on to other alternatives.

As I have said your point is null and void really because the argument you are making is that this stinks of Arum and the simple fact of the matter is that Hearn has been put into this situation. If Groves didn't want the fight he could happily turn round and say no and go an alternative route...in fact I reckon Hear would rather he do that because should he do that he has 2 cash cows...rather than the shine being taken off one of his fighters should they lose.

Oh and Stieglitz?! Yes here is an idea for a promoter...get the person you are representing a fight against a little known fighter who brings very little financially to the table....or have him face another Brit in a fight that will do big numbers over and probably elsewhere and give both of his guys a nice big pay cheque...  

I like this fight...I really believe Groves could be the real deal and Froch may have some leftovers from his Kessler fight......

Should Groves win he could have the world at his feet..

She's watching NCIS or some garbage...I'll break it to her gently..

Stieglitz is the WBO champ and it would be a unification bout. Stieglitz has done a lot more to earn a big fight than Groves. Froch would be favourite and its always easy to sell a unification fight.

Come on Ozzy if Froch said he wasn't facing Groves then the fight wouldn't happen and the IBF would not be taking the belt off him. Groves is rated No.6. Its farcical.

There's also a difference in meaning between the words "stinks" and "smacks". I would never say anything Hearn does stinks of Arum. I'm saying the fight is a cozy in-house deal. Any time both fighters come from the same stable the question will be asked "Is this a proper match-up".

I don't give Groves a snowballs chance and when Froch connects with some power punches Groves will be in all sorts of trouble. It's as one side as Haye's imminent KO of Fury in my opinion.

I also give fury a better chance the most..

I see a cagey start which suits Fury but as soon as it becomes a scrap, which it undoubtedly will as Fury can't help himself, then its lights out. Haye is just too experienced for Fury, he's honed his attributes to a very high level. Fury's basically a big kid in more ways than one.

Still I'd laugh hard and very very long if Fury sparked him.

Fury lands Haye goes..........Who's to say he doesn't catch him....Haye will back off early....

Fury's size will intimidate him...It has to..

6ft 8 and 260.......

Agreed Haye won't want a 19 stone man punch to the head but I don't think he will need to put himself in danger. He backs off until Fury get careless then bang.

I reckon Fury's best chance is to take the Wlad blueprint and fight cagey behind a long jab.

One thing Fury has in his favour is he's not afraid but that's a double edged sword. I reckon it makes him prone to recklessness and that when Haye does him.

Valid points.....

Strongback wrote:I know its off topic but I feel it would be remiss of me not to put out this warning:

Don't stay in the Britannia Sachas hotel in Manchester.

I stayed there on a stag and it's rough. Bedrooms with no windows and staff that walk around with two fingers permanently up.  It is right bang in the  centre but thats not enough of a redeeming feature.


The Northern Quarter has some good pubs.

I stayed there after a work's night out and didn't think it was too bad. in fact i got a free upgrade to a 'suite'. by suite they meant an extra sofa in the room but i've stayed in far worse on stag dos. newcastle was top of the lost, no wait, b&b in Blackpool was definitely the worst.

Booked into the Macdonald. Looks quite nice on the website and is fairly central. Just need to make sure I get fight tickets now.

I've booked into the burgerking..

how much will the tickets range from?any idea?

As a guide I paid £80 ish for decent, lower-tier seats for the Kessler fight.

Definitely going to this though, I'm a fan of both fighters and can stay with the in-laws!