Froch Gets Validation

The rematch between three-time Super-Middleweight world champion Carl Froch and top contender George Groves was certainly one of the most anticipated fights of 2014 thus far. An electric crowd of 80,000 spectators packed into the legendary Wembley Stadium in London, England on May 31st to see the two men do battle for the second time.

Although it did not take long for a fight to breakout in the first encounter between Froch and Groves, the rematch would begin at a more tactical and measured pace. In contrast, to the first fight where Groves was able to drop the champion in the opening round. Groves’ timing and hand speed seemed to give him a slight edge in the early rounds.

The early rounds were close and there could be a difference of opinion as to who had an edge. Groves seemed to be able to get his punches off a little more than the champion, even though both fighters had their moments. In a tactical Boxing match, sometimes it simply boils down to who is able to do a little more that will determine who wins a round. Groves’ ability to establish his jab as a focal point of his offense, use his lateral movement, and mix in occasional combinations is what won him the early rounds in my opinion.

Although he was able to have his share of moments early on, Froch appeared a bit hesitant to let his hands go, perhaps out of respect for Groves’ hand speed and timing. Much like the first fight, Froch began to open up more in the fifth round as he briefly stunned Groves and began to focus more on Groves’ body as a target for his offense. This turned the momentum in the champion’s favor by setting up his offense to the body and then the head of Groves.

Froch was able to follow up by applying pressure and periodically getting the challenger on the ropes and continuing to land to the body in round six. Groves however, was able to briefly stagger Froch with a left hook in round seven. Froch, who is known for having a solid chin was able to take the punch as he continued to press forward. Froch’s steady pressure and body/head attack from rounds five through seven put him in control of the fight in my eyes as it entered the eighth round.

The champion would bring the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion in the final minute of round eight when a flush overhand right landed on the chin of the challenger knocking him down to the canvas. Referee Charlie Fitch immediately stopped the fight. Unlike the first encounter however, where Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight prematurely in the eyes of many by stepping in while Groves appeared staggered, but did not go down, the rematch had a more conclusive ending. Although like the first fight, the rematch was stopped immediately, it was not a controversial stoppage.

The right hand that dropped Groves sent him down in a position where his left knee was bent at an awkward angle that could have led to a serious injury. With much of the discussion preceding the rematch concerning the referee and with this observer calling it arguably the most important assignment of his career prior to the fight, Referee Charlie Fitch did a fine job and made the appropriate call in stopping the fight.

A victory for Froch that is both a vindication for the controversial circumstances, which resulted in his being victorious in the first fight and a validation that he is still one of the two best Super-Middleweights in the world behind only Andre Ward who defeated him in December 2011. As I said following the first fight between Froch and Groves, in the years since losing to Ward, Froch has made a very good argument as being the number two or 1-A fighter in the division.

Both Ward and Froch hold a claim to the WBA world title in the division with Ward being designated as a “Super” champion by the WBA due to previously holding status as a unified champion, and by Froch also holding the IBF world title and defeating former three-time Super-Middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler in their rematch in May of last year, who held interim/regular status by the WBA to be recognized as a unified world champion. If nothing else to settle confusion as to who holds the WBA Super-Middleweight world championship, it appears logical that a rematch between the two should happen. It is however, debatable as to whether a rematch between Ward and Froch will take place in the near future as Ward has been sidelined due to a legal dispute between himself and his promoter Dan Goossen.

There are however, other lucrative options on the table for Froch. One name that has popped up more than once as a possible opponent for Froch is former WBC Middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. who would certainly draw significant attention if a fight between the two were made.

Chavez, in addition to being a former world champion certainly brings a sizable fan following and name recognition value to any potential opponent. From a business standpoint, a fight between Froch and Chavez could be a sizable pay-per-view draw here in the United States as well as in Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

If a fight with Chavez is not made, other options include current WBC Super-Middleweight champion Sakio Bika and current WBO champion Arthur Abraham, who Froch defeated in November 2010. There is also the possibility of current unified WBA/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin potentially moving up in weight to the Super-Middleweight division to challenge Froch or, top Super-Middleweight contender James DeGale, who defeated Brandon Gonzalez on the undercard of the Froch-Groves rematch to earn a number one ranking in the IBF’s Super-Middleweight ratings. Even though DeGale is now a mandatory challenger for Froch, Froch is allowed to make a voluntary defense before facing him.

Although potential fights with all the above each have appeal, I believe from a business standpoint that a fight between the thirty-six year old Froch against either Chavez or Golovkin has the most lucrative potential if a rematch with Andre Ward is not in the cards. All Boxing fans would welcome any scenario concerning these three fighters.

As for George Groves, I believe he will only benefit from his two setbacks against Froch. Groves did after all give the champion all they could handle in two fights. Groves has nothing to be ashamed of and should be looked at as a key player in the division going forward.

