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Hearn says Carl Froch-George Groves II can happen

Fighters Network
14
Jan

file_182073_1_Froch-Groves635_Livesey

IBF super middleweight holder Carl Froch has several options on the table for 2014 but, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, an eagerly awaited grudge rematch against fellow Englishman George Groves is the standout favorite.

Matchroom supremo Hearn and 36-year-old Froch (32-2, 23 knockouts) are currently discussing what comes next and weighing up a number of potentially lucrative fights, including a second showdown with RING champion Andre Ward. Froch, the magazine’s No. 1 at 168 pounds, lost on points to the undefeated American in December 2011 and has always maintained he would like an opportunity to make amends before winding up his career.

Talking to Sky Sports News, Hearn also revealed a first appearance in Las Vegas is high on the list of the Nottingham star’s remaining ambitions, and they are in contact with representatives of both Gennady Golovkin and Julio Chavez Jr.



But the British public is clamoring for Froch-Groves II, and Hearn clearly believes that is the bout with greatest appeal – for the fighters and at the box office. Froch won a brutal first meeting in Manchester last November when the referee stopped the action in the ninth round, declaring the 25-year-old Groves, who was ahead on points, in no position to continue. Barely anybody agreed – except on the notion that the stoppage was very premature.

And the good news for those demanding a blockbuster repeat to set the record straight is that Hearn appears confident he can make it happen.

“At this stage of Carl Froch’s career, he does have options,” he said Monday. “We’re speaking to Dan Goossen about Andre Ward. We are speaking to K2 Promotions about Gennady Golovkin, and Bob Arum and Top Rank about Julio Chavez Jr. They’re all big fights and I know Carl has big ambitions to fight out in America in Las Vegas.

“But, of course, the fight that everybody wants to see in the U.K. is Froch-Groves II. My intention is to look very closely at it. I’ll be sitting down with Carl tomorrow and, hopefully, we can have some good news for the British public in the coming weeks.

“I think there’s a great chance. I think it comes down to ego and pride at the end of the day – and, of course, a lot of money. As a fan and a promoter it’s the biggest fight out there. I know we could have this at a huge stadium and have 60,000 … 70,000 .. 80,000 people. It was a tremendous fight last time, and taking away the controversy, it was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen.

“A rematch could be even bigger. If we can get the deal right, if we can get the mix right and if we can get these two egos together so it can happen, then it would be wonderful for the sport. If I was a betting man I think we are going to get there. I hope we do.”

Photo by Alex Livesey-Getty Images

Harry Pratt is on Twitter: @gharrypratt

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