Carl Froch has revealed the opponent who he “despised” – and it will come as no shock to most readers.
‘The Cobra’ was a fiery character throughout his career and, though he seems to have mellowed in retirement, did not get on particularly well with any of his opponents.
However, on a recent appearance on Up Front With Simon Jordan, Froch revealed the true level of dislike he had towards George Groves ahead of their first meeting back in 2013.
“Being angry with George Groves was my attitude, it wasn’t so much to do with him. He was calling me names and saying I was no good, which was ridiculous. And I was taking that personally.”
“I was putting myself on a pedestal that maybe I didn’t belong on. I was wanting respect off somebody who wanted to get in the ring and fight me and beat me. Why should he give me respect? If he doesn’t want to give me respect, then that’s up to him – I shouldn’t have let it bother me.”
“He had some good lines, and he got me chomping at the bit and had me fuming. If I’m honest, I absolutely f–king despised George Groves before that first fight. I wanted to smash his head in so badly.”
Although their first fight ended in a controversial stoppage win for Froch, the rematch came to a much more conclusive ending at Wembley Stadium, where Froch knocked Groves out cold.
Despite the huge animosity that existed back in the day, Froch and Groves have long since buried the hatchet and now even tour the country together as part of a dinner show, which has been enjoyed by thousands of fans up and down the UK.