Hearn predicts Groves will go on the attack
Eddie Hearn believes George Groves will defy many predictions and take the fight to Carl Froch in Saturday’s world title showdown.
Groves has been widely tipped to box on the back foot rather than engage with the rugged champion, having used similar tactics to beat arch-rival and fellow West Londoner James DeGale in 2011.
But Hearn, who promotes both Froch and Groves, thinks the challenger may well adopt a different gameplan in the biggest fight of his life.
“I don’t think he’s going to run at all. I think he’s going to stand there, plant his feet and try to push Carl back,” Hearn told West London Sport.
“I don’t think he’s going to go on the back foot. Most people do, so I may be wrong. I’ve just got a feeling that he’s not going to do that.
“He’s got to use his movement and speed, but if you fight on the back foot against Carl Froch – this man’s a nightmare – he will hunt you down as he’s relentless.
“If you start that way then three or four rounds in you’re going to be thinking ‘he won’t leave me alone’ and I don’t think George will feel he’s better off doing that.
“No, I think George will want to show Carl that he’s in a fight. But I could be wrong – it’s just fascinating to see how it’s going to unravel.
“It’s a huge fight. We’re attracting really big numbers for pay-per-view and the public are really getting behind the fight and are fascinated by it.
“People are fascinated by all the talk and the mystery of what will happen. Obviously Carl is the favourite, but George is one of the biggest young stars in the sport.
“I’m fascinated to see how it’s going to turn out, because I really have no idea. People talk about what sort of fight it’ll be but until that bell goes we just don’t know.”
Froch, 36, holds the IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles and is the strong favourite, having lost only twice in a 33-fight career and consistently operated at the top level.
He avenged one of those defeats by beating Mikkel Kessler earlier this year and a victory in Manchester would keep him in the frame for a rematch with American star Andre Ward, who outclassed him when they met in 2011.
Groves is unbeaten in his 19 professional fights and has held the British as well as Commonwealth title.
This weekend’s bout represents a significant step up in class for the 25-year-old, who is looking to make a name for himself in an exciting weight division which has previously starred the likes of Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Joe Calzaghe.
And Hearn said: “I liken this fight to Chris Eubank against Nigel Benn.
“The fact is that when Eubank fought Benn his record was 24-0 and his best win was against Kid Milo or Anthony Logan.
“Well, George has beaten James DeGale, who is on another level to fighters like that. We all know the result when Eubank fought Benn.
“Is it too early for George? We’ll find out on Saturday. Until you actually take that chance you just don’t know.
“You’ve got to look at what Froch has achieved, but George is a very live challenger in this fight.
“You get some fights where you just can’t see a way the challenger can win, but a lot of people are choosing Groves.
“The fascination is over whether George is ready to mix at that level. One thing you can’t deny is that he’s never mixed at that level before, but is he good enough to?
“It may be that he’s more than ready. It may be that he wins and becomes champion, but he may not be. It’s that fascination that makes people interested.
“And in George’s head, he can’t lose this fight. That’s the worrying thing for Froch, who has much more to lose.
“That might work to his [Groves’] advantage or disadvantage, I don’t know. All these questions are what makes it so fascinating.”
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