George Groves retired from boxing in 2018, however, he left a lasting presence on the sport in Britain.
Best known for his rivalry with Carl Froch, the two had an incredible fight series from 2013 to 2014.
Despite being on the losing end of both bouts, Groves had a competitive showing in each of his fights with his rival.
In their first meeting in 2013, ‘The Cobra’ was able to secure a ninth-round knockout. However, the stoppage was not without controversy.
George Groves was displeased with his stoppage loss to Carl Froch
Rewatching his first meeting with Froch on the George Groves Boxing Club podcast, the former world champion focused on the ninth round, where he was stopped by his rival.
Groves said that he felt good at the start of the ninth round, and was planning on pushing even harder in the final rounds of the bout. However, the fight would not enter a 10th round.
“I’m winning this round pretty well,” Groves said while watching the opening sequences of round nine.
As Groves is seemingly unsteady on his feet then in the round, the British fighter feels he was just knocked off balance, and not in danger in the fight.
As they watched the finishing sequence, Groves’ co-host said the stoppage was “one of the most controversial we’ve ever seen.”
“Have you ever seen anything so bad,” Groves replied.
Speaking on how he felt at the time, Groves said, “I’m sick to my stomach, sick to my core.”
Groves added that he was ‘very disappointed’ in the referee, feeling the bout was halted prematurely. He then added that he was still hurt by the fight 10 years later.
George Groves would not be able to get revenge in his Carl Froch rematch
As the first fight was closely contested before the stoppage, the two rematched six months later in May 2014. Fighting in Wembley Stadium, the fight result would be the same as their first meeting.
Again, the two were closely scored through all seven completed rounds. However, Froch would find a finish once again in round eight.
A huge right hand from ‘The Cobra’ would send Groves crashing to the canvas. Clearly dazed by the shot, the rematch’s finishing sequence was much more conclusive than their first meeting.
‘Saint George’ would compete for four more years after his second bout with Froch. His final career performance would see Groves get stopped by Callum Smith.