Boxing

IBF orders Froch to have rematch with Groves

ESPN staff

January 24, 2014

The fight was stopped in the ninth round © PA Photos

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Carl Froch has been ordered by the IBF to have a rematch with George Groves within 90 days, or risk losing his belt.

Earlier on Friday, Froch had revealed Groves had turned down a "seven-figure offer" for a rematch, but the IBF have confirmed that a rematch must take place.

Froch defeated Groves on November 23 after the fight was stopped in the ninth round, with Groves believing the bout had been ended too soon.

And having launched an appeal, now the decision has been taken for Froch to hold a rematch with Groves, with IBF championships chairman Lindsey E Tucker telling BBC Sport: "Groves thought the fight was stopped early. The panel, three members, listened to all the evidence and they decided a rematch was in order. I guess… they ordered the rematch after his complaint."

On Thursday, Froch revealed he was "happy" to hold a rematch with Groves, but first wanted to take on former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

However, due to the IBF's decision, Froch must face Groves within 90 days, otherwise he risks losing his belt.

And Groves posted his thoughts on the decision on Twitter.

Oh Dear! IBF order IMMEDIATE rematch with me and @Carl_Froch ... Maybe I was right after all turning down that 'amazing' 7 figure offer haha
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) January 24, 2014

Now everyone understands @Carl_Froch press release today.. Wants to move on? Hold on honey IBF says #NoNoNo #RematchOrVacate haha
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) January 24, 2014