George Groves has been blessed with what would appear, to this writer at least, to be a special kind of self-confidence, an inner belief that sets him apart and will be lead him to World Title in the not too distant future. This assertion typified by his immediate return to the scene of what was the most harrowing night of his boxing career.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Wembley Arena was chosen for the second fight under the Sauerland banner. The decision to meet his demons head on, one typical of George Groves, who for my money, still believes completely that he’s got Froch’s number. That might sound deluded to some and for what it’s worth I make him wrong, but it’s this very mentality that can propel ‘The Saint’ to the top.
His decision was vindicated, when he entered the raucous Wembley Arena, to an atmosphere more fitting of international football match as he prepared to face off against current European Champion, Christopher Rebrasse (22-2-3 6KO’s). A negative to note, would be the Blackpool Pleasure Beach style entrance sequence, which was abysmal.
Groves (19-2 15KO’s) began the brighter, ramming home a rapier like jab, which flowed and found the target all night long. Composed and relaxed Groves dominated the early stages, with his varied work, looking spiteful and intent on ending the show early, Rebrasse had other ideas, having minor success through round 1-4, with short sharp bursts up close, all 4 rounds going to Groves all the same.
The tall solid Frenchman had came here to win, with a mandatory challengers position for the WBC Super-Middleweight Championship on the line. He was strong and durable and refused to take a backwards step as Groves continued to dominate in terms of meaningful punches landed, but Rebrasse eating up powerful jabs, continued to march in to range and go to work.
Rebrasse not famed for his punching power and of limited boxing capability, found it difficult to put a dent in George Groves, as his record suggested prior to the fight. From the fifth round onwards, his attacks landed with increasing regularity. However, the concussive power was not there to make this a contest, just unsettling for the Londoner, through grit and strength. Raising the question once more, how will Groves react to a puncher who can take his best and come back down the stretch.
The fight followed a pattern for the remaining rounds, Rebrasse’s having limited success, with the clean work coming from the excellent Groves, who would go through his full repertoire of punching, his work-rate impeccable and a clear winner on my card.
The judges on the night concurred two scoring the contest 118-110 and one by 117-111, to crown George Groves European Champion and mandatory challenger to current WBC ruler Anthony Dirrell.
This was a world-class performance from Groves, against admittedly a European level operator, whose strength and determination was something to admire, but on a completely different level to the 2-time world title challenger. What made it world-class was the fact that it was achieved under immense pressure, which he put himself under, such is his belief in his destiny.
And so, Groves moves on and despite what former foes believe, I would take him to beat Anthony Dirrell handily, should he keep his composure and box to a plan. However, the doubts still remain whether Groves can maintain if someone with authoritative punching power can stick with him and pour it on late. The Froch demons will endure until this question is answered; I believe he can do it. But, more importantly, George believes it and that makes all the difference.
Photo by Philip Sharkey
