LIVE: Froch-Groves II

Updates and reaction from the big fight at Wembley Stadium

3rd & 7 37yd

Evening all and welcome to live commentary on the big fight night at Wembley. We are still a little way off Carl Froch v George Groves II but it has already been a lively night with Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua knocking out his opponent, Matt Legg, in the first round. Read the report here:
Joshua shines at Wembley with sixth stoppage victory
ESPN.co.ukOlympic champion Anthony Joshua produced a devastating display as he continued an impressive start to life as a professional heavyweight with a first round stoppage of Matt Legg at Wembley

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 7:00:03 PM
Nearly time: I'm no fan of Joey Barton. Frankly, he should not get the oxygen of publicity. However, you don't often hear him stuck for a strong opinion... apart from on Britain's biggest fight. He said: "Love Carl Froch, he's a warrior, but George Groves has grown on me between fights. I couldn't call the fight. Fingers crossed for another epic." Thanks a bunch, Joey!

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:36:44 PM
Nearly time: WBO international cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew is among a growing number of experts sitting on the fence over this one. He said: "George is going to give similar threats to Carl. Speed will be an issue early on, the first four rounds will be crucial but if Carl gets through them then I think he will wear George down."

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:42:07 PM
Nearly time: Anthony Ogogo, the Olympic bronze medallist, is also getting splinters on the fence. He said: "I genuinely don't know. George Groves's speed, you can't lose that, but Carl Froch's power and resilience might get him through to the end."

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:44:13 PM
Nearly time: Good old Barry McGuigan - someone who is finally ready to stick his head out. Just. The former WBA featherweight champion said: "This is a macho game but in the heat of battle it can spill over into arrogance and I doubt if George Groves can stay composed and just keep boxing throughout. Force my hand and I go for Carl Froch with a stoppage in the 10th, 11th or 12th round."

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:46:34 PM
Nearly time: Mikkel Kessler, one of only two men to beat Froch, is also here. They currently stand at one victory each – anyone fancy a decider?

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:48:37 PM
Nearly time: Groves is making his way from the dressing rooms

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:50:10 PM
Nearly time: The announcer wants to get 'this party started' apparently. Glad I am not on his invite list. Don't think I could dance around these fighters.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:52:04 PM
Nearly time: Quite a few boos greeting the Groves entrance but you can't argue with a bloke who enters Wembley on the top deck of an open-topped London double decker bus, surely.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:53:48 PM
Nearly time: Fireworks, shooting flames and pumping music. Groves is loving his time at the centre of attention on the way to the ring.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:55:07 PM
Tales from the press room III: You can feel the heat from those flames all the way up here, says ESPN Rob. Seriously impressive entrance from George Groves

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:55:59 PM
Nearly time: Now it's Froch's turn and there seems to be a bit more respect from the crowd. Only a bit mind. No bus for him, though, just a traditional trot towards the ring. Queen's We Will Rock You is his first soundtrack as his entourage show off his belts

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 8:59:29 PM
Nearly time: ESPN columnist Steve Bunce: "Here, 80,000 people have bought themselves a little lump of concrete to stand on and witness a bit of history being made. I thought Froch's reception was a little warmer than Groves, 60-40 in favour of Froch."

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:01:10 PM
Nearly time: The fighters are now in the ring as the last announcements take place. Get ready.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:04:32 PM
FIGHT TIME: This huge bout has finally started and there is some very fast and urgent... shadow boxing

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:07:46 PM
FIGHT TIME: It's very cagey but Froch takes a couple of early jabs

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:08:31 PM
FIGHT TIME: The shadowing goes on as the pair keep their distance, Froch's jabs seem to have a bit more too them but there is not much between the two fighters in performance terms at the end of round one

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:10:49 PM
ROUND TWO: Great atmosphere and amazing build up but Groves has not lost his head in it... or come out looking like someone desperate to complete the three round finish he predicted

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:12:34 PM
ROUND TWO: A bit of argy bargy now. Punches to the back of the head and Froch showing Groves down after some holding... testing out the referee

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:13:25 PM
ROUND TWO: Still no clear leader at the end of the round. They're still feeling they're way and probably have a round each - albeit both very close

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:15:33 PM
ROUND THREE: So this is the round Groves said he would win in but as the crowd get a little frustrated, it looks like a genuine 12-round fight

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:16:39 PM
ROUND THREE: Froch is stepping things up now, landing a good hit and several jabs. Froch is trying to make the ring feel small for Groves.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:18:05 PM
ROUND THREE: That was much better, with both men taking hits. The pair exchanged a few wilder blows and there was a nice right from Groves but still pretty even.

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:19:17 PM
ROUND FOUR: Groves was supposed to come into this fright in a frenzy but he is struggling a bit with a committed jab from Froch this time around. Froch's reach means he can keep a relatively safe distance

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:20:58 PM
ROUND FOUR: Quite a few missed swings now from both but Froch looks to be controlling this fight with Groves relying on the odd potshot

by Leo Spall 5/31/2014 9:23:02 PM

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LIVE: Froch-Groves II

Updates and reaction from the big fight at Wembley Stadium

Joshua shines at Wembley with sixth stoppage victory

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