Ricky Summers: Carl Froch is still at his best

Tipton's Ricky Summers today warned George Groves that Carl Froch is far from finished after acting his sparring partner for the past few weeks.

The Black Country fighter has frequently helped put the veteran IBF and WBA world super middleweight champion through his paces.

Froch, 36, again put his belts up-for-grabs in the hotly-anticipated rematch against Groves at Wembley Stadium on the last day of the month.

Seven days later on Saturday June 7, Summers steps through the ropes for a six-rounder as professional boxing returns to Dudley at the Venue.

And the 26-year-old is keen to show tough opponent Luke Allon he has added bite from training with 'the Cobra.'

Summers said: "Carl is far from finished, take it from me. He's still got it and I can see his fight panning out like the last one, with Groves being stopped in the later rounds.

"He took him lightly last time, he freely admits that. He's still got that great engine and that's what he's always been about.

"He's looked razor sharp in the gym, but I didn't feel like I was out of my depth being in the ring with him. He's showed me a lot of skills that I think will make me a better fighter.

"I wouldn't be up there week on week if it wasn't benefitting Carl. I am a tall, rangy operator which is exactly what he's going to be up against."

It's not exactly advisable to be facing Froch on a sleepy head and Summers' partner, Jodie Jackson, recently birth to twin boys Vinny and Shay.

She's been left holding the babies to make sure Summers is right on fight night, where he will step back up to his old amateur weight of light heavy.

Allon, himself, was a top unpaid fighter before turning over and has only been beaten inside-the-distance once in a pro ring.

He went down after five rounds with Summers' long-time friend and former club-mate at Lions Boxing Club in Dudley, Andrew Robinson, in March.

Summers said: "Luke was fighting at super middle for that one and looked drained at the weight, so I think he will be more comfortable this time. It will be an explosive fight.

"I am 6ft 2ins and have a big frame myself, so I never really felt right at super middle. Now I am back at light heavy and that's the weight I walk around at.

"It's been hard training with the twin boys, having one child is difficult enough! But my partner has been great helping me get ready for the fight.

"My older sister, Kelly, has been putting me up the nights before I have been down to spar Carl. Since my mother Shirley passed away last year, she's been like a second mum to me."

For more information, call promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157. The Venue can be contacted on 01384 459 800.