Along with vindication and validation, Carl Froch can also make a legitimate claim as being the marquee attraction in the division going forward. With much anticipation leading up to the rematch, drawing 80,000 people to the legendary Wembley Stadium, and bringing closure to a disputed controversy, it is hard to argue against such a claim. The rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves will indeed go down as a memorable night in Boxing history for the right reasons. 

Carl Froch has always given everything he has when he enters the ring and has been willing to take on all comers. He certainly deserves the most lucrative fights available to him at this stage of his career. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

The Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament

There is no doubt that the sport of Boxing can be and often is a subject of much debate. Whether it be a subject of two top fighters in the same weight class potentially facing off or various subjects concerning the “Business” of the sport, there is always something to talk about. From time to time one subject that comes up with regard to Professional Boxing is the concept of tournaments.

Many Boxing fans are probably familiar with various tournament concepts that have taken place in the sport over the years. Tournament concepts such as the Heavyweight unification series in the 1980s, which determined an undisputed champion in the Heavyweight division at the time, or the similarly structured Middleweight unification series in 2001, which saw Bernard Hopkins emerge as the unified champion.

A unique concept that took place a couple years ago was known as the Super-Six World Boxing Classic, which showcased some of the elite fighters of the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. There are however, other tournament concepts that have taken place over the years. Tournaments that are not staged over a period of time, but instead take place in a single day.

The first one-night tournament in Professional Boxing to the best of my recollection, in my lifetime took place on December 3, 1993 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The tournament, which was billed “The People’s Choice One-Night Heavyweight Tournament” was broadcast as a pay-per-view event in the United States. A tournament format that staged fights scheduled for only 3, three minute rounds featured two former world Heavyweight champions in Tony Tubbs and James “Bonecrusher” Smith as well as world-rated contenders Tyrell Biggs and Jose Ribalta.

After defeating three opponents including both Biggs and Ribalta in the quarter and semifinals, Tony Tubbs defeated Daniel Dancuta of Romania via three round unanimous decision in the finals to win the tournament. Although it was a unique concept, it would be several years before similar concepts in the sport would emerge. Some may remember a tournament concept known as “Thunderbox”, which took place in November 2002. Much like the tournament nine years earlier, “Thunderbox” was a one-night Heavyweight tournament. Eight Heavyweight contenders including former Heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon competed for $100,000. At the end of the evening contender Maurice Harris emerged victorious.

A more recent and arguably more successful adaptation of those concepts have been one-night tournaments held under the “Prizefighter” banner in the United Kingdom. As the tournaments that preceded PrizeFighter’s inception in April 2008, PrizeFighter features a single elimination format with fights scheduled for 3, three minute rounds. The success of the inaugural Heavyweight tournament has allowed the PrizeFighter concept to grow over the years, with tournaments taking place in various weight classes.

The  PrizeFighter series has also allowed winners opportunities to get into world title contention. The concept of PrizeFighter has been able to take the previous concepts of one-night tournaments in Professional Boxing to a higher level. The success of this series however, will soon be joined by a similar one-night tournament concept known as “The Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament” that will take place on June 4th at The Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

The tournament will feature eight Heavyweights competing for a $500,000 purse. All fights in this tournament will be scheduled for 3, three minute rounds. The participants for this tournament are former two-time Heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, former world title challenger Kali Meehan, former WKBF world Heavyweight Kickboxing champion Anthony Nansen, Alonso Buter, Brice Ritani-Coe, Hunter Sam, and features two previous winners of PrizeFighter Heavyweight tournaments Michal Sprott and Martin Rogan.

The opening round bouts are as follows:

 Hasim Rahman vs. Anthony Nansen:  Nansen, enters into this tournament as a replacement for former WBC Heavyweight world champion Sam Peter who had to withdraw from the tournament due to suffering a calf injury. Rahman (50-8-2, With 41 Knockouts) who has not fought in almost two years was stopped by top Heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin in his last fight.

Although the three round format of this tournament does seem to ensure a quick pace and potentially has the ingredients for knockouts, one does have to wonder what the forty-one year old Rahman has to offer in this fight. Rahman appeared to have shown the signs of a fighter who’s best days were behind him when he fought Alexander Povetkin in September 2012 in a fight where he was stopped in two rounds. It will be interesting to see whether nearly two years out of the ring has recharged Rahman.

Nansen is the younger man by ten years. Nansen however, has only fought five fights as a professional boxer registering a record of (3-2, with 1 Knockout). Nansen’s record as a former world champion Kick Boxer of 26-3, with 11 Knockouts should be an indicator that he is a fighter who has experience and should be taken seriously. This is a fight where I believe it all depends on what Hasim Rahman shows up.

