Fight Night Thread.

[hampo17]

First topic message reminder :

Massive night of boxing ahead. Whose in for the long haul and staying up for the Pacquiao vs Rios fight?

Rocky Fielding is up first on SBO at 6pm.

[seanmichaels]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

Well the fact the ref never docked any points is a scandel.

Fact is the fight was stopped too early so we don't know what would have happened, shame for groves and a shame for boxing.

When Hatton cover drived Tszyu's nuts were you screaming foul play?

[Rodney]

He didn't run because he was pinging Frochs head back with every other right hand he threw , including the 9th and final round, listen Frochs chin is ridiculous but he got a gift tonight , the he would've stopped him anyway argument is irrelevant because Groves was still competitive.

Cheers Rodders

[Champagne_Socialist]

Groves was still punching FFS, how you can defend the stoppage by saying Groves would've been knocked out anyway ??? Really ?

Boxing should've been banned with fox hunting.

What time does Pacquiao fight ?

Cheers Rodders

And Rodney, it was pretty clear what 'would' happen and that's Groves eats another shot and goes down..

What else in the future can you predict?

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look back at say the Bute, Taylor fights and come to a rough conclusion that he would've found a way through with another punch. He does finish pretty well.

On a seperate note... when does Pacquiao Rios start?!

Disagree, we can't say groves would be knocked out cos froch knocked out bute.

[hogey]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

The simple fact is Froch was beaten in every department tonight by a 19 fight novice and got given a gift of a dodgy stoppage, as well as a free pass to fight dirty when he could not win fair. I cant help but think Froch needs to give Eddie Hearn and the utterly useless referee a lot of thanks for the fact he still has a belt.

[Guest]

 

Great fight. Must say that I wascshocked when Froch got dropped!!
Very close fight, I had groves up by 2 start of the 9th but was very quickly starting to realise that Froch was turning it up.
Groves was getting tired and started to get punished. Dtoppage seemed quick, but having looked at it again, it wasn't as bad. Groves got hit with big shots and his head/legs were clearly gone.
Would have taken an 8 count then got "bute" on the ropes. Even if he lasted the round, Froch would have stopped him in the next few.
Groves will be great.......but froch is probably one of the hardest/toughest mother feckers in boxing.  warrior.

I basically agree although I am not as convinced that his legs had gone - but he was completely wild and all over the place while Froch was on his path and trying to finish him off.

[Haito]

Groves was winning the fight but anybody who thinks he was not in real trouble before the premature stoppage needs to rewatch the round, he was all over the place and a sitting duck to be finished. Agree entirely it shouldnt have been stopped at that point as Groves was still defending himself but he was all at sea.

[Izzi]

Groves was still punching FFS, how you can defend the stoppage by saying Groves would've been knocked out anyway ??? Really ?

Boxing should've been banned with fox hunting.

What time does Pacquiao fight ?

Cheers Rodders

And Rodney, it was pretty clear what 'would' happen and that's Groves eats another shot and goes down..

What else in the future can you predict?

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look back at say the Bute, Taylor fights and come to a rough conclusion that he would've found a way through with another punch. He does finish pretty well.

On a seperate note... when does Pacquiao Rios start?!

Disagree, we can't say groves would be knocked out cos froch knocked out bute.

And Taylor being in trouble

Simplest way to do this is just get it on with a rematch. At Wembley.

[Valero's Conscience]

What a joke!

At the very best groves could of been given an 8 count but that would of been harsh.

Froch needed a stoppage to win and the ref saw what he thought an opportunity to help Froch with a slim excuse to justify it.

Well played Groves and you've won over everyone.

Froch is one of my favourite boxers but my god could he have come over anymore of a classless tool in that interview.

Groves for a rematch and Froch to humility and PR school!

[PPVxHOTTY]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

Well the fact the ref never docked any points is a scandel.

Fact is the fight was stopped too early so we don't know what would have happened, shame for groves and a shame for boxing.

If ref allows something carry on is my logic, look at elite sport even in football if ref allows dirty tackles etc, carry on doing it until he does summat about it, if you can dive to win a penalty 'DO IT', although I agree ref in this fight was incompetent. Stoppage was obviously early but why did Groves let it even get tot hat stage...ring intelligence is what springs to my mind, I criticised Khan for being macho man against Garcia rather than holding on. Here Groves should have taken a knee.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Weren't you defending Wlads tactics against Povetkin not too long ago Dior?

Great performance by both for different reasons, not a satisfactory ending but I firmly believe Froch would have closed the show, Groves was shattered whereas Froch was coming on strong.

