Groves capable of pulling off huge Froch upset

Since the collapse of the David Haye versus Tyson Fury scrap, George Groves’ bid to win the WBA super-middleweight crown from Carl Froch has become the most high-profile all-British bout of 2013.

While Ladbrokes only see one clear winner of the tussle – they’ve installed the champ at a microscopically short 1/4 to win this two-horse race – the challenger has demonstrated a capability of producing a 3/1-rated upset in Manchester.

Groves’ pre-fight mind games appear to have rattled Froch somewhat and, while the back and forth between corners in the run up to the action has become a customary affair that both parties must participate in, such antics have served the Londoner well in the past.

He was given next to no chance of toppling James DeGale in their 2009 dust up, but topple him he did, winning on split decision.

DeGale’s career has somewhat stagnated since this upset and Froch must be wary of being on the receiving end for, at 36 years of age, his 11-years as a professional pugilist could well be up should Groves take his WBA and IBF crowns.

With 19 victories from 19 sojourns beyond the ropes of the squared circle, Groves is clearly no chump and, with 15 of these coming via means of knockout, it’s clear that Saint George has been honing his heavy-hitting skills as he’s ascended skywards on the boxing ladder.

A total of five of his past six bouts have ended by means of stoppage, making a punt on the massive odds of 7/1 that says Groves manages to stop the Cobra a potentially shrewd one.

Froch, however, has never been knocked out in his career, but his fists have ensured two of his last three fights ended prematurely. The champ has vowed to inflict the same feat on his upcoming adversary here, so backing the 1/2 that this fight does not go the distance offers a more conservative alterative.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date

Fancy a flutter? Sign up for a Ladbrokes account today and, when you bet £10, we’ll give you three free £10 bets. Click here to get involved.