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Groves vs Eubank Jr: Carl Froch doesn't mind who wins but can't see George Groves beating Chris Eubank Jr

Froch vs Groves II

Carl Froch used Chris Eubank Jr as his main sparring partner ahead of that Wembley win over George Groves, so we asked him to break down the February showdown, give us his prediction and see which one of the super-middleweights his emotions are siding with...

Scarred by Froch KO
Scarred by Froch KO

Chris Eubank Jr believes Geoge Groves is psychologically vulnerable following their Wembley Stadium showdown in 2014

I'm going to get this out of the way now. I've sparred one, fought the other of course, and it is impossible for me to make a case for Groves to win their fight.

We've all seen and read what they've both come out with and yes, it is not until February, but I will not change my mind. It is Mission Impossible for Groves.

Groves doesn't need to worry about getting knocked out with one punch, but that aside, Eubank Jr has a ferocious work-rate, will go for the full 12 rounds and here's the sting in the tale: you just can't hurt him.
Carl Froch

I just don't think he has the capability of stopping Chris Eubank Jr and now, if you don't stop Chris Eubank Jr you don't win on points. Ever since that loss to Billy Joe Saunders, he hasn't messed around, took his time or taken his foot off the gas early on and to me, he is now super fit.

He is strong enough to demand respect but Groves doesn't need to worry about getting knocked out with one punch, but that aside, Eubank Jr has a ferocious work rate, will go for the full 12 rounds and here's the sting in the tale: you just can't hurt him.

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Chris Eubank Jr helped Carl Froch sharpen his skills in sparring sessions before his rematch with George Groves

He is tough as old boots, believe me. It was far harder sparring him than it was fighting Groves with those small gloves on at Wembley. Sparring with him was competitive, uncomfortable and I hit him with around six or seven right hands - the same right hand that knocked Groves out - and I couldn't have hit Eubank Jr any sweeter. He just rolled off, looked at me and carried on punching.

Groves suffered a devastated knockout defeat to Carl Froch last summer
Image: Froch says Eubank Jr had no problem with 'that right'

Eubank Jr also threw a lot of shots, and even though I was fully focused - unlike the first fight with Groves - I got hit with a lot that I just didn't see coming.

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The only way for Groves to beat him is to keep out of his way and out-box him, win on points. But the problem is I don't think he's fit enough. He doesn't have the engine and if I am honest, he didn't look that good in the first Super Series fight against Jamie Cox.

Groves (L) and Eubank Jr via World Boxing Super Series
Image: Groves and Eubank Jr fight in February's World Series semi-final

That is my prediction and I am sure people are expecting me to side with Eubank Jr when it comes to who I want to win it. Well, I honestly don't mind. Even if Groves goes on to lose to Tom, Dick or Harry, or Chris Eubank Jr, it makes no difference to me. It will not do anything to my legacy.

For personal reasons I actually quite admire Groves to have gone through what he did and become a world champion at the fourth attempt. He clearly enjoys the game I am in love with, like I do, and I was happy to stand up and applaud him at Bramall Lane. I have no agenda with him whatsoever and I certainly wouldn't have done it unless I meant it.

Carl Froch gave George Groves a standing ovation after watching win the WBA 'super' super-middleweight title
Image: Froch has respect and admiration for WBA world champion Groves

Eubank Jr helped me out in that rematch. He was my main sparring partner for Wembley, so I like him and I've always liked his dad and been a big fan of his. Yes, Groves called me all sorts of things and tried to take my livelihood away like any other opponent, but genuinely I have no animosity towards him.

To be totally honest, I want the best man to win on the night.

Tale of the Tape - George Groves vs Chris Eubank Jr
Image: Tale of the Tape - George Groves vs Chris Eubank Jr
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