[Rodney]

Rematch with Ian John Lewis as the referee.
Waves the fight out when Froch says something nasty at the weigh in.
Cheers Rodders

[seanmichaels]

Groves was winning the fight but anybody who thinks he was not in real trouble before the premature stoppage needs to rewatch the round, he was all over the place and a sitting duck to be finished. Agree entirely it shouldnt have been stopped at that point as Groves was still defending himself but he was all at sea.

Some sense at last. We're all disappointed but that is boxing.

[milkyboy]

Sean I was at benn McClellan. Benn was more badly hurt in the first than McClellan was at any point. it was the cumulative effect that did the damage to mclellan.. And froch shipped more big shots than groves tonight.

If froch had been stopped like that you'd be outraged. Because he's a warrior. Blah blah.

I had the fight the same as Rodney, and have the same taste in my mouth.

Totally agree groves was ahead but if you think he was going to shake that off you're wrong. From the 6th froch got dirty. Similar to Hatton Tszyu . Just too strong for groves.

He was coming on strong Sean, but I've seen boxers recover from far worse. No guarantees at all that froch wins without the refs help. You know that too, at least you would if the fight didnt involve froch.

[tunes666]

Here we go, Over the top IMO.

Firstly I will admit that Groves has gone up in my estimations and it was the best I have seen him Box, Quick, hard hitting but what impressed me most was his defense and making Carl look very slow. Something Ward did, and Dirrel.

But the fight was allways going to be Groves's in the first half with his speed and Carl was allways going to come into it in the later rounds.. although Groves smashed froch in the first 6 rounds more so than most thought he would, the fight still went the way many predicted.

While Groves did fantastic and completely outboxed Carl more than most thought, From the 8th rnd he was clearly getting slower, missing shots, and losing his power as Carl was happier to walk through his shots and happy to slug it out and trade with Geroge.

Was it an early finish?, yes.

Was it a farce?, no.

Groves was in deep water and I believe he would have continued to take shots and I personally think he would have been stopped later that round, or if not, in the 10th or 11th as that is where Froch thrives and his speed catches up with tired opponents..

I think people have been harsh on Froch, the guy took some huge shots today, hang on in there and was a complete warrior, despite Groves showing to be the quicker and better "boxer" ... Carl done what he is best at and won the fight fair and square... but was still booed... He won, simple as that. and the fact Groves done so well should not take away the fact Froch won the fight.

[Champagne_Socialist]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

Well the fact the ref never docked any points is a scandel.

Fact is the fight was stopped too early so we don't know what would have happened, shame for groves and a shame for boxing.

If ref allows something carry on is my logic, look at elite sport even in football if ref allows dirty tackles etc, carry on doing it until he does summat about it, if you can dive to win a penalty 'DO IT', although I agree ref in this fight was incompetent. Stoppage was obviously early but why did Groves let it even get tot hat stage...ring intelligence is what springs to my mind, I criticised Khan for being macho man against Garcia rather than holding on. Here Groves should have taken a knee.

He was warning froch and I think gave him 4 or 5 warnings yet no points deductions.

[mobilemaster8]

What time is the pacman vs Rios ring walk?

[hogey]

I hope Groves fights someone else and deprives that classless tool of the last really big payday that a rematch would bring him. I cant believe anyone that loves the sport could have anything but contempt for the way he carried on even after the fight.

[Rodney]

The fact the judges only had Groves one up was the coup de gras for me.

Most corrupt sport in the world.

Cheers Rodders

[ShahenshahG]

Are you taking the urine rodders?!

[Champagne_Socialist]

What time is the pacman vs Rios ring walk?

I'm guessing 4am. They have been saying in the build up it will be at 9am Macau time so just google time difference between macau and Uk and work out what time 9am in Macau is in the Uk

[Valero's Conscience]

Completely agree champagne, Froch could have easily been docked points and should of been once IMO.

The ref will probably be on a cruise next week with a wad of cash.....

[Izzi]

I hope Groves fights someone else and deprives that classless tool of the last really big payday that a rematch would bring him. I cant believe anyone that loves the sport could have anything but contempt for the way he carried on even after the fight.

Not sure Groves would pass up millions to be honest for a fight he most certainly thinks he can win. Not sure why you'd not want to see a rematch after one of the fights of the year?

[mobilemaster8]

Ahhh feck that, working later today. What a pathetic place to place a fight. It makes absolute zero sense.

China? Really?

May as well stage the froch vs groves fight in bloody Slovenia.

[milkyboy]

Groves was winning the fight but anybody who thinks he was not in real trouble before the premature stoppage needs to rewatch the round, he was all over the place and a sitting duck to be finished. Agree entirely it shouldnt have been stopped at that point as Groves was still defending himself but he was all at sea.

Haito, your boy benn would have been stopped in half his fights with this guy reffing!!

