01.12.05 – Ruben Groenewald is confident that the experience he has picked up boxing all over the world will stand him in good stead for his showdown with Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch at the Nottingham Arena on Friday night, (December 2nd). The 28-year-old, born in Brakpan, began his career in South Africa, where he won an All-African title, before relocating to the UK. More recently he has fought and sparred in Germany..
“I have shared a ring with some of the world’s best and more than held my own,” said the likeable Groenewald. “For instance, over the last 18 months or so I have spent a lot of time in Germany.
“I have helped WBC champion Markus Beyer prepare for some of his title fights. We have shared some really competitive spars. I have asked his team for the fight proper but they are not interested. That tells you all you need to know.
“Last October I did actually box in Germany. I fought former European champion Danilo Haussler over eight rounds and was robbed. Even though I was coming off a long layoff and had a bit of ring rust I boxed his ears of. I have asked for the rematch, but again his people aren’t having any of it.”
Despite starting as the underdog and fighting for his first title at 12 stone, Groenewald then is coming to win against Froch
“I rate Carl,” he admitted. “But I am not here to make up the numbers. Now that I don’t have to struggle to make weight I feel much more comfortable in myself and I am much stronger. It’s going to be a tough fight. An exciting fight, but you are talking to the new Commonwealth super middleweight champion here.”
The South African, who last time out stopped Alan Gilbert in London, will be well supported in his quest. He has made a home in Thanet, Kent over the last few years and many of the locals have made the trip up to Nottingham.
“My life has changed for the better since I settled in Thanet,” Groenewald, now trained by Michael Rennie, added. “I love it there. I get to train by the sea and the people are great. They have really got behind me even though I was not born locally. They have taken me as one of their own.”
“Cold-blooded predator,’ headlined by Carl Froch v Ruben Groenewald, takes place at the Nottingham Arena on Friday 2nd December. Tickets are available on 0870 121 0123. The undercard features a historical fight for the WBC Youth Lightweight world title between Manchester’s John Murray and Colombia’s Nacho Mendoza. For the latest bill please visit www.HennessySports.com.