DARREN FOREMAN: Froch v Groves rematch set to break records

Everyone thought the Carl Froch v George Groves rematch was going to be at the County Ground in Nottingham, but they’ve opted for the biggest possible venue at Wembley Stadium.

If they think they can sell up to 80,000 tickets then why not? Lets get it on as they say in boxing.

I think Froch underestimated Groves last time and he won’t make the same mistake again. Froch on points for me.

Referee Howard Foster stops Carl Froch (right) and George Groves during the WBA and IBF Super Middleweight Title fight at the Phones 4u Arena, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday November 23, 2013. See PA Story BOXING Manchester. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire.

Sol Campbell thrust himself into the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week with his sweeping statement about how the colour of his skin cost him the England captaincy.

What a load of tosh. I was pleased to see John Barnes come out and echo that sentiment.

Campbell was a good player and good professional, it was just unfortunate for him that he had players like Alan Shearer, Tony Adams and David Beckham around at the same time as him.

Graeme Smith retired from Test cricket this week during South Africa’s match against Australia.

He has been an outstanding captain and batsman.

Smith came into the side and the captaincy at a very young age and has been around a long, long time, and you can’t argue with his stats.

The Alan Pardew-David Meyler incident has been blown out of all proportion for me.

Firstly, it wasn’t a headbutt. He moved his head into Meyler’s. The Newcastle United manager has history in this area after he pushed a linesman and had spats with Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini in recent years.

I think the fine of £100,000 by the club and a touchline or stadium ban are fair enough.

There was talk that he should have been sacked, and while the club could have got rid of him for gross misconduct, a bit harsh.

As a Southampton fan I have to congratulate young Luke Shaw winning his call-up to the England squad for the friendly against Denmark last night. The World Cup has come a year early for him though.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Michael Clarke’s 160 not out for Australia in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Due to the serious violent and/or aggressive nature of the reported behaviour this case has been designated as non-standard.”

The FA on Alan Pardew’s charge of improper conduct.