George Groves Tips Carl Froch to Disrespect Him After 'Catastrophic' Defeat

The verbal digs between George Groves and Carl Froch are intensifying ahead of the pair’s big showdown in Manchester on Saturday night. 

Groves took his turn to have a go on Wednesday, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if his veteran opponent refuses to shake his hand after inflicting what he says will be a “catastrophic” defeat, per ESPN. 

Groves' comments were in response to Froch’s promise that he would refuse to shake the 25-year-old’s hand after their title fight.

Speaking with Ian Stafford of the Daily Mail, Froch insisted, “After the fight, I’m not going to shake his hand, hug him or even recognise that he’s been in the ring with me.” 

But now Groves has hit back. According to the ESPN article, the undefeated star said:

"

I'll shake anyone's hand because I always win. He's being disrespectful. If he can't bring himself to touch gloves, that's his problem.

But after the way I beat him on Saturday night, it wouldn't surprise me if I put my hand out to shake his and he refuses it.

He's already put pressure on himself knowing a loss to me would be catastrophic. 

"

Froch has admitted to becoming increasingly frustrated with Groves’ persistent taunting, which he calls “disrespectful." However, to not shake a rival's hand after a fight damages boxing's reputation as the noble art.

According to a recent ESPN article, Groves insisted Froch isn't a pay-per-view fighter in his own right and that his trash talk has been "terrible" throughout his whole career. 

Unfortunately, the main tactic used to sell Saturday's pay-per-view—billed as the “Battle of Britain”—has been relentless insults from both fighters. Groves and Froch have clearly shown themselves to be respectable characters throughout their careers, but have felt it necessary to enter petty squabbles to hype the fight.

Neither has pulled off the act with much conviction.

Froch, who has lost two of his 35 career fights, is the current IBF and WBA champion and will be eager to defend his super-middleweight titles when he takes on Groves. 

Froch’s experience makes him the favourite ahead of the fight. The 36-year-old is a title-fight veteran, having appeared in 13 such occasions. 

Saturday night will mark Groves’ first appearance on the main stage, but Froch will be wary of the challenge he faces.

Although Groves will be the underdog in the domestic duel, he will take confidence from his undefeated record. In his 19 career bouts, Groves has yet to hit the canvas in defeat, knocking out 15 of his opponents and winning four on a decision.  

It is clear from the pair’s war of words that Groves is prepared to talk the big talk. But a big performance in the ring this weekend would make the loudest noise.