Joe Calzaghe warns Froch he must offer Groves a rematch to protect his legacy

[Mofo2]

Former world super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe has told Carl Froch he risks damaging his legacy if he fails to offer George Groves a rematch after their controversial duel in Manchester last month. Calzaghe said he believed Groves was dominating the bout before referee Howard Foster brought it to a controversial end midway through round nine as the 25-year-old sagged briefly under the weight of the champion's punches.

 

Froch has so far refused to court talk of a return bout, maintaining Foster's intervention came at the right time and insisting he would rather chase a rematch with widely regarded 12-stone number one Andre Ward. Calzaghe, who resisted numerous call-outs by Froch as he edged towards unbeaten retirement in 2008, told the Press Association: "I thought Carl was fortunate and I think he should give him a rematch. Carl's a strong fighter and we know what he brings to the table but I thought he got schooled in that fight. He was losing it badly and I think as champion it is up to him to give Groves another chance."

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