Groves targets Froch world title fight in 2013

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George Groves
Image caption,

Londoner Groves is unbeaten in 14 fights since turning pro in 2008

George Groves wants an all-British showdown with former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch in 2013.

Groves defends his British title against Kenny Anderson at Wembley on 16 March in a rematch of their 2010 bout,, external which Groves won via a stoppage.

"One of the biggest fights in a year's time would be me and Carl with a world title on the line," said Groves.

"The styles gel and we're both always in exciting fights. That would be a great British match."

Groves' trainer Adam Booth recently dismissed talk of his charge fighting Froch,, external saying the 23-year-old was not yet ready to make the step up.

However, Groves is confident that in 12 months' time he will be ready for a world title tilt.

Groves said: "The better the opponent, the more you're going to have to adapt on the night.

"I can box long, I can box on the back foot, I can move, I can stand and trade - it will be a combination of everything.

"Sometimes I make mistakes and have to slug it out, like I did with Kenny Anderson, sometimes I let my hands do the talking, like when I knocked out Paul Smith [in his last fight in November].

"This year is about ticking off a few more fellas who are in the top 10 and then challenging for a world title as soon as I'm ready.

"I've got to the point where people want to fight me because I've got a good world ranking, top 15 in all the governing bodies, ranked number seven by Ring magazine.

"If I make the progression I have been making in the last year or so, I should be on track to fight anyone in the world in the next 12-18 months. That's the goal I've set myself."

Last month Froch lost his WBC title to American Andre Ward, external and there is talk of a two-fight deal with IBF title-holder Lucian Bute at some stage this year.

Groves said that despite the improvements he had made as a boxer since he last met Anderson in November 2010, he is still expecting an exciting match second time round.

"It's a fight lots of people are very excited about because it was such a slug-fest last time we boxed," said Groves.

"I've made drastic improvements since then and he's improved as well, so round two should be another good one."

Meanwhile, Groves said he had no immediate plans for a rematch with arch-rival and European champion James DeGale.

Groves beat DeGale last May after a bad-tempered build-up, having already beaten him in the amateur ranks.

"He's always going to be loosely on the radar. He's winning and no doubt our paths will cross again," said Groves.

"But I don't need to push for the fight. I've beaten him as a pro and an amateur, so there's nothing in it for me except for another pay-day.

"I beat James 99 times out of 100 and soon the British public will know it for certain as well. If the fight doesn't come off it doesn't bother me because I've already beaten this man."

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