By James Slater: The televised action got off to a great start tonight in Manchester, as red hot prospect and reigning Commonwealth super-middleweight champ George Groves came through a very fierce test against the also-unbeaten Kenny Anderson of Scotland. The 22-year-old Londoner, promoter by David Haye’s Hayemaker Promotions, was decked for the first time in his pro career in the 3rd-round, but got back up and eventually overwhelmed the Hatton Promotion’s warrior at 2-minutes and 35-seconds of the 7th.
Groves is now 11-0(9). 27-year-old Anderson is now 12-1(8).
The fight started off as a showcase for the talents of Groves, as his fast, loose hands tagged the much slower Anderson with ease. With his hands held low, his left especially, the younger man by five years also made the Scot miss quite a bit. Anderson was aggressive, however, and he did get home with the odd shot.
In the 2nd, Groves again looked fast and sprightly. Landing some eye-catching combos, Groves opened up a small cut on the top of the Commonwealth gold medallist’s nose.
The fireworks began in the 3rd.
Groves was under fire on the ropes, taking unnecessary shots due to his casual defence. Then Groves was in serious trouble, hurt by a shot to the head. Anderson was pouring blood from the left cheek, but he had the upper hand now. A big right hand then sent Groves to the canvas and the alarm bells rang out loud. Would we see a big upset? Groves beat the count and made it through the torrid session, but he was badly hurt again at the end of the round, by a huge left hook to the head. Groves wobbled his way back to his corner at the bell.
Anderson was all over Groves in the 4th, and the two also traded in exciting fashion. Groves, in a corner, blasted his way out at one point. The younger man was also bundled over, his legs looking weak as he got back up. Both guys traded hard body shots. A sensational action round, Anderson’s for me.
The 5th saw Groves get back to his quick boxing, as he jabbed well and used his speed again. The betting favourite won the session with his class, but the fight was still very much up for grabs.
Groves was, however, under more fire in the 6th, and he did look easy to hit tonight, as the SKY Sports commentator pointed out. There was also more thrilling trading, and a genuine war was shaping up. Groves went to work with some hard body shots and also scored with a right uppercut to Anderson’s head.
The end came in the 7th, as Groves, showing heart, landed with a massive burst. Groves opened up with both hands and Anderson looked all gone. The final barrage was enough for referee Dave Parris to decide to dive in and call a halt. There were no complaints from anyone.
A superb little fight to get the “Best of Enemies” card going, Groves-Anderson was well worth watching. It was also nice to see Anderson promoter Ricky Hatton working tonight, and “The Hitman” looked to have lost a good deal of weight since we last saw him.
Can tonight’s main event top the support bout for sheer action?