Carl Froch has said that George Groves has earned "more respect" from him following last night's IBF and WBA super middleweight title fight in Manchester.

The 25-year-old from Hammersmith was well ahead on the scorecards at the time of the ninth-round stoppage, and had sent the 'Cobra' crashing to the deck with a mammoth right hand late in the opening round.

Referee Howard Foster brought a controversial end to the fight when he felt that Groves was unable to continue after the 36-year-old champion had launched a desperate stand.

There was plenty of needle before - and during - the contest, but Froch claims that it was Groves who was causing trouble.

"As a fighter I have never had disrespect for him," he told Sky Sports News. "As a person he was antagonistic towards me and was being disrespectful and rude.

"He's a good fighter and I've seen what he can do. He's earned more respect from me in the fight. We had a chat, he gave me an answer and I respect him for that. I've got a little more respect for him as a fighter and a little more respect as a person.

"He got booed into the arena and he's getting cheered out of it, but let's not forget who won here."

Last night was the first time Groves has been beaten in 20 fights as a professional.