Exclusive - Carl Froch: George Groves must prove he's good enough to face me

Carl Froch claims George Groves will have to prove himself against a ‘quality’ opponent before he gets a chance against the Cobra.

The 24-year-old has set his sights on facing the winner of the blockbuster super-middleweight showdown between the Nottingham born boxer and Mikkel Kessler.

But, speaking to Hawksbee and Jacobs, Froch has told the undefeated Groves that he needs a big scalp before a bout between the pair could be organised.

When asked whether he would be interested in facing Groves, Froch said: “Not at the moment. I don’t think anyone will take what he’s saying seriously. He needs to beat someone of note.

“He needs to fight a name, and come through it with style, for anyone to take him seriously. It’s not going to sell at the minute. If you announced tomorrow that Carl Froch is going to defend his title against George Groves, people would say, ‘George who’?

“When Eddie Hearn’s finished with him and he’s fought a notable fighter like Arthur Abraham or Lucian Bute then that would set up a fight.

“It could be a good fight but not yet. He’s blowing his horn early because he wants to get paid. I’m not saying I don’t take him seriously. I take every fight seriously.

"I’ve done quite a few rounds sparing with George Groves, so in know what’s got and I know his capabilities. I’m not going to rubbish them because he’s a fighter and I’ll give him respect.”