• Carl Froch v George Groves

Froch must learn from mistakes against Groves

ESPN staff
May 23, 2014
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Carl Froch has been told not to make the same mistakes that almost cost him his IBF and WBA world super-middleweight titles when he faces George Groves for a second time.

Trainer Robert McCracken admitted Froch's defence was exposed in the first clash last November, when controversial victory was award to the Nottingham fighter after referee Howard Foster called a halt in the ninth round.

Froch was floored by Groves in the first round at the Manchester Arena and he trailed on all three of the judges' scorecards going into the ninth round.

Although Froch turned the fight in his favour, McCracken has warned his man to be better prepared for what Groves has to offer in the rematch at Wembley Stadium on May 31 in front of 80,000 fans.

"We've got to shut the gaps in Carl's defence that were there in that last Groves fight," he said.

"There's lots we'll work on and put right. The main thing is Carl gets hit less and come the second half of the fight, if it still going on, obviously Carl gets stronger and stronger."

Froch admitted he underestimated Groves last year, but McCracken says he is now motivated and Groves "has his full attention".

"One problem was that Carl had his jab working well early on but then stopped and that allowed Groves to throw right shots and not move away from them," he said.

"Carl's got everything to go for now, whereas last time we had everything to lose. He is comfortable with what he has done and what he has to do."

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