George Groves still confident about winning world title after Carl Froch defeat

George Groves insists the devastating defeat by Carl Froch has not left any mental scars as he prepares to face Christopher Rebrasse in a world title eliminator.

The Londoner’s hopes of becoming a world champion were shattered by his bitter rival in May, with Froch delivering a stunning stoppage win at Wembley.

I don’t doubt myself in the slightest. It is boxing, it breaks my heart sometimes, but that is the reason I love boxing.

Groves heads back to the capital for a comeback fight, facing Rebrasse at Wembley in a final eliminator for the WBC super-middleweight title on September 20.  

He must exorcise demons from the Froch defeat, with concerns raised about his punch resistance, but 'Saint George' claims his confidence has not been dented.

“I think it can be a mental problem for some fighters, but not for me,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I watched it back on the big screens on the night and I darted home and watched it again on Sky straight after. It’s not something I plan to shy away from.

“A mistake was made and whenever a mistake is made it has to be rectified.

“I don’t question my chin, I think I’ve got a good chin. I think Carl Froch when he can, can punch hard. I think most people would have got knocked out if they left that opening and got hit with that shot.

“I don’t doubt myself in the slightest. It is boxing, it breaks my heart sometimes, but that is the reason I love boxing.”

Ultimate goal

New promoters Sauerland have kept the 26-year-old in world title contention, despite twice failing to take the WBA and IBF belts from Froch, and Groves remains certain he can fulfil his ultimate goal.

“It certainly hasn’t altered my goal posts. I know that I’m going to become world champion,” he said.

I don’t think I have ever been in with anyone that I don’t think I can beat and the guy who I lost to in the last two fights, I still think I can beat him.

“I like to feel that there is an inevitability about it now. My story will just go on a bit longer than I thought, but everyone since the fight has supported me.

“I really appreciate that and I hope they all pile into Wembley Arena to see me back in action, back on the road to become a world champion.”

Victory over the Frenchman, the current European champion, would secure a shot at the WBC belt currently held by Sakio Bika.

Groves hopes this world title fight could happen before Christmas and is refusing to rule out a third meeting with Froch in the future.

“The likes of (Arthur) Abraham are champion and Kessler is out there fishing around for a huge fight as well.

“I doubt Carl Froch is prepared to fight me as of yet. This seemed like the most logical route. It’s a final eliminator for the WBC, which is of course a prestigious title.

“There are plenty of good names out in the division and plenty of good fights. I’m willing to fight anyone.

"I don’t think I have ever been in with anyone that I don’t think I can beat and the guy who I lost to in the last two fights, I still think I can beat him.

“If I get a shot at him next year, brilliant, I’ll happily take it. I’ll take it tomorrow.”