Alonso Butler vs. Brice Ritani-Coe:

Butler (30-2-1, 1 No Contest, with 22 Knockouts), a veteran of thirty-four professional fights would seem to have an experience edge over Ritani-Coe, (3-2-1, with 3 Knockouts) who has had only six professional fights. Under this type of tournament format however, it’s really a toss up and a lot of these fights may come down to who simply can land the first significant punch.

Martin Rogan vs. Michael Sprott: 

Martin Rogan (16-5, with 8 Knockouts) and Michael Sprott (40-21, with 11 Knockouts) arguably have the most experience fighting under this type of tournament format having both previously won separate PrizeFighter tournaments. Sprott however, may have more momentum coming in this tournament as he last fought in November 2013,  becoming a two-time PrizeFighter tournament winner. Rogan meanwhile, was knocked out in one round in his last fight by undefeated German contender Erkan Teper last November in Germany.

Kali Meehan vs. Hunter Sam: 

Meehan (38-5, 31 Knockouts), probably best known to American Boxing fans for his “Game” performance in losing a hard fought twelve round split decision to former WBO Heavyweight world champion Lamon Brewster in 2004 and then suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Hasim Rahman later that year, has an opportunity to potentially have a rematch in this tournament if both he and Rahman are able to advance in this tournament. Much like Rahman, Meehan enters this tournament having not fought in nearly two years.

Much like Rahman, Meehan comes into the tournament looking to rebound from a knockout loss in his last fight. It will also be interesting as will be the case Rahman to see what the forty-four-year-old Meehan has to offer. Meehan faces Hunter Sam (10-2-2, with 4 Knockouts) who has had fourteen professional fights and comes into the tournament riding a four fight winning streak.

Although some may have differing opinions as to what may be in store for whomever should emerge as the winner of this tournament, tournament concepts like this, the unification tournaments over the years, and even Professional Boxing tournaments that been showcased on reality TV shows all accomplish one important goal. All of the above create interest and have potential to be good for the sport.

With eight fighters, some looking for notoriety, and others looking for what perhaps might be their last chance to revitalize their careers and with $500,000 going to the winner, the Super 8 Heavyweight tournament does have some intrigue. No matter what happens on June 4^th, I believe that the concept of the Super 8 should be looked at as a positive for the sport. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about the Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament please visit: www.supereight.co.nz 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Froch vs. Groves: The Rematch

The November 2013 fight between three-time Super-Middleweight world champion Carl Froch and top contender George Groves is remembered by many for the somewhat controversial way that the fight ended.  Groves, who was undefeated in nineteen professional fights heading into the encounter, was making his first attempt at a world championship against a fighter who has been a cornerstone of the Super-Middleweight division for several years in Froch.

The quick handed Groves made his presence known almost immediately dropping the champion with a solid right hand in the closing stages of the first round. Groves’ timing, hand speed, and lateral movement were the story for much of this fight. Although Froch was able to rally in the second half of the fight, the opinion of most, this observer included was that the challenger was ahead in the fight as it entered the ninth round.

Froch was able to land a right hand that staggered Groves. The follow-up barrage by the champion caused Referee Howard Foster to stop the fight in controversial fashion. Although he was clearly staggered, Groves did not go down from the barrage and the stoppage was seen by most, including myself as early.

Some readers might remember my comments in the days following the first fight last November. Even though it was my belief that Foster stopped the fight early, it was clearly a case of a referee exercising his discretion. Despite my opinion that the fight was stopped prematurely, I did state that it was possible that Foster may have seen something in Groves’ body language that might have indicated that he was in trouble and prompted him to stop the contest.

The circumstances however, of which this fight ended has certainly left unfinished business between the two fighters. I concluded my thoughts last November by saying that although some may have been of the opinion that Foster acted in the best interest of Froch by stopping the fight in the manner he did, I strongly disagreed. I went on to say that a rematch between Froch and Groves was warranted and should happen as soon as possible.

Sometimes it can be all too tempting to focus on the negative aspects of the sport. No sport is perfect and Boxing has certainly had it’s share of controversy throughout it’s history that can and often has left a negative impression on fans. The beauty of Boxing however, is that when controversy in a fight arises there is always the potential for a remedy known by one word, rematch.

Even though many of the sport’s detractors have often criticized Boxing’s respective governing bodies, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) does deserve credit for taking action in ordering an immediate rematch between Froch and Groves earlier this year. If nothing else, by the IBF ordering an immediate rematch as quickly as it did, it shows that the sport’s governing bodies are not oblivious to controversy when it occurs and in the case of the IBF has shown that it will take steps to remedy a controversial situation.

Quite frankly, a rematch needed to happen not only for Boxing fans, but more importantly for the fighters themselves. A rematch offers the perfect opportunity for Froch and Groves to settle unfinished business.

