WBC World Super Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch has directed his venom at Jermain Taylor and his team after a boxing website suggested that Froch was sidelined until June with a rib injury. Froch believes it’s just another in a long line of tactics for Taylor and his promoter Lou DiBella to avoid facing the new King of the Super Middleweights.
“Some guy from a site I’d never heard about before has written that I’m injured until June and won’t be able to defend my title until then,” fumed Froch. “This Marley guy said that there’s nothing wrong with my ‘flapping jaws’ but that I have a rib injury. In my opinion the only people flapping are Taylor and his team by trying to find another way to duck out of the fight.
“This Marley character needs to check his facts before writing a story. Maybe he’s only new to the game or something but he needs to start learning quickly. Where did he get this nonsense from about me being sidelined until June? It’s complete BS and if he’d bothered to call my promoter Mick Hennessy he’d know that I’ve no injury worries now and I’m ready, willing and able to defend my title against Taylor.”
Froch believes that Taylor is looking for any excuse to get out of his position as mandatory challenger to Froch’s title and hunt down some easier prey instead. “I believe Taylor and DiBella have been swerving me for some time now, they obviously don’t fancy the job,” claimed Froch.
“He declined the opportunity to contest the vacant WBC title with me and instead fought Jeff Lacy in a final eliminator for that same title. Now this mysterious rumour is being spread in the U.S. that I’m injured and out until June so he’s looking at other options. The only person that’s going to be out is Jermain Taylor after I’ve smoked his boots.
“Everyone knows what I bring to the table. I’ve just been involved in the fight of 2008 to win the WBC title and I’m going to be putting the heat on Taylor so hard that he’s going to have to fight for his life. I’ve proved I’ll get into the trenches and go to war to entertain the fans and if Taylor’s willing to do the same then I’m sure that will be the fight of 2009.
“Purse bids for the fight have been called for Friday week so we’ll see what their made of then but I can guarantee I’ll be ready to defend my title against Taylor within 90 days of the purse bid as per the WBC rules.”
DiBella is known for his walk on part in the most recent Rocky film and Froch says he should stick to the big screen. “A promoter’s job is to make the big fights but I believe this is one fight DiBella is trying to help his fighter to get out of. Maybe he should stick to being a promoter in the movies.”
The Nottingham man won the WBC title in December following a 12 round thriller with undefeated Canadian; Jean Pascal after Taylor had turned down the chance to meet Froch for the vacant crown.
“Pascal’s a tough, tough man and a hell of a fighter; I went into that fight without being 100% fit but still prevailed. I can’t wait to make the first defence of my WBC belt but I believe Taylor is clearly clinging to the hope that I’m still injured and that he can duck out of the fight again.”
Taylor from Little Rock, Arkansas holds a pair of wins over Bernard Hopkins from his time as World Middleweight champ but Froch is no respecter of reputations. “Just to make it clear, once and for all, I’m ready, willing and able to defend my title against him anytime, anyplace. Now all he needs to do is crawl out from the Little Rock he’s been hiding behind and we can get the fight on.”
Hatton still set for Pacquiao says lawyer
Ricky Hatton’s fight against Manny Pacquiao will go ahead as planned. Hatton’s lawyer Gareth Williams was dismayed to read reports of a purse dispute online. Hatton and Pacquiao had agreed to split the proceeds 50-50.
Speaking to Setanta Sports News Willaims said that “as far as Ricky’s concerned he’s fighting Manny Pacquiao”. He said:
“There’s been no suggestion that there wasn’t an agreement. Everything is geared up to confirming the fight on May 2nd.
“My own view is if a problem arises you pick up the phone and speak to the other parties. You don’t conduct business over the internet.
“The fight is on until such time we’re officially told there’s a problem. Then I’ll decide what we’re going to do about it.”
DAZZLER IS BACK AND RARING TO GO
IRISH Olympic hero Darren Sutherland returned to the gym today (MON) to continue his assault on the world super-middleweight title.
Sutherland, 26, has his second professional at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday March 6 when he faces a selected opponent over six rounds.
The Dubliner who stopped Georgi Iliev on his debut last month, returned to London last night after a three week break with his family.
Dazzler spent Christmas and New Year at home and then took parents Linda and Tony, and 17-year-old sister Shaneika on a seven day break to Tenerife.
And Sutherland who lives, eats and sleeps boxing revealed he was desperate to get back to trainer Brian Lawrence during his first family holiday for several years.
The most exciting prospect in world boxing said: “It was the longest period I have spent with my parents for years and we reflected on my success.
“I ran every day while I was in Tenerife xcept one. I needed routine because the only thing to do was eat and sunbathe.
“I was itching to get back to the gym by the start of the New Year and I’m glad I listened to my advisors and booked the trip or else I would not have gone.
“I would have headed back to London and started training for my next fight. I can’t wait to get back in the gym, even though I’ll be up at 5am Monday morning.”
The mega card in Wigan will be topped by Salford southpaw Jamie Moore who challenges Italy’s former world champ Michele Piccirillo for the vacant European light middleweight title.
Also on the bill is middleweight Prizefighter winner Martin Murray, who is arguably Britain’s most exciting fighter.
Tickets for this big night of action priced £90 (VIP Ringside), £80 and £35 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508
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