Officials forced to consider another referee in Froch v Groves face off

Officials have been forced to consider another referee for Carl Froch’s rematch with George Groves after a fresh objection about replacement Charlie Fitch.

The New Yorker was put forward as the possible man in the middle for this weekend’s Wembley showdown after promoter Eddie Hearn raised concerns about original choice Jack Reiss.

Hearn was confident that Fitch would be confirmed as the official, but in a new twist there has also been a complaint about the 44-year-old Brooklyn man.

The IBF, who are sanctioning the fight, insist Fitch could still officiate, but have discussed a third different referee.

When asked to confirm Fitch as the referee, Lindsey Tucker, IBF Championships Chairman, said: “No, not saying that because we had some discussions and different people complained about different ones.

“Yes there were discussions about a third one, but I’m not at liberty to give out any names.”

Questioned whether Reiss or Fitch might receive the role, Tucker said: “Well it’s possible, it’s possible it could still be one of those guys, but I can’t really say anything right now.”

With just days to go before fight fans flock to the capital, the IBF remain confident that an appointment will be agreed and expect to confirm the official within the next 24 hours.