British Fight of the Year Confirmed as Carl Froch and George Groves Agree Date for Rematch
The highly anticipated rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves has been confirmed to take place on 31 May.
The British super-middleweights met in November 2013 as Froch retained his WBA and IBF titles in a highly controversial ninth round stoppage despite being floored by his opponent in the opener.
The decision to stop the fight provoked disbelief across the world of British boxing and prompted Groves to launch an appeal against the decision taken by the referee that night Howard Foster Jr while countless boxing fans demanded a rematch.
But Hammersmith-born Groves will have another chance to displace Froch at the summit to British boxing in a contest to be held at an unnamed football stadium in just over four months' time.
Last month Froch claimed his opponent turned down his offer of a rematch, complete with seven figure offer, despite Groves petitioning the British Boxing Board of Control to reinstate his unbeaten status and declare his loss at the Manchester Arena last November as a no contest.
The IBF responded by ordering Froch to agree to a fight with Groves within 90 days of their ruling, or risk being stripped of his title.
Prior to the decision, Nottingham-born Froch had been in talks with Julio Chavez Jr's promoters Top Rank over a possible fight.
"There has been plenty of speculation over the last few weeks regarding my future," Froch said in a statement released last month. "As it stands we are looking closely at two options, George Groves and Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
"Yesterday, we made a seven figure offer to George Groves for a second fight that would have seen him earn around double that of the first. Disappointingly, George rejected this offer so we are continuing our talks with Top Rank and HBO regarding Chavez Jnr."
"I understand the demand for the Groves fight in the UK, but also the demand in the US for the Chavez fight. Talks are on-going and no doubt some further news will break soon.
"I'm happy to fight anyone, as I have throughout my entire career."
Froch v Groves II will be the biggest all-British rematch since Chris Eubank took on Nigel Benn at Old Trafford 21 years ago. BBC Sport suggest Manchester United's stadium will be considered for May's bout, with Arsenal's Emirates Stadium another candidate.
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