• Super-middleweight

Cleverly and Groves 'haven't earned' Froch fight

ESPN staff
June 4, 2013
Carl Froch chats with ESPN's Steve Bunce

Carl Froch has dismissed calls for a showdown with either of Nathan Cleverly or George Groves, claiming his fellow Brits haven't earned the right to step into the ring with him.

The Nottingham fighter, who admits his main targets are a decider with Mikkel Kessler and avenging defeat to Andre Ward, has called on Welshman Cleverly and Londoner Groves to "prove" they have got what it takes.

Speaking on Steve Bunce's ESPN boxing podcast, Froch said: "I don't see how they deserve the right to fight the champ, someone of my calibre, who's done what I've done, to get where I've got, come on guys!

"At least fight somebody before you fight me - just one person to prove that you belong in the ring with me. It's not a lot to ask.

"Between the two of them they've not fought anyone ranked in the top 15 by BoxRec. I can't see how a fight with Nathan or George has any significance to somebody who's been fighting people who are ranked in the top five in the world for the last four years.

"And I don't know how people are going to get excited about it. Maybe because [we're all British]…"

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