Richie Woodhall: Carl Froch will win rematch
Former world champion Richie Woodhall is tipping Carl Froch to triumph against George Groves at Wembley tonight in one of the biggest boxing clashes for decades.
The most-anticipated all-British world title rematch since Chris Eubank drew with Nigel Benn at Old Trafford in 1993 takes place in front of a record 80,000 crowd.
Their 'Fight of the Year' at the Manchester Arena last November saw IBF and WBA super-middleweight king Froch climb off the canvas in the first round to controversially halt Groves in the ninth round.
"I think it will be similar to the last one and Groves will have his moments, but I am expecting Froch to win," said Baggies fan Woodhall, 46.
"Styles make fights and these two seem to suit each other. Froch doesn't know how to take a step backwards, while Groves is very quick to the punch.
"Carl made too many mistakes early on and got punished last time. I think, this time, he expects Groves to be a genuine threat as a challenger.
"It was a tremendous performance from Groves last time, probably his best-ever fight.
"But remember that still wasn't enough to get the win. At the same time, it was Carl's worst display and Groves' best still couldn't beat him.
"I have watched Carl train and spar and he looks as strong as ever.
"I really don't buy into what people are saying about him being on the slide. He's 36 now and there's probably only a couple of fights left for him.
"One day Groves will be a world champion – I just don't think it's this weekend.
"He's young, he's got time on his side and will get better through experience."
Referee Howard Foster came under fire after the first fight as many felt he had intervened too early.
But Woodhall, Commonwealth Games light midleweight gold medallist in 1990 and a former WBC title holder at super middleweight, insists the end was coming for 26-year-old Londoner Groves.
He said: "The stoppage maybe was a little bit premature, maybe 10 or 15 seconds early, but we should all be thanking the referee for making that decision.
"If he had let it go on, you wouldn't have had this return.
"Froch would have knocked him clean out, I was there at ringside and he wouldn't have survived.
"Groves was a spent force, at that stage, make no doubt about it. You could understand the referee's decision."
