Brutal sparring and Proper Gym Wars

Apparently Froch has Darren Barker in next week and Tony Bellew the following. Thoughts on his choices? Saving money perhaps?

Could seem a little strange in that neither are gonna replicate Groves but Froch really only fights one way so I don't think it'll have much baring on the fight.

If I were Froch I'd be getting DeGold in to help spar.

Young and talented with a bitterness towards GG, reckon he'd (under Froch n McCracken's guidance) have the intelligence to replicate GG's style and therefore give Froch the best sparring.

Bellew can be an awkward back foot type sometimes. Don't see what Barker brings.

Get Kessler in for a spar, he knows Groves well, although it might make Froch a traitor.

often sparring partners are asked to replicate the opponent. for all we know bellew could be acting in a groves role.

good sparring options. a world champ and a title challenger.

A lowly ranked world champ and a guy that could barely beat Isaac Chilemba....

I'd pick Bellew to beat Groves, personally.

It's a good opportunity for Bellew. Apart from styles it's important to experience what its like facing a fighter who is world class and then learning how to adapt to that. It will be less of a surprise when Stevenson clobbers him.

The same goes for Barker. Although he is more experienced than Bellew getting in with Froch will sharpen him up nicely in terms of speed and timing.

Froch just needs hard work, Bellew and Barker are easily at Groves level.


Every time I think about Groves v Froch all I can see is Carl dishing out a quick and brutal beat down.

got a feeling groves is going be on his bike this fight, so maybe dirrell would have been a good option

Think bellew and froch have sparred a few times... Two warriors, no quarter asked or given etc.

Not sure re barker, but it's decent quality sparring against guys he feels he can rely on to do a job (a job which might extend to more than just having a tear Up). Groves may well stick and run, but it isnt exactly going to be a surprise tactic if he does. I'm sure they have that base covered in their choice of partners (which probably extends beyond these two) and scope of training.

John Bloody Wayne wrote:I'd pick Bellew to beat Groves, personally.

I wouldn't. Groves can be very evasive and hard to hit clean, Bellew's power isn't half as special as originally made out and his chin is no better than Groves' (if not worse). Groves will find him eventually, probably late, and stop him.

TopHat24/7 wrote:

John Bloody Wayne wrote:I'd pick Bellew to beat Groves, personally.

I wouldn't.  Groves can be very evasive and hard to hit clean, Bellew's power isn't half as special as originally made out and his chin is no better than Groves' (if not worse).  Groves will find him eventually, probably late, and stop him.

Smith and Anderson would like to disagree with you Toppy.

Young and poorer disciplined.

Anderson took advantage of this and got Groves into a war he knows better than to get into now and Smith caught him when he got sloppy and quit boxing with a few seconds to go in the round. The look of anger at himself for letting Smith catch him like that as he walked back to his corner was a testament to his growing maturity.

I agree Bellew's not that powerful, but he's facing quite tough light heavyweights whereas Groves appears to be a fragile super middle. I disagree on the chin, as it's been a while since I've seen him hurt and that was early by Ovil who is a powerful four round fighter.

I'd back to him simply be too big for Groves and outjab him.

I'm guessing considering they both have fights coming up that they were sparring for free.

John Bloody Wayne wrote:I agree Bellew's not that powerful, but he's facing quite tough light heavyweights whereas Groves appears to be a fragile super middle. I disagree on the chin, as it's been a while since I've seen him hurt and that was early by Ovil who is a powerful four round fighter.

I'd back to him simply be too big for Groves and outjab him.

dont think we'll have to wait too long for that when he fights steveson

No argument from me on that one.

When was the last time The Bomber lived up to his name?

He eventually KO'd Miranda by body shot. If he does win a title, I imagine it will be by decision.

For some strange reason I have a feeling Bellew will suprise and do really well and will be right in the fight.

I guess Bellew's stock is lower than it's been in a while, and Adonis' is much higher than ever before.

When Groves v Degale happened Groves was coming off the Anderson hickup and Degale was coming off the Smith destruction, so Degale was a massive favourite but it turned out differently. Can see Bellew fighting out of his skin and Stevey not taking him seriously.

A battering is more likely though.

Be great if Froch and Bellew both lose

It wont happen with Froch though. Bellew getting bust up is hopefully on the cards though