Carl Froch won't vacate IBF belt: 'George Groves is next in line, and I defend my title'

Carl Froch says he has no plans to vacate his IBF super middleweight title, and that he will defend against Matchroom stablemate George Groves. There had been at least some discussion out there that Froch might give up the belt, since he also holds the WBA title, allowing Groves to fight for a vacant belt.

But the 36-year-old titleholder says he's got no intention of giving up a title, and that he's ready to face the 25-year-old Groves:

"He's mandatory for the IBF by default because Lucian Bute is injured, and I think (Edwin) Rodriguez and (Brandon) Gonzales were fighting for the number two spot, this is what Eddie (Hearn, promoter) is telling me anyway. George Groves is next in line for the IBF title and, you know me, I defend my title rather than vacate it. I'll fight anybody."

Froch (31-2, 22 KO) is coming off of a rematch win over Mikkel Kessler, while Groves (19-0, 15 KO) has won three fights this year over weak opposition since jumping to Matchroom Boxing, staying busy but without taking any risks. A fight with Froch, obviously, is a major risk, for both Groves and Matchroom, and for Froch, too, but Froch has been here before.