In pictures: How Carl Froch stayed World Champion

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Carl Froch poses with his belt after winning against George Groves Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

Carl Froch has retained his WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles with a controversial ninth-round stoppage of George Groves in Manchester. See how the fight unfolded in pictures.

Froch was floored by a flinging right hand in the opening moments but clawed his way back into the bout and won a spectacular duel when referee Howard Foster jumped in to end the contest in the ninth.

George Groves lands a jab on Carl Froch
Froch responds with an upper cut Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Froch takes a right hook from Groves during the Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire
Froch leaves Groves on the ropes before referee Howard Foster intervenes Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Carl Froch punches George Groves before referee Howard Foster stepped in to end the fight
Referee Howard Foster stops Carl Froch and George Groves in the 9th round Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

Foster's intervention with Groves still on his feet sparked uproar, with both corner teams briefly squaring off in the ring while a crowd which had started off resolutely pro-Froch roundly cheered the challenger.

Froch and Groves after the controversial decision to end the fight is made Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire
Carl Froch poses with his belt after winning against George Groves Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

Froch immediately vowed to clear up any discontent by offering Groves a rematch - and insisted referee Foster had no option but to call off the contest.

Froch said: