Super middleweight George Groves could not have asked for a better opponent in his first outing since a third failed attempt at winning a world title...
George Groves vs. Andrea Di Luisa: Lessons Learned from London Fight
Jan 31, 2016
British boxer George Groves (L) vies against Italian boxer Andrea Di Luisa during their International Super-Middleweight contest in east London, England on January 30, 2016.
Groves went on to win the match. / AFP / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)
George Groves enjoyed a successful start to life under new trainer Shane McGuigan, as he stopped Andrea Di Luisa at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday.
Fighting for the first time since a third failed attempt to win a world title, Saint George registered three knockdowns before the Italian Di Luisa's corner threw in the towel in Round 5.
The super middleweight's routine victory was the perfect comeback following his disappointing points defeat at the hands of WBC champion Badou Jack in September 2015.
Here, Bleacher Report picks out the major talking points from the main event, as well as highlights one of the undercard bouts in the English capital.
New Beginnings
British boxer George Groves poses for photographers after defeating Italian boxer Andrea Di Luisa during their International Super-Middleweight contest in east London, England on January 30, 2016. / AFP / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON N
Groves is used to having to lift himself after setbacks. His first defeat against Carl Froch in 2013 left him seething at a referee, while the rematch saw him on the wrong end of a brutal knockout.
However, the result against Jack—when he came out on the wrong end of a split decision in Las Vegas—must be the most disappointing of his three failed attempts to win a world title. He recovered from a first-round knockdown to take control in the middle stages, only to run out of gas down the stretch.
He needed to make changes. Out went trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick, in came McGuigan.
The son of former world champion Barry McGuigan, the London-based trainer is in demand these days, having also recently taken on heavyweight David Haye.
So, were there signs of a new Groves against Di Luisa?
It was noticeable that he had some snap back in his jab. He also had a desire to load up with the right hand, albeit with a little too much emphasis on hitting with power as the rounds ticked by.
But, Di Luisa didn't provide a stern enough test to allow the audience to fully see what Groves and McGuigan have been working on in their first training camp together.
The Italian—who Lucian Bute had stopped inside four rounds in 2015—was an easy target to hit. It was the boxing equivalent of trying to hit a pinata without wearing a blindfold.
Di Luisa also had the will to win beaten out of him quickly, which made it only a matter of time before the bout came to a rather inevitable conclusion.
Crucially, though, Groves looked happy to be back boxing again. It is easy to forget he is still only 27, so time is on his side.
He was pleased with the return to action, per Richard Damerell of Sky Sports: "I feel fresh. I'm back on Sky and headlining in London. We'll look for another big date. I'm ready to crack on."
Groves has been knocked for his near misses in the past, but he cannot be faulted for his persistence.
Standing Tall
Former cruiserweight world champion Glenn McCrory spotted one area of concern in his post-fight analysis of Groves' performance for Sky Sports:
A little chink I saw... he's always had quite a wide stance but it looked as though it was getting even wider. If you're throwing a jab and want to throw another jab and have a wide stance, you can't do that.
If you want to throw your right hand afterwards as well, you can't do that because it's too wide. I don't know whether that's a little bit because he got weary of being too close.
Groves had issues landing the right in pursuit of an early finish, but he wasn't helped by an opponent who retreated into a bunker after quickly realising he was way out of his depth.
The Englishman needs a tougher task next time out.
Pro boxers on Twitter kept on bringing up one particular name:
Groves vs. Martin Murray would pit together two of Britain's nearly men.
The winner would be lined up for yet another chance at a world title (Murray has had four failed attempts over two different weights, so he is even more experienced than Groves at falling short in the big fight). The loser, however, would be left wondering quite where to turn next.
The desperation in both corners would only add to the tension on the night.
Learning in Defeat
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: John Wayne Hibbert of England (L) celebrates victory over Tommy Martin of England following their Commonwealth and WBC International Super-Lightweight Championship Contest at the Copper Box Arena on January 30, 2016 in Lond
John Wayne Hibbert's clash with Tommy Martin was the pick of the fights in the English capital.
The two former sparring partners put on a show for the Copper Box crowd, with Hibbert retaining his Commonwealth and WBC International titles courtesy of a stoppage in Round 12.
But, despite suffering a first defeat in his 14th pro fight, Martin was praised on Twitter for his performance:
The defeat can be a learning experience for Martin, who definitely needs to work on his counting skills. An error in judgment led to the 21-year-old failing to rise from a knockdown in time to carry on.
He was initially frustrated at the decision by the referee to wave the fight off, but he was a spent force by then anyway.
Hibbert's advantage in both experience and size made the difference, but Martin can come again.
Too often fighters—and promoters, too—fear losing to such an extent they avoid the type of challenges that are needed early in a career.
It not just about developing boxing skills—it is also about gaining a ring education. By putting boxers into different situations, you help them learn what is required to be successful at higher levels.
Martin will be smarting at the result in London; however, he may find the reverse benefits him in the long run.
Ban the Band
It seems brass instruments and boxing do not mix. According to many on Twitter, Groves needs to make sure the band who play for the England national football team are not on the guest list for his next fight:
George Groves vs. Andrea Di Luisa: Live Round-by-Round Results and Highlights
Jan 30, 2016
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: George Groves of England (c) celebrates with his team following victory over Andrea Di Luisa of Italy in their International Super-Middleweight Contest at the Copper Box Arena on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Super middleweight George Groves started life under new trainer Shane McGuigan with a comfortable victory over Andrea Di Luisa at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Saint George (22-3, 17 KOs) proved far too good for his Italian opponent, with Di Luisa knocked down three times before his corner threw in the towel during Round 5.
The Englishman was returning to the ring for the first time since losing to WBC champion Badou Jack in September 2015—Groves' third failed attempt to claim a world title.
Recap the action via Bleacher Report's blog:
George Groves vs. Andrea Di Luisa: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
Jan 28, 2016
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: George Groves poses for a photo after a media workout ahead of his clash with Andrea di Luisa in Hammersmith on January 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Super middleweight George Groves sets out on a now-well-trodden path toward a world title when he takes on Andrea Di Luisa in London on Saturday.
Saint George (21-3, 16 knockouts) will be back in the ring for the first time since coming out on the wrong end of a split-decision result against WBC champion Badou Jack in Las Vegas.
His next opponent, Di Luisa (18-3, 14 KOs), is a 33-year-old Italian who previously held the WBC International Silver title.
Also on the bill, John Ryder will want to avoid becoming the latest Brit to slip up against veteran Sergey Khomitsky, as the pair meet for the vacant WBA International Middleweight Championship.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth super lightweight strap will be on the line when John Wayne Hibbert faces Tommy Martin.
When: Saturday, January 30, 10 p.m. GMT (5 p.m. ET)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: George Groves prepares to work out with new coach Shane McGuigan during a media workout ahead of his clash with Andrea di Luisa in Hammersmith on January 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Groves is Britain's boxing boomerang—he keeps on coming back.
The Londoner does not want to end up on the list of best British boxers never to win a world title, and at 27, he has both the time and talent to come again at the highest level.
Praised for his performances in a pair of defeats to compatriot Carl Froch when the IBF and WBA titles were on the line, many backed Groves to beat the Swedish-born, American-based Jack in September 2015.
However, a first-round knockdown set the tone for another night of disappointment. Groves rallied impressively after the early trip to the canvas, only to then fade down the stretch.
The disappointing defeat to Jack has led to changes. There was a parting of the ways with trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick, who had been in the corner for all three losses.
Groves has since admitted things were not working prior to the Jack fight, telling Martin Domin of MailOnline: "It wasn’t quite right in the end, there were a lot of things that were wrong, cracks that were papered over."
Now he has teamed up with Shane McGuigan, a trainer best known for his work with super bantamweight world champion Carl Frampton.
The focus during camp has been on two areas: fitness and power.
McGuigan said of Groves, per Isaac Robinson of Sky Sports: "His training in the past, he wasn't doing the right things. He wasn't punching hard and fast. There was a lot of technical work being done. George is technically sound anyway so you don't need to go and work on it. You need to get him really fit, work on a couple of little things and get him punching hard and fast."
Although it is still early in the partnership, the clash with Di Luisa can show if the hard work in the gym is paying off.
Di Luisa isn't expected to win at the Copper Box—Odds Shark priced the visiting fighter at 14-1 to cause an upset—but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy work for Groves.
The underdog has, like his opponent, suffered three career defeats, against Mouhamed Ali Ndiaye, Christopher Rebrasse and Lucian Bute.
Di Luisa was beaten inside four rounds by Bute, who used the August 2015 bout as a warm-up for a failed attempt to dethrone IBF champion—and Groves' bitter rival—James DeGale in November.
The Frenchman Rebrasse—whom Groves defeated on points in the English capital—also stopped the man from Lazio inside the distance, forcing Di Luisa to retire after Round 7 of their 2012 meeting.
However, the visiting fighter believes he is catching his next opponent at the perfect time, per his quotes in a Matchroom Boxing press release:
I don’t believe George is the same fighter as he was before those fights against Froch and Jack.
Only George knows how he feels. I can only comment from my point of view. On January 30 we will see how it goes – I do have a good punch.
George is a good boxer, a good fighter. He’s had a few chances to be a world champion but hasn’t succeeded. He’s a good fighter and a hard puncher but I’m ready for anything. I’m going to London to win.
Di Luisa can only hope Groves is still a work in progress with McGuigan, as his record doesn't suggest he has what it takes to expose any teething problems for the new fighter-trainer relationship.
Prediction
Groves will want to put on a show to help wipe away the memory of the narrow loss to Jack.
Di Luisa has a career knockout ratio of 67 per cent, although none of his victims is of a standard that should cause Saint George too many concerns.
The home favourite will begin the latest chapter in his seesaw career with a stoppage win in either Round 5 or 6. How he performs, however, is of much more interest than the exact time of victory.
James DeGale 's first defence of his IBF super middleweight world title was a success on all fronts. Not only did he beat Lucian Bute on points, he also entertained an American audience...
James DeGale vs. Lucian Bute: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
Nov 26, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: (from L-R) James DeGale, promoter Eddie Hearn, Lucian Bute and promoter Pierre Duc pose for a photo during the press conference ahead of the fight between James DeGale and Lucian Bute at Emirates Stadium on October 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
The current IBF super middleweight champion takes on the former title holder when James DeGale goes up against Lucian Bute in Quebec City, Canada.
The newly opened Centre Videotron stages an intriguing bout that pits two men with points to prove.
Fresh from claiming the vacant belt earlier in the year, DeGale will be determined to prove he's the best around at the weight limit right now.
Bute, meanwhile, can show there is still something left in the tank, even if he is now 35 and coming off two defeats in his last four fights.
When: Nov. 28, 11 p.m. local (11 p.m. ET, 4 a.m.—Sunday Nov. 29, GMT)
Where: Centre Videotron, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: James DeGale of England poses for a portrait following a workout ahead of his IBF World Super Middleweight title defence against Lucian Bute at the Stonebridge Boxing Club on November 16, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by
DeGale's decision to go on the road for the first defence of his title may seem slightly strange, but he has his reasons for travelling to Canada to face Bute.
In fact, according to Gareth A. Davies in the Telegraph, he has several million reasons for heading overseas.
Chunky's choice to sign a promotional deal with Al Haymon has opened up the possibility of making plenty of money in the prime years of his career.
He helped his earning potential by claiming the vacant IBF belt by beating Andre Dirrell on points back June, in doing so, extending his professional record to 21-1 (14 KOs).
DeGale's victory on American soil saw him create a piece of boxing history—he became the first British fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a world title in the paid ranks.
He admits his new status has led to a change in attitude, telling Nik Simon of the Mail:
I only rate myself now about a seven or eight out of 10. I’ve got high expectations and there’s much more to come. You ain’t seen the best of me. I’m fitter and more focused than ever. Before I was hunting but now I’m the hunted. People come to spar me and they want to kill me. I’ve got to stay switched on constantly. There are guys gunning for me and they want to take away what’s mine.
DeGale can show in Quebec why he should be considered the best around at 168 pounds.
With Andre Ward moving up in weight, things going a little quiet over a Carl Froch comeback and George Groves falling short at the highest level again, the Londoner's best option could be a unification bout with current WBC champion Badou Jack.
Still, at 29, the southpaw has plenty of time to create a substantial retirement fund.
However, to keep getting the big cheques, he needs to keep on winning in the ring. Bute is an opponent who should hold no fear, even if he is heading into the challenger's back yard.
The last time Bute fought an Englishman, he was the one going on the road. He was also the one defending the IBF title, a belt he had held for well over four years.
Everything, however, seemed to change on that night in Nottingham, England, when Froch dethroned him in brutal fashion.
Not only did he lose his beloved belt, he also lost his unbeaten record. Perhaps, even more importantly, he seemed to have the fight beaten out of him.
In an interview with Matt Christie of Boxing News, Le Tombeur admits the result against Froch was a major setback, "It took a long time to get over that. It was difficult. It was my first loss, and I lost my belt and I’ve had doubts and injuries over the last three years."
Since that night in 2012, Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) has only had three fights.
He bounced back six months later with a points win over Denis Grachev, but then a move up to light heavyweight to face Jean Pascal failed to pay off. Beaten in a battle of Canada, he took a break from boxing.
However, after 17 months out, he returned in August this year refreshed and ready to go again.
Working with a new trainer in Howard Grant, Bute stopped Andrea Di Luisa inside four rounds.
Now, going up against a Brit again, he has the chance to exorcise a few mental demons. He at least knows DeGale is not the same type of fighter as Froch, albeit that doesn't mean the task is any easier.
Bute also has the added benefit of being at home. Well, his adopted home—Bute was born in Romania.
Prediction
DeGale is a slick boxer who has the ability to win fighting from long range. But sometimes he simply cannot resist getting involved in a scrap with an opponent.
He dropped Dirrell in Round 2 in his last fight, yet he allowed his opponent to rally in the second half to the point where it was far from a foregone conclusion when the verdict was announced.
Bute must know this is his last roll of the dice. A defeat to DeGale would leave him with nowhere to turn, particularly as he's already tried shifting up to light heavyweight.
That desperation could play into his hands, but it's hard to simply wipe away those memories of that harrowing loss to Froch.
For that reason, DeGale will do enough to retain his title via a points decision.
Arthur Abraham vs. Martin Murray: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
Nov 19, 2015
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 21: Arthur Abraham (L) and his coach Uli Wegner practise during a public training session at Gropius Passagen on August 21, 2012 in Berlin , Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
Arthur Abraham defends his WBO super middleweight title for the fifth time on Saturday, as he takes on Englishman Martin Murray at the Tui Arena in Hannover, Germany.
Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) is a two-time world champion who has won, lost and then won back the WBO strap in a career that has now spanned more than 12 years.
Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs), meanwhile, will be trying to secure a world belt in his fourth attempt.
His previous misses all came at middleweight, including a contentious draw against Felix Sturm on German soil.
The bout goes ahead as planned despite the football friendly between Germany and the Netherlands being cancelled on Tuesday due to a bomb scare. Per David Anderson of the Mirror, promoter Kalle Sauerland said, "Extra security measures will be in place and we are in constant dialogue with the authorities."
When: Saturday, November 21, at 9:40 p.m. GMT (4:40 p.m. ET)
BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: Arthur Abraham attends the 'VIP Charity Poker Event' at Spielbank Berlin on November 17, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Marquardt/Getty Images)
While he may be 35, Abraham shows no sign of losing his desire for boxing.
Indeed, according to Boxing News, the reigning champion has been working harder than ever to make sure he remains at the top:
This has been one of the toughest camps of my career. My coach Ulli Wegner and his assistant Georg Bramowski have pushed me to my limits.
It’s been brutal at times, but it will all be worthwhile when my hand is raised on Saturday night.
Martin is a good boxer and I expect him to give me a hard fight, but there is no way he is taking my title.
Current Commonwealth super middleweight champion Luke Blackledge confirmed on Twitter he had been helping Abraham during his preparations:
Been in Germany sparring the champ @ArthurAbraham learning all the time off the best an looking forward to my next commonwealth defence 👊💪
Born in Armenia but now based in Germany, Abraham goes into the bout with Murray off the back of his first stoppage win since December 2012.
His sixth-round TKO of Robert Stieglitz in July emphatically settled the rivalry between the pair in his favour, with Abraham victorious in three of their four meetings.
However, early finishes are the exception rather than the norm with Abraham. He has mastered the art of winning on points, often working just hard enough during rounds to sway the judges his way.
Home advantage helps too, but King Arthur hasn't stuck around at the highest level just because he's been fighting in his own back yard all these years.
Abraham is only 5'9", but he is a solid unit with a tight defence. Carl Froch and Andre Ward recorded victories over him, but neither managed to get the job done inside the distance.
Stieglitz is the only man to have stopped his Berlin-based rival, and it was due to a bad cut.
A defeat would lead to questions about Abraham's future in the ring, but right now, he doesn't seem to be contemplating hanging up his gloves.
Last Chance
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Martin Murray makes his way back to his corner after the referee stopped the fight against Mirzet Bajrektarevic during their Super Middleweight contest at the Manchester Arena on July 18, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo
Murray understands that he may not get many more opportunities to fight for a world title.
The 33-year-old told Nick Parkinson of ESPN.co.uk: "This could potentially be a big turning point in my life. If I win I will move on to a better fight and better pay but if I lose I don't know what I could do next. I can't look past the Abraham fight because I don't know what is beyond it."
As well as big paydays, the agony of past failures will be driving Murray on.
He came mighty close to beating Sturm in 2011, pushing the WBA middleweight champion close when few expected him to last the full 12 rounds.
Murray felt he had done enough, telling Sky Sports (h/t the Guardian): "We thought we'd won but you're in Germany, in his own backyard. We're gutted we didn't get the win but it's expected in Germany."
Compatriot Paul Smith was also harshly treated by the judges when he took on Abraham for the first time—in Kiel, Germany—in September last year. A close bout was scored unanimously in the champion's favour, with one official's card astonishingly having it 119-109 to Abraham.
With all that in mind, Murray is taking a risk heading back to German soil.
However, he believes his fight with Sturm, not to mention the defeats to Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin, will make sure he isn't on the end of a raw deal from the judges.
Per Declan Taylor of MailOnline, Murray said: "I just think because of those experiences that I'm going to get a fair crack of the whip out there. I'm known now so they can't rip me off."
Considering he has a career knockout ratio of 43 per cent, Murray may need the judges to finally become a world champion.
He has fought only three times at super middleweight. The decision was taken to move to the 168-pound limit following his brave loss at the hands of Golovkin.
The unknown trio of George Beroshvili, Mirzet Bajrektarevic and Jose Miguel Torres is hardly ideal preparation for a make-or-break fight, but Murray is experienced enough to cope with the step up in class.
Prediction
Is Abraham past his best? Has Murray made the right move in stepping up to super middleweight?
Both questions should be answered in a fight neither man can afford to lose at this stage in his career.
Murray will be fit and hungry, but the move to the division is a calculated gamble. To have a chance of success, he needs to start fast and keep the tempo high, thereby not allowing Abraham to rest for periods.
King Arthur, however, is a tough nut to crack. He will retain his crown with a points triumph (hopefully one that doesn't lead to yet another debate about judging standards).
Analysing the Reign of Arthur Abraham Ahead of His Fight with Martin Murray
Nov 17, 2015
Armenian-German super middleweight boxer Arthur Abraham attends a press conference on March 18, 2013 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. Abraham will defend his WBO World Championship Super Middleweight title against German Robert Stieglitz on March 23, 2013 in Magdeburg. AFP PHOTO / RONNY HARTMANN (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Arthur Abraham always appears to be a straightforward fighter. Born in Armenia but now based in Germany, the 35-year-old is a solid campaigner in every way.
A two-weight world champion, Abraham has a 43-4 record as a professional. He currently holds the WBO super middleweight title, a belt he has successfully defended four times.
He has found a way to stick around at the highest level for over a decade, despite some disappointing defeats and frankly dour displays.
Martin Murray is his next challenger. The Englishman has tried and failed on three previous occasions to win a world title, albeit all at middleweight. He’s moved up in the hope of a change in fortune.
Abraham, though, is a sizeable stumbling block in Murray’s path to glory.
Only Robert Stieglitz has ever stopped him inside the distance, and even that was due to an eye injury. While Carl Froch and Andre Ward both came out on top against Abraham, they did so on points.
Appearances can be deceptive, but that doesn't seem to be the case with King Arthur.
For starters, Abraham's face might actually be made from granite. His large nose, combined with a lack of hair, only adds to his rugged appearance. He has a face for boxing, and that isn’t meant as a slur on his looks.
But Abraham also has a tough streak running through him. He understands the sacrifices that must be made in the pursuit of glory.
For example, back in 2006, he suffered a broken jaw in the fourth round of his IBF middleweight title fight against Edison Miranda. The injury was obvious. One side of Abraham’s mouth became so badly swollen that he looked like a dog that found out the hard way not to eat bees.
Still, Abraham fought on. He fought on all the way through to the final bell, allowing himself to record a unanimous points win that meant he retained his belt.
Durability is just one reason why Abraham has stuck around at the upper echelon of the super middleweight division ever since he signed up for the Super Six World Boxing Classic in 2009.
It helps that he has such a good defensive technique, holding his hands high. While it exposes his body to blows, his conditioning is always good enough to withstand whatever comes his way.
Abraham’s stomach, you see, is like his style: solid. But he can be lazy at times, too, plodding along through rounds to suggest his feet are, like his face, also made of stone.
Murray will know all of this—and plenty more—about his next opponent.
BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: Arthur Abraham attends the 'VIP Charity Poker Event' at Spielbank Berlin on November 17, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Marquardt/Getty Images)
However, Abraham hasn’t been quite so predictable of late. He's still tough. He still has that high guard as well, but Murray could have picked the wrong time to take him on.
Last year, when he fought Paul Smith in Kiel, Germany, King Arthur’s reign looked to be coming toward an end. He retained his title on that occasion, winning by 117-111 (twice) and 119-109 on the cards.
But the lopsided scores were not a fair a reflection of how the fight had played out.
Per Gareth A. Davies of the Telegraph, Smith accused the judges of "robbing him of a lifetime opportunity."
The same report notes that Abraham looked “tired and lethargic” in the last half of the bout. He had possibly done just enough in the final reckoning to get the better of Smith, but there were signs to suggest he was in a state of decline.
However, stories of Abraham’s demise turned out to be greatly exaggerated.
He looked much better, much fitter in particular, in the rematch with Smith in February, controlling the bout on his way to earning a unanimous points victory that nobody could question.
Then, in his most recent outing in July, Abraham emphatically won his fourth clash with Stieglitz. For the first time since December 2012, he had produced a stoppage.
The TKO of Stieglitz in Round 6 impressed Murray, who told Micheal McKenna of the Liverpool Echo:
Arthur has looked great in his last two performances. I think I’ll be facing the best Arthur Abraham on Saturday night.
He may have overlooked Paul Smith a little bit in their first fight, but I don’t think he is going to overlook me. He knows this is a massive fight for him and a risky fight, so I’m sure he’s going to turn up in top condition.
So much for a career heading toward closure. Abraham has looked rejuvenated.
His preparations for meeting Murray have been led again by experienced trainer Ulli Wegner, who has recovered from an Achilles injury to resume control of the corner.
According to Boxing News, the no-nonsense Wegner immediately moved his fighter to a secluded training camp. He explained, "My job is to ensure he is in top championship condition, and currently his fitness is not where I would like it to be. Now, he must step up his efforts or prepare for defeat."
Wegner understands the importance of every fight at this stage of Abraham’s career.
As revealed by Sky Sports, there is a rematch clause in the contract with Murray, who himself must realise this could be his last crack at the big time.
Without holding a belt, Abraham loses his appeal to both opponents and their promoters. Another champion would be taking an unnecessary gamble fighting someone of his vast experience.
He might have to fight his way into a position to challenge again, but time isn't on his side. Therefore, a defeat could spell the end for Abraham.
Murray must also fancy that a loss leaves him with a lack of options and that desperation for both men adds extra spice to the contest.
Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Carl Froch Making a Comeback in 2016
Nov 10, 2015
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Boxers Carl Froch (L) and James DeGale are seen ring side as they wait for a television interview during the Collision Course fight night at the Liverpool Echo Arena on July 12, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)
When Carl Froch announced his retirement in July, it hardly came as a surprise.
The super middleweight had not fought since May 2014, when he knocked out fellow Englishman George Groves in front of 80,000 people at Wembley, London (you may have heard him mention it once or twice since).
A potential rematch with Andre Ward never materialised, while friendly foe Mikkel Kessler was no longer lacing up the gloves, ruling out the possibility of a third instalment in their rivalry.
There was talk of a clash with Bernard Hopkins, too, perhaps in Froch’s home city of Nottingham, and even Gennady Golovkin’s name was mentioned as a possible opponent.
In the end, though, Froch decided to call it a day.
A shocked and tearful Groves after the Carl Froch v George Groves World Super-middleweight fight at Wembley Stadium on May 31st 2014 in London (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)
He told BBC Radio 5 live after the announcement: "I turned 38 last week. My joints and bones are aching. If the desire was there, I could fight again but there's nothing motivating me. I've got nothing left to prove and I'm bowing out at the top."
The Cobra got out at the perfect time. He boasted a 33-2 (24 knockouts) record, but more importantly, he gained a reputation as a warrior who never took a backward step.
Froch had fought in two wars with Kessler, splitting the series one apiece, and pulled off a sensational final-round stoppage against Jermain Taylor when seemingly just seconds away from defeat.
He went out a winner, when defending his IBF and WBA titles against Groves in a pay-per-view event that finished with a chilling knockout in the eighth round.
Froch moved into the media, working for Sky Sports as a ringside analyst, and his young family expanded again, as he and fiancee Rachael Cordingley had a third child together in September.
There was plenty to fill his time without boxing. Well, so we all thought.
Per Declan Warrington of the Press Association (h/t Daily Mail), the 38-year-old has hinted at a comeback—a hint about as subtle as a brick:
I always said 'Once I've retired, I won't come back', but just lately now, 18 months on from my last fight, I'm starting to think to myself 'You know what? I'm fit, I'm strong, I'm in good shape'.
There's nobody at my weight where I'm thinking 'I'm worried about him', not even Andre Ward.
If I did fancy it, I'm thinking spring next year, get Christmas out of the way. I'm training every day. I'm not doing much punching, but my fitness is up.
Froch also suggested it would be a “one-fight comeback." James DeGale, the man who currently holds the IBF title that was once in the Cobra’s possession, seems the most likely opponent.
But does it make any sense for Froch to don the gloves again?
When great names are tempted back into the ring, it’s normally for two reasons: money, or their inabilities to fill the voids left by boxing.
In announcing his return in 2012, Ricky Hatton said, "It's about more than money, this comeback. People say nice things about me but they don't know what's been going on in between my ears."
The Hitman, though, was a different case to Froch. He admitted he was fighting again to “redeem” himself. He had struggled to live with the lasting memory of being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in his last outing.
However, Froch has no need to exorcise the ghost of a heartbreaking loss.
He had signed off in style, putting an emphatic end to his feud with Groves (in front of a fairly big audience at a famous venue, right Carl?).
Hatton should also act as a warning. The Mancunian looked like his old self against Vyacheslav Senchenko...for a few rounds. Eventually, though, a body shot saw him succumb to defeat.
Hatton promptly retired again in the immediate aftermath. Per BBC Sport, he said, "I needed one more fight to see if I had still got it—and I haven't."
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: James DeGale (L) and Lucian Bute (R) go head-to-head during the press conference ahead of the fight between James DeGale and Lucian Bute at Emirates Stadium on October 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/
Perhaps the prospect of seeing DeGale defeat Lucian Bute in Quebec, Canada, this month is eating at Froch.
He enjoyed one of his career highlights against Bute. Back in action for the first time since losing to Ward, Froch upset the odds in his hometown of Nottingham, England, to claim the IBF title in 2011.
Froch didn't just beat Bute; he annihilated him. The former champion didn't even opt to activate a rematch clause.
Now DeGale holds the same IBF belt. His first defence takes place on November 28 against Bute, who has never been the same since his beating at the hands of Froch.
But DeGale now has extra motivation to retain his crown. He has a carrot dangled in front of him: Win on Canadian soil, talk up a potential clash with Froch and hope the former champion obliges in agreeing to a huge, money-spinning fight in 2016.
Froch is already thinking about times and places, telling talkSPORT, per Alex Varney, "James DeGale is fighting my old opponent for my old belt so why not give him a pasting at Wembley next spring."
Carl Froch still looks in excellent condition.
DeGale is a foe who shouldn’t be underestimated. He may have lost to Groves earlier in his career, but Chunky is a slick southpaw who could cause problems to any of the top super middleweights.
Froch will reckon he can walk down his compatriot and overpower him. He would not fear his opponent’s power, instead backing his chin to weather whatever came his way.
He still walks around in good shape, too. Fitness wouldn’t be a problem; it’s all about if he still has the desire. That, though, is a big "if."
Froch has no need to further his reputation with one more fight—and is DeGale even worth the risk?
A rematch with Ward would make sense, giving Froch the chance to avenge a defeat to the American in the Super Six final in 2011.The opportunity to take on Golovkin would also seem too good to refuse. A win over either would be Froch’s crowning glory, and even a loss wouldn't spoil his legacy.
Froch may have initially said he would never be back in a ring, but professional sportsmen find it tough to plug the gap of competing. It is an itch they cannot seem to scratch—just ask Hatton.
Only Froch knows if he truly wants to fight again. The boxing world will have to wait a little longer to find out his decision.
Callum Smith claimed the British super middleweight title with a one-round destruction of Rocky Fielding at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England, on Saturday...