Groves was ragged, as he had lost sight of his game plan and got drawn into a brawl. As haye was saying, who knows what groves' recovery powers were like, he didn't get the chance to show them.

[PPVxHOTTY]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

Well the fact the ref never docked any points is a scandel.

Fact is the fight was stopped too early so we don't know what would have happened, shame for groves and a shame for boxing.

If ref allows something carry on is my logic, look at elite sport even in football if ref allows dirty tackles etc, carry on doing it until he does summat about it, if you can dive to win a penalty 'DO IT', although I agree ref in this fight was incompetent. Stoppage was obviously early but why did Groves let it even get tot hat stage...ring intelligence is what springs to my mind, I criticised Khan for being macho man against Garcia rather than holding on. Here Groves should have taken a knee.

He was warning froch and I think gave him 4 or 5 warnings yet no points deductions.

Exactly my point the minute ref takes a point then stop it, because ref was repetitive in his warnings rather than deducting point Froch carried on. Incompetent ref allowed Froch to carry on doing it so he obliged.

[Rodney]

Yes Shah mate sorry

[Haito]

Agreed Froch didnt do himself any favours with his stupid after fight interview but he did put in yet another real gutsy performance and doesnt deserve ALL the slack hes getting.

The fight was terrific but unfortunately the outcome and Froch's behaviour have left a sour taste....

[Haito]

Agreed Froch didnt do himself any favours with his stupid after fight interview but he did put in yet another real gutsy performance and doesnt deserve ALL the slack hes getting.

The fight was terrific but unfortunately the outcome and Froch's behaviour have left a sour taste....

[hogey]

The fact the judges only had Groves one up was the coup de gras for me.  

Most corrupt sport in the world.

Cheers Rodders

Strange Rodders almost like their was only gonna be one winner from the start on Eddie Hearns show
Lets be honest only the blind judges and Hammersmith Harrier had Froch even close before Groves got stopped at the first chance they got, it will take a while for the bitter taste of this to dissipate, feeling sad for Groves and the sport in general.

[Rodney]

I think it will make sense to Pacman and Rios Mobile, when they check the bank balance.

Cheers Rodders

[Guest]

I had no complaints with Froch's after match talk. He was totally fair IMO and went to some lengths to explain himself - he said that's how he saw the fight and he thought that Groves would think differently. He said he thought Groves showed a lack of respect in the pre-match build-up but he thought he was a good fighter etc. Groves was upset as he should be ...

[mobilemaster8]

All of this froch bashing is a bit sick really.

The guy got dropped big time in the FIRST ROUND. Continued to take HUGE shots all fight against a power puncher who has already clocked him.

Started taking over the fight around the 7th.....punched groves out in the 9th, no defence, flushly punched on the chin with no response.

Ref grabbed him and even when he let go, he stumbled back and only the ropes held him up.

Yes he should have been given a count, but can ANYONE say with some conviction that Froch wouldn't have stopped him either in that round or the next??

[Rodney]

100% agree Hogey mate

[Champagne_Socialist]

Ahhh feck that, working later today. What a pathetic place to place a fight. It makes absolute zero sense.

China? Really?

May as well stage the froch vs groves fight in bloody Slovenia.

Well do you remember the Thriller in Manilla? or the Rumble in the Jungle?

The fight in Macau is at 9am so that it will be about 10pm in Vegas or something. if the fight was in vegas it would still be on at 4am in the uk

[Izzi]

What time is the pacman vs Rios ring walk?

I'm guessing 4am. They have been saying in the build up it will be at 9am Macau time so just google time difference between macau and Uk and work out what time 9am in Macau is in the Uk

9am would mean the fight starts in 15 minutes?

[Rodney]

Go to bed Mobile, you're really beginning to annoy me.

[Champagne_Socialist]

The simple fact was the minute Froch fought 'dirty' Groves couldn't handle it.

Well the fact the ref never docked any points is a scandel.

Fact is the fight was stopped too early so we don't know what would have happened, shame for groves and a shame for boxing.

If ref allows something carry on is my logic, look at elite sport even in football if ref allows dirty tackles etc, carry on doing it until he does summat about it, if you can dive to win a penalty 'DO IT', although I agree ref in this fight was incompetent. Stoppage was obviously early but why did Groves let it even get tot hat stage...ring intelligence is what springs to my mind, I criticised Khan for being macho man against Garcia rather than holding on. Here Groves should have taken a knee.

He was warning froch and I think gave him 4 or 5 warnings yet no points deductions.

Exactly my point the minute ref takes a point then stop it, because ref was repetitive in his warnings rather than deducting point Froch carried on. Incompetent ref allowed Froch to carry on doing it so he obliged.

