How important is home advantage for Froch?

By Boxing News - 01/23/2013 - Comments

froch4By Christian Longley: In the early mood music to the much anticipated rematch between Carl Froch (30-2, 22KO) and Mikkel Kessler (46-2, 32KO) a lot has been made of Froch’s home advantage. Most of this has come from Froch’s camp but how important is this factor?

Froch’s team have obviously worked hard and possibly conceded financially to secure the rematch in the UK. He cherishes the adulation of the fans that he has worked so hard to secure during his career. Much of the early and middle part of this career did not spark the recognition by of British press and TV that he thought her deserved. Now he is seen as arguably the best fighter in Britain he is bolstered by his support. The recent atmosphere at the Nottingham Arena has been quite palpable. The feel home advantage gave him the advantage when he took a close split decision against Andre Dirrell in 2009, which many fans thought went the other way. The intensity that was generated against Lucian Bute also must have contributed to the one side dismantling of the previously unbeaten fighter.

Noticeably, the two losses on both men’s records have come whilst they have been out of their home country. They both have a convincing loss to Andre Ward in the USA in common. However, in this loss, location was not the factor but class.

Kessler’s other defeat came to Joe Calzaghe in a packed Millennium Stadium in 2006. Kessler is an excellent and seasoned fighter and the experience in Wales will only stand Kessler in good stead. Additionally, several thousand Danes are expected to come to the UK to counterbalance the partisan atmosphere.

The first fight between these two warriors was outstanding. It was close but the right decision was given. Froch mentions his less than perfect preparation as one of the reasons for his loss, citing the Icelandic ash cloud, which forced him to jet into Denmark only 48 hours before the ring walk.

Ultimately, these two quality fighter are incredibly closely matched. Many factors will play a part in the rematch of which home advantage will be one. The best and most improved fighter on the night will win on the night not just the location.



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