• Boxing

Haye convinced Groves can make the step up

Froch v Groves is the most eagerly anticipated British fight in recent memory © Getty Images

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David Haye believes George Groves is as ready as he will ever be to win the super-middleweight world championship - but knows his former training partner will have his work cut out against Carl Froch.

Haye is in a unique position to comment on the fight - having lived with Froch when a young boxer and after sparring with Groves as a training partner in the later stages of his career.

The 33-year-old is convinced the Manchester crowd will be in for a classic encounter, but stopped short of making a prediction on the outcome.

Manchester is used to rivalry - but not like this

Carl Froch is ready for war © Getty Images

• He may never admit it, but there will be a moment - however slight it may be - on Saturday night when George Groves will stare across the ring in Manchester and catch the eyes of Carl Froch. The final 'can I do this' moment.
• Read Rob Bartlett's thoughts on the all-British title clash

Haye is certain though that he saw enough of Groves from their time as sparring partners to believe he can claim the biggest win of his career.

"Both these guys are great, great fighters. I know both of them very well and am looking forward to enjoying the match as a fan," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's a tough one to call. George has it all to prove while Carl has come up big time and time again. It will be about whether Carl can do it again when it counts and everyone knows what level he will be at.

"I think the questions surround George, but I've seen him at a world-class level in the gym time and time again. Of course whether he can do that against Froch in Manchester remains to be seen.

"I don't understand why people have been saying George isn't ready for the fight. I think he is ready - if he isn't ready now then he never will be. What does he need to do to become ready?

"He's beaten everyone else he can and he's getting better but he'll see how tough he needs to be to win this sort of fight."

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