I think Froch knew before the fight the ref wasn't going to dock him any points

[Izzi]

http://www.happyzebra.com/timezones-worldclock/difference-between-London-and-Macau.php

[Haito]

Milky,

Groves was all at sea, maybe he could have absorbed it and came back but looking at the fight honestly do you think the greater certainty from that position was Froch closing the show or Groves coming back???

Its a real shame we didnt get to find out for sure but for me I think Groves was going sooner rather than later..

[Hammersmith harrier]

You and Hogey are really to annoy me Rodney, get over it.

[Izzi]

Go to bed Mobile, you're really beginning to annoy me.

Groves did stumble back though after he was stopped and would've gone through the ropes if they weren't there.... just to play devils advocate

[Champagne_Socialist]

What time is the pacman vs Rios ring walk?

I'm guessing 4am. They have been saying in the build up it will be at 9am Macau time so just google time difference between macau and Uk and work out what time 9am in Macau is in the Uk

9am would mean the fight starts in 15 minutes?

the event probably starts in 15 minutes so the undercards.

[PPVxHOTTY]

If you was a sportsman who could take advantage of any sort wouldn't you do it if meant you win, I certainly would. I couldn't care less about fair play awards as long as I win that's all that matters.

[hogey]

All of this froch bashing is a bit sick really.

The guy got dropped big time in the FIRST ROUND. Continued to take HUGE shots all fight against a power puncher who has already clocked him.

Started taking over the fight around the 7th.....punched groves out in the 9th, no defence, flushly punched on the chin with no response.

Ref grabbed him and even when he let go, he stumbled back and only the ropes held him up.

Yes he should have been given a count, but can ANYONE say with some conviction that Froch wouldn't have stopped him either in that round or the next??

Groves was still protecting himself and throwing punches back, if fights were always finished so easily then Froch might have been stopped earlier and the whole history of boxing in general would be different with gutsy fighters never given the chance to come back from adversity and win fights.

[mobilemaster8]

Why Rodders? I had Groves 2 rounds up going into the 9th. Or 3. It certainly wasn't 8 like most have eluded to.

if you don't think Froch was coming on strong then you need to rewatch.

Groves was getting tired and getting caught. He had punches constantly all night and not stopped Carl.

carl got in his first meaningful flurry and his head went.

Like he said before, as soon as it lands, and it will, it will end.

Guess what. They both came true om their predictions.


Premature stoppage indeed, but the writing was on the wall for George.

Great fight. Really was.

[Rodney]

May as well say Froch would've been stopped if Groves had another 2minutes after the knockdown, totally irrelevant argument.

I'm going to bed Hammersmith , you can convince yourself all night the fight was on an even keel.

Cheers Rodders

[Izzi]

What time is the pacman vs Rios ring walk?

I'm guessing 4am. They have been saying in the build up it will be at 9am Macau time so just google time difference between macau and Uk and work out what time 9am in Macau is in the Uk

9am would mean the fight starts in 15 minutes?

the event probably starts in 15 minutes so the undercards.

Just seen those. Not sure I actually recognise any names on there. Makes the Hearn undercard look like one of the old school Don King ones from back in the day.

Off to bed, not going to stay up to watch Pacquiao smash the punching bag to pieces. Saying that I had a 100% conviction Froch would slaughter Groves

[Guest]

Degales narrowly loss to Groves doesn't look so bad now. Froch v Degale next?

[tunes666]

Groves was winning the fight but anybody who thinks he was not in real trouble before the premature stoppage needs to rewatch the round, he was all over the place and a sitting duck to be finished. Agree entirely it shouldnt have been stopped at that point as Groves was still defending himself but he was all at sea.

The thing is, it was early, but he was not defending him self which shows a little lack of experience on Groves part.. Froch had been hurt but stood forward and either held or thew punches back even if they were hitting gloves... George dropped his defense and was running and Froch was catching him, it looked like he was going to stop him and then reff stopped it before Froch properly finished him off. On that note we can say would Groves have gone down and taken a count and recovered?, possible... But for me it has Bute all over it.

Lets me fair, it was the time in the fight where people predicted Froch territory... and that was proving to be the case.

I also think some recent serious incidence in the game may have also been on the Reffs mind.

But Groves was done IMO. He gave everything in the first part of the fight started to become tired and Froch was still standing, that pretty much sums the fight up for me..

[milkyboy]

Milky,

Groves was all at sea, maybe he could have absorbed it and came back but looking at the fight honestly do you think the greater certainty from that position was Froch closing the show or Groves coming back???

Its a real shame we didnt get to find out for sure but for me I think Groves was going sooner rather than later..

Haito, at that moment in time you'd say froch closing the show was more likely, but far from a certainty. Like I'd have fancied Castillo to close the show against corralles half way through the tenth. It doesn't matter who would probably have won, what matters is it was a terrible stoppage.

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