The biggest all British boxing match since ‘Eubank v Benn II’ comes to Wembley on the 31st of May, as Carl Froch and George Groves look to settle their bitter rivalry after their epic first encounter in Manchester.
Froch stopped Groves in the ninth round of that meeting in November, after the challenger had floored the WBA and IBF Super Middleweight champion in the opening round.
Nearly 7 months have passed since that fight and in that time there has been a non-stop war of words. Groves was relentless in demanding a rematch, which Froch refused. But since he was given a choice of fighting or giving up his titles altogether, Froch has waged his own campaign of mind games, culminating hilariously in “shovegate” at a press event in Wembley stadium last month.
However, Froch has attempted to cut a calmer figure in the past few weeks, claiming his rival is incapable of rattling him and is already fully prepared for the fight. However this hasn’t put off the bullish Groves, 11 years Froch’s junior, and he has maintained that this time he will knock out Froch to claim victory, after their first meeting was stopped so controversially.
It is hard to think of a more perfect contrast of styles and attitudes in a recent big British fight. We can take for granted both will be in the best physical shape, but the key to the result will be how they cope with the pressure. This uncertainty is reflected in the odds markets.
For the outright winner there is little to separate the two, with Froch, being the champion, only marginally ahead. Most boxing fans are still unsure if Froch’s hardness and experience will be too much for the eccentric Groves, who has already stated his intention to end the fight as early as he can by knockout.
There is a blanket offering on the best odds for Froch outright winner, with many including SkyBet giving 4/6, or Paddypower and several others offering 8/13. Coral lead the way on the Groves win market by offering 11/8, with the majority of others offering 13/10
However the real money (and excitement) in betting on boxing is not to be had in the outright winner, but in the winning round market, be it groups of 3 or 4, or single rounds. Here is where you will find more variation in the markets and longer odds. Like the Grand National where you always back more than one runner, Howtobet4free recommends winning round group markets for the boxing betting novice.
Odds within this market vary on the style of the boxer. Those known for knockouts, like Groves, have shorter odds in the first 9 rounds. Whereas boxers who are more known for late knockouts or winning on points, like Froch, have shorter odds in rounds 7-12.
Popular George Groves bets are between rounds 1-3, with odds ranging from 10/1 all the way up to 18/1 with Coral. Between rounds 4-6 is also being offered at 10/1 by the majority, with Ladbrokes stretching as far as 14/1
Popular Carl Froch bets are slightly further down the line in rounds 7-9, at 6/1 with Paddypower. Rounds 10-12 is out at 8/1 with Ladbrokes. To win on points, Froch is at much shorter odds than Groves, with Betfred offering best value at 9/2.
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Click to ClaimChris is a freelance Sports Journalist with a Masters in Journalism. Chris contributes articles to Howtobet4free focusing on major upcoming Sporting events.
