Who is Next for Carl Froch?

By Boxing News - 06/20/2009 - Comments

froch342336By Liam Santiago: Undefeated British boxing star, Carl Froch (25-0, 20ko’s), is arguably Britain’s biggest and best hope in boxing today. Having recently knocked-out Jermain Taylor (28-2-1) in the 12th round Froch now has many options for his next fight including Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins, Lucian Bute and Kelly Pavlik.

Any of these opponents would be very tough fights for the Nottingham man but who would be his best move to bring him to the top. Joe Calzaghe (46-0, 32ko’s) recently stated that he would come out of retirement for £10 million but that is a ridiculous figure that will, in reality, never be agreed. If Froch could come up with the money then the fight would be almost sure to go ahead, in what would be one of the biggest fights of all time.

Besides a super-fight with Calzaghe, the next best thing has to be Mikkel Kessler who has only ever lost to Calzaghe. Kessler posesses a granite chin, amazing knockout power and a great heart. However, Froch also posesses all these qualities. The only weakness in Froch is his defence.

Plus, he isn’t the faster super-middleweight. In a recent interview Froch said he would be intrested in fight Lucian Bute next, also unbeaten. This bout would not be as big for Froch but would be a tough test. Bute is a very tough fighter and could cause Froch problems but he is not the biggest name out of the fighters he has to choose from.

If he seriously wants a mega fight with Calzaghe, and tempt him out of retitement, the quickest way to do that has to be by convincingly beating Mikkel Kessler. If he can do that Calzaghe might be tempted into one final fight.

Bernard Hopkins is another option for Froch, regarded as some, such as boxrec, as the best pound for pound boxer in the world. Hopkins recently beat undefeated American star Kelly Pavlik. Hopkins gave Pavlik a boxing lesson and beat him to every puch. Even at the age of 44, Hopkins could be a real threat for Froch, he has a tricky stlye of boxing and still looks in top condition.

However, a win over Hopkins may not get the same respect as a win over any of these other fighters, mainly because critics would claim Hopkins was ‘shot’ and ‘past it’. Kelly Pavlik is also an option. He has looked good in his comeback fight and has the power to hurt Froch.

Froch is only finally starting to get the recognition as a boxer he deserves. He has a massive heart, great knockout power in both hands and a granite chin, with this he has the ability to match any opposition out there. Obviously, the fight he would want most is Calzaghe, but that might not be realistic.

The best way for him to work towards that fight is to beat Kessler and the sooner he does it the better. He would probably be best fighting Kessler first, in hope of dragging Calzaghe out retirement, then if he cant, fighting Hopkins. He has plenty of options and has everything it takes to go on and become a British legend.



Comments are closed.