08.11.06 – 18 months after first being scheduled to clash, British super middleweight champion Carl Froch and former title-holder Tony Dodson finally came face-to-face yesterday. The pair both appeared in a mock courtroom at the ‘NCCL Galleries of Justice’ museum in Nottingham ahead of their clash on the Hennessy Sports ‘Outright Promotion’ in the champion’s hometown on November 24th. Sky Sports 1 will cover live from the Nottingham Arena..
Froch arrived first, looking relaxed.
Dodson was slightly late, but only down to heavy traffic.
There were never any concerns that he would put in a no-show, despite having previously withdrawn from three fights against Froch through injury, initially when he was champion.
The Liverpudlian badly wants his title back. He pleaded guilty to that charge without hesitation – then the verbal exchanges began.
“Carl said he wanted to see me in the flesh, that he wanted to see how I reacted to him – well here I am,” opened Dodson. “You can see I’m not scared.”
“I think you are,” countered Froch. “I can see it in your eyes. I can see the fear. Forget all your talk, just promise me one thing: that you will be there on the 24th.”
Dodson replied: “I’ll be there, you have my word on it.”
The fighters shook hands.
A discussion about Dodson’s pullouts followed, with him adding:
“I know why you all have doubts. I understand it, but there was a valid reason each time. This fight means everything to me. I’m getting that British Title back. You keep it for a couple more weeks, but then I’m getting it back.”
Froch was also given a father’s assurance that the withdrawals were genuine by Eric Dodson, who also helps train his son.
“I can accept that,” said the unbeaten Froch. “I will take you on your word.”
Normal hostilities were resumed once the pair went head-to-head for the cameras. Whilst there were a couple of pushes, the exchanges were mostly verbal.
“Your in deep water,” Froch promised Dodson. “That’s my title and I’m winning it outright. It’s staying on my mantelpiece. I’m the champion and you can’t do anything about that. You’re getting knocked out.
“Your in over your head. I know your form. I’ve seen you lose. I have seen you fold in front of me. Your weak, I’m strong.”
“That was when I was a boy,” replied Dodson. “That was different then. I’m a man now. You’re in with a man. You’re the one who’s in trouble.
“I can put people to sleep with one shot. You don’t hit hard enough to hurt me. I can’t wait for the 24th, I really can’t wait.”