Froch v Groves II: St George ‘wins this time around’

This Saturday will see 80,000 people pack out Wembley Stadium for one of the biggest bouts in British boxing history.

Every single one of those in attendance, plus the millions watching around the world, has a strong opinion on who will win but few have the insight of Ladbrokes’ trader Adam Williamson.

Ladbrokes News get the inside view from the trading floor:

How big a fight is this from a betting perspective?

“It’ll be the biggest turnover fight since Haye v Klitschko in 2011. I estimate we’ll take less than that fight, but around double the amount of money of the first Froch v Groves fight.”

Why should customers get excited about our offer?

“From a customer’s perspective this looks like a great offer with a 20% chance of getting your money back”

Have any outside influences affected the market in the build-up to the fight?

“I tend not to look into these things too much. A boxer’s skills will be much more influential in the outcome. It looks to me like Sauerland have taken a gamble and got Groves a little cheaper than they would have done if he went on to beat Froch.

“Groves is trying to get Froch riled for the rematch, but it looks like The Cobra is a bit calmer and focused this time round.”

Where’s the money’s going?

“At first it was for Groves, this week it’s been for Froch. I suspect the Froch fans will appear in numbers on Saturday.”

Are Ladbrokes concerned about Groves’ three-round prediction?

“The third is currently our biggest losing round, and we’re taking the necessary precautions … but like I said before, I don’t read much into it.

“It’s a quote for a good headline from Groves. He won’t change his style and go for a KO just because it’s round three. That said he did say he’d deck Froch in round one last time with two rights hands, and he was right!”

What are the fighters’ strength and weaknesses?

“Froch is getting slower with age. I noticed it in the second Kessler fight, and he seems to be getting worse.

“He does retain his heavy hands though, and he’s so so tough. He never goes away. Groves’ obvious weakness is that he fades in fights, and his boxing work gets more ragged as the rounds go on. He says he’s improved his fitness since the last fight, and if he has he’s got a great chance.”

And finally … who will win?

“I personally see Groves winning the fight. He is quicker and has better movement. Froch is tougher and punches a little harder.

“It’s very hard to call. I think Groves will fight a little smarter this time, and not be drawn into quite as many brawls as Froch would like. He knows he has the power to trouble him, and he needs to last the full 12 rounds.”

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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