The key to this fight in my mind will be whether Froch can negate George Groves’ speed and timing. In the first fight, Groves consistently beat Froch to the punch and was able to make him miss, make him pay, and catch Froch in between his offense. It will be interesting to see whether Froch will be able to utilize timing in order to negate Groves’ quick hands and neutralize his lateral movement.

It is hard not to argue based on how the first encounter between the two was fought that George Groves does not have an advantage heading into the rematch. Froch however, was able to have his moments occasionally throughout the fight before the controversial stoppage. Groves was able to outbox Froch for the majority of the first encounter, but was willing to get in and mix it up with the champion.

As the rematch approaches I believe it will be in Groves’ best interest to attempt to box Froch from the start and attempt to avoid getting into a rough toe to toe battle where one might argue Froch has an advantage. There is also the possibility that the anger over the stoppage of the first fight could influence how Groves approaches the rematch.

It could favor Froch if Groves elects to go toe to toe, perhaps looking to catch Froch early like he did in the first fight when he knocked him down and had been badly hurt in the first round. It was not however, Groves engaging toe to toe that led to the knockdown. It was Groves’ timing that set up Froch for the right hand that dropped him. If Groves can repeat the tactical, measured way that he approached Froch in the first fight and avoid being baited into a toe to toe battle, we could see a new champion emerge.

Perhaps the biggest element of this rematch is not who will be able to make any tactical adjustments from the first fight. A key element will be focused on the third man in the ring. American referee Charlie Fitch will be charged with the task of officiating the rematch.

It will be interesting to see how Fitch will respond if circumstances emerge where a fighter appears staggered, but is still on his feet as Groves was when the first fight was stopped or if one of the fighters appears to be badly hurt as Froch did early on in the first fight.

If this fight does not go the distance, it is my hope that at minimum there will be a conclusive ending that will not center too much on questions regarding a referee exercising his discretion as to when to stop the fight. Fitch, who has previously officiated five world championship fights arguably has the most important assignment of his career in refereeing this rematch.

No matter what happens when Froch and Groves meet for the second time on Saturday night, the magnitude of this rematch can be demonstrated by where it will take place. Wembley Stadium will play host to it’s first fight card since 1995 when British legend Frank Bruno won the WBC Heavyweight world championship by defeating Oliver McCall and the first card to take place since the stadium reopened in 2007.

With some expecting between 60,000 to 80,000 in attendance for the rematch between Froch and Groves, it is my hope that the rematch will be remembered as a memorable night in Boxing history for the right reasons. Whether or not the fight lives up to the magnitude of the event remains to be seen.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is registered a trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

A Look At “The Official Fight Promoter Playbook”

Whether you are a casual Boxing fan or enthusiast there has probably been a time where you have questioned certain things related to “The Business of Boxing” whether it be why a fight between two marquee fighters cannot seem to be made, the cost of media coverage, or the cost of a pay-per-view event, or what is the process of putting together a Boxing card.  Recently I had an opportunity to read “The Official Fight Promoter Playbook” written by Tony Shultz.

This book, which is part of a five book series focusing on the business of fight promotion, offers a resource on how to run a successful Boxing or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event.  Shultz, a fight promotions expert offers great insight of the intricate necessities that a promoter needs in order to promote an event.  

Covering a variety of topics including venue contracts, marketing strategies, sponsorship agreements, budgeting, and TV broadcast agreements, just to name a few, the book offers a step-by-step blueprint that covers the essentials of Boxing promotion and the necessary aspects that are needed to be successful.  The book offers advice, strategies, and samples on how to get a Boxing or MMA promotional entity off the ground in an insightful way. 

 

As a Boxing journalist it was not so far in the past that I attended a Boxing event that quite frankly was a train wreck. Fortunately, the Boxing card and those who fought on it put on a great show. Surrounding the ring from the time you entered the venue putting it mildly was disorganized. As a template this book may have provided guidance for an overall successful event.  

“The Official Fight Promoter Playbook” offers a template for anyone that has an interest in promotion. As one who has written columns regarding “The Business” of Boxing this book offers an excellent resource and clarification of many questions that arise. 

As someone who grew up as an avid Boxing fan and has written about and covered the sport for many years I was impressed with how well the book was put together and thoroughly enjoyed looking into a different aspect of the sport.  Whether you are an aspiring promoter, journalist, or enthusiast of the sweet science who wants to learn more about the promotional side of the sport this book is a “MUST READ”.  

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

“The Official Fight Promoter Playbook” is available on Amazon Kindle and can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/Official-Fight-Promoter-Playbook-ebook/dp/B009KWDBZA/ref=sr_1_2/189-5815560-9523429?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1401211340&sr=1-2 

For more information about Tony Shultz and “The Fight Promoter Series” please visit: www.Fighttown.net and www.howtopromotefights.com

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison