LONDON (AP) — British boxers Carl Froch and George Groves were given a taste of the atmosphere they can expect in their super-middleweight world title rematch when an estimated 7,000 raucous fans turned out just to watch their weigh-in on Friday.
Both fighters made weight, with WBA and IBF champion Froch weighing 167 pounds, 9 ounces — just over a pound heavier than the challenger.
Groves appeared the calmer in a face-off that took place inside a circle of bodyguards from both camps, grinning and shaking his head as Froch chatted in his ear.
“He was talking, talking, talking — he is grasping for something,” Groves said. “He needs reassurance.”
The weigh-in took place at London’s Wembley Arena, adjacent to Wembley Stadium where about 80,000 spectators — a British record for a fight — will watch Saturday’s bout, billed as one of the biggest ever in the country. Froch won the first fight in November, despite being knocked down in the first round.
“The weigh-in was bigger than most fights,” said the 36-year-old Froch, who was booed by sections of the crowd. Groves is from London and is likely to be the fan favorite Saturday.
Froch said his rival has missed his best chance to capture the two belts, with Groves having dominated most of the first fight before it was stopped in the ninth round.
“Last time I got sidetracked, I wasn’t even at the races,” he said. “You’re going to see a different Carl Froch. You’re going to see me at my best.”
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