By Zubair Ali: Former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor (28-2-1, 17 KOs) challenges the unbeaten Carl Froch (24-0, 19 KOs) for his WBC super middleweight title on April 25 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket. Froch, who won the vacant title in an all action, toe to toe slugfest against Canadian Jean Pascal, is currently the only British fighter to hold a world title. It will be Froch’s first fight in America. Prior to the confirmation of the fight, Froch claimed Taylor was “running scared” and he would “smoke his (Taylor’s) boots.”
Taylor, who holds 2 wins over the legendary Bernard Hopkins, earned the right to fight for the title by beating former Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy in a title eliminator. The Olympic bronze medallist will be fighting at super middleweight for only the third time. Froch is in no doubt he will emerge the victor when the two meet, but believes Taylor will prove to be tough opposition.
“Jermain’s a very good fighter, you don’t unify the middleweight titles and beat Bernard Hopkins twice without being a good fighter but I simply believe I’m the better man and deep down he knows that too, that’s why he had to be forced into taking the fight”.
Froch doesn’t possess the big fight experience Taylor does, and this may well be a vital factor in the fight. Froch’s last fight against Pascal was his first world title fight. Taylor has fought in 6 world title fights. Froch, who often drops his hands down by his waist, was constantly caught by Pascal’s right hand and was on the receiving end of some solid shots.
Although proving he has impressive punch resistance, one can’t help but feel that if Froch is caught as often against a world class fighter like Taylor, then he may be in for a short night. The main questions surrounding the fight are how much does Taylor want it?
Does he still have the passion? Is he willing to dig deep if required? And how will Froch fair against a genuine world class fighter? Taylor is self admittedly not a fan of boxing. In the past, during fights he has often seemed disinterested. Taylor’s camp claim he’s rediscovered his hunger, and are certain there man has what it takes to be crowned the champion.
Both fighters have naturally offensive styles, ensuring an explosive fight. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the fight failed to go the full distance. Froch will look to take the fight to Taylor, be aggressive and try to force him against the ropes.
Taylor however, may opt to box and constantly be on the move, working the angles and throwing combinations off the back foot. It certainly is a tough fight to call, but Taylor’s big fight experience may just be too much for Froch!
Comments are closed.