Super-middleweight legend Carl Froch puts his world titles on the line as he takes on unbeaten domestic rival George Groves exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Froch’s IBF and WBA titles are up for grabs when the Nottingham fighter faces off against his former sparring partner in Manchester this Saturday night at the Phones 4u Arena.
The all-British affair is the 11th consecutive world title fight of Froch’s distinguished career and the hotly-anticipated encounter is his first bout since his highly impressive rematch victory over Mikkel Kessler at London’s O2 Arena back in May.
The fiercely competitive contest was the last in a series of fights against some of the biggest names in boxing and solidified his status as a genuine star.
‘The Cobra’ unquestionably comes into this fight as the overwhelming favourite but he hasn’t been shy about embracing his role in the build-up.
In addition to questioning whether or not Groves even deserves his shot, the Nottingham fighter has promised a comprehensive victory.
“Trust me, believe me,” he recently stated. “I am knocking out George Groves – in style.”
Despite being considered second favourite by many pundits and fans, Groves shouldn’t be underestimated.
He may be far less experienced but Groves boasts an unbeaten record after 19 professional bouts and will be determined to make the most of his first world title opportunity.
Even Froch has admitted that the possibility of an upset makes the fight something of a “banana skin”.
Despite that threat to his career reputation, Froch, at 36 years of age, is at the top of the sport having taken Lucien Bute’s IBF title and Mikkel Kessler’s WBA title in the space of 12 months.
But now the man known as ‘The Cobra’ is ready to risk his belts against the up-and-coming Groves, 25, who is yet to taste defeat in his professional career.
There was needle between the pair when they squared up at a press conference in early September, with Froch telling his opponent he “shouldn’t be stood there” and Groves claiming the veteran “falls apart” during fights.
If that wasn’t enough drama in the lead up, news subsequently emerged that Groves had parted company with trainer Adam Booth – the man who masterminded his famous victory over James DeGale – and he has since named Paddy Fitzpatrick as his replacement.
Despite his flawless record on paper, the 25-year-old from Hammersmith has had his issues in the ring in the past.
He was knocked down heavily by Scotland’s Kenny Anderson before battling back for victory, but was more impressive in halting Noe Gonzalez Alcoba, Dario German Balmaceda and Baker Bakarat in recent months.
Defeat for Froch may signal the beginning of the downhill slope towards retirement, while Groves could be exposed as being out of his depth at world level.
Also in action on the night will be WBA super-bantamweight champion Scott Quigg, who defends his title on a packed undercard that also features British super-featherweight champion Stephen Smith.
As if that isn’t enough to whet the appetite, Martin Gethin faces Anthony Crolla, Rocky Fielding takes on Lennox Allen, Kal Yafai meets Mike Robinson and Luke Campbell also steps into the ring.
With Froch having fought all the big names in the division and losing just twice in a glittering 33-fight career, he will enter the ring in Manchester’s Phones4U Arena as an overwhelming favourite.
Can the younger man Groves silence his doubters and cause a sensational upset in Manchester?
Whatever happens, fireworks are guaranteed as both of these man are known for going to war and you can see all the action live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, November 23.
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Carl Froch will put his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles on the line against George Groves on Saturday evening and Sky Sports will be there every step of the way.
Not only will Sky Sports bring boxing fans live and exclusive coverage of the mouth-watering Manchester clash on Sky Sports Box Office, but there will also be a host of support programmes across the week to get you right in the mood for fight night.
Throughout the daytime there will be plenty of live news and interviews on Sky Sports News, while in the evening Sky Sports’ special shows add to the excitement.
On Monday, Sky Sports faces Glenn McCrory, Johnny Nelson, Richie Woodhall and Nick Halling will dissect the game-plans both pugilists may deploy at the Phones4u Arena in ‘Froch v Groves: The Tactics’.
Plus, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sky Sports will get inside the camps of the Cobra and the Saint, whose animosity was apparent when they set foot in Sky’s Ringside studio in the build-up to the fight – in two special ‘Behind the Ropes’ shows.
Fans will see what lengths Froch and Groves have gone to to ensure they are in peak condition for Saturday’s bout, as well as hear from some of the figures closest to the British super-middleweight stars.
Thursday, as usual, is Ringside night, and presenters Adam Smith and Johnny Nelson will be up in Manchester to gauge the mood of the city as Froch-Groves edges closer and to chat to some of boxing’s biggest names.
‘The Final Countdown’ takes place on Friday as Dave Clark and guests look at all the late headlines and show clips from the fighters’ weigh-in, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports News.
Then it’s time for the boxers to lace up the gloves on Saturday night. Sky Sports Box Office’s live coverage of Froch-Groves begins at 6.00pm on Saturday, presented by Dave Clark.
He will be joined for expert analysis and comment by top British boxing stars Amir Khan and David Haye, alongside Glenn McCrory.
Further anlaysis comes from Johnny Nelson and Richie Woodall, while Adam Smith and Ed Robinson provide reports and interviews from ringside and behind-the-scenes.
Big fight commentary on the night comes from Nick Halling and Jim Watt.
Before the main event at approximately 11.00pm, a stellar supporting cast, including Anthony Joshua, Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg, get things underway inside the Phones4U Arena.
Alongside extensive TV coverage, more news, views, and build-up to the fight can be found on Sky Sports’ special microsite.
For those unable to watch live via pay-per-view, Sky Sports customers can watch the whole fight in full – free of charge – a week after it takes place.
The first replay will be shown at 4.55pm on Saturday, November 30 on Sky Sports 2, plus further repeats throughout the weekend.
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Carl Froch v George Groves will be exclusively live from Manchester’s Phones 4U Arena on Sky Sports Box Office, plus a full undercard including Scott Quigg v Diego Silva.
Live coverage of this pay-per-view event can is available to watch in high-definition on channel 752, or in standard-definition on channel 731.
The event is priced at £14.95 for UK customers, or €21.95 for customers in the Republic of Ireland, and starts at 6.00pm on Saturday, November 23.
Sky subscribers can only record full live coverage of the fight via Sky+ if the event ordered by your Sky Remote.
The easiest way to book this event is by using your Sky remote control and you can only record the programme by using this method.
Replays of the fight will be shown at various times on Sunday and Monday, which are also priced at £14.95.
If you are a Sky customer, you can book this event in one of the three ways listed below (terms and conditions apply).
Cable customers should contact their cable operator for more details on how to book the fight.
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BY PHONE
To order the event, UK customers call 08442 410888. Republic of Ireland customers call 0818 220 225.
There is a £5/€5 surcharge for bookings made via the phone from midnight, Friday, November 22 to midnight, Saturday, November 23.
There may be a £1 booking fee for telephone bookings.
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VIA YOUR SKY REMOTE
Press box office, Select sports and events. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the event. Press select and the buy screen will be displayed. Press select to confirm your order. Enter your pin if prompted.
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ONLINE
To book online go to www.sky.com/orderboxoffice. There is no surcharge for online bookings.
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Sky Sports Box Office (ch 731) / Sky Sports Box Office HD (ch 752) Friday 29th November Froch v Groves: Replay 8.00pm-10.00pm Sky Sports 2
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