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Live Coverage: Carl Froch vs. George Groves II - press conference - as it happened

Sports Mole brought you live coverage of the final press conference for the IBF and WBA super-middleweight rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves.
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IBF and WBA super-middleweight champion Carl Froch and challenger George Groves have taken part in the final press conference before their rematch at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The pair each answered questions as they looked to gain a final advantage in their mental battle that has evolved over the course of the buildup, but neither man became embroiled in any spat with the other.

Froch acknowledged that the fight would be the biggest of his career, while Groves claimed that he would defeat the champion with a left hook.

Read below to see how things transpired in front of the world's media.


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Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the final press conference ahead of the rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves for the IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles at Wembley Stadium.

I've got a feeling that this could be as good as the fight itself! In just a few moments, Carl Froch and George Groves will take questions from the media for the final time before they go head-to-head in front of 80,000 people at Wembley Stadium. It's kind of a big deal...

The pair have already been involved in several confrontations in the buildup to Saturday's fight, but this one could be the most explosive. After giving their final speeches and answering a number of questions, the two Brits will go nose-to-nose. Who will gain the upper hand in the mental battle that has evolved over the past few months? I have no idea!

The press conference was due to begin at midday but we are still awaiting for all of the lead names to take their seats at the main table. I'm sure that we will be underway in just a few minutes.

Carl Froch and promoter Eddie Hearn are the first to make their way behind the mics. George Groves is expected imminently. Will we get to see another completion of a rubik's cube?

Everyone is now seated. Promoter Eddie Hearn will get proceedings underway.

Well, Sky Sports' Adam Smith will say the first words, but I'm sure Eddie Hearn will follow...

Smith tells the world's media and boxing fans around the globe to enjoy the next 58 hours. I echo his sentiments.

Hearn reiterates his line that this is the "biggest event in British boxing history". He even goes as far as saying it's one of the biggest in British sporting history. He has a point. Here comes Groves.

Groves: "I'm very excited to be here. For me, we have worked towards perfection in camp and I'm going to become world champion in London in front of so many people. (Froch yawns). 58 hours seems too long for me right now."

Froch: "I still can't believe that we will be walking out in front of 80,000 people. All I will say is that I have prepared for this fight like no other. I'm in fantastic shape and I'm really looking forward to doing the job on Saturday. I'm extremely confident."

Trainer Rob McCracken spends a few moments telling the media that Froch is never involved in a boring fight. I reckon that is probably going to continue on Saturday, however long it lasts.

Froch: "Every fight is equally important, but given the stage of my career and because of these two world titles, it's got that air of importance about it. With it being at the national stadium, it's obviously big, so this is, by far, the biggest fight of my unbelievable career, which has given me the motivation that I need."

Groves: "I'm going to go out and perform on Saturday and become world champion, and look very good doing it. In boxing, you can be the best fighter out there, but you need people to fight, people to watch, and I'm fortunate that I'm in that situation. No stone has been left unturned. I'm fully prepared and I cannot wait."

Groves: "Anyone who was watched the media workouts will see that we have been working on left hooks, and we know that the left hook will work, and it will be the left hook that finishes Carl Froch."

Froch responds: "I best get that right hand up by my chin".

Froch is asked if his age is concern. He responds: "If you are using my age as a question mark over whether or not I can do it at this level, of course I have what it takes. Age is just a number."

Groves: "I can go 12 rounds with Carl Froch. The referee shouldn't have stopped the last fight, that is why we are here right now and it's called 'Unfinished Business'. We will pick up from the first fight and I will get better with each round. I'm in fantastic shape."

Groves: "There will always be questions about my ability and maybe that what makes me so endearing or curious, but you'll see a complete performance on Saturday. A lot of people will take notice, and I plan to arrive as a legitimate world champion."

That brings an end to the press conference, with both men having pictures taken by the media alongside each other. Froch looks confident holding both his world titles, and neither man is giving an inch as they face each other.

It has to be said though, neither Froch or Groves are as close to each other as last time...yet.

Both fighters have now left their position at the table to make their way out onto the pitch at Wembley, where further pictures will be taken by the media. Expect the pair to be almost nose-to-nose later.

Well that wasn't as explosive as predicted, was it?! I was expecting a push, the odd verbal-sparring, but no, nothing. Maybe that will change later.

We couldn't take too much away from the comments offered by both men, but the main quote came from Groves, who has stated that he will beat Froch with a left hook. Froch laughed off the claim by putting his hand to the side of his face. Who knows if Groves will deliver with his promise, but he did as he revealed in the last press conference. I guess that we will find out in just under 58 hours time.

That will be all from Sports Mole's coverage of the press conference. I'm sure more will occur over the rest of the day - be sure to keep an eye out in our boxing section! Goodbye for now.

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