02.03.07 – Carl Froch is hoping himself and his beloved Nottingham Forest can complete a double ‘promotion’ this year. Froch faces Russian Sergey Tatevosyan as top-of-the-bill on the Hennessy Sports ‘Cobra’s Hood’ event at the Nottingham Arena on March 23rd as he looks to secure an eliminator for one of the four major world title belts later this year..
The international 12-round contest at Championship weight is an opportunity for the unbeaten British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion, (20-0, 16 knock-outs), to improve even further on his world rankings.
Froch, 29, is already rated third in the world by the WBC and fifth by both the IBF and WBO. Last time out he scored a stunning KO over long-term rival Tony Dodson in front of his loving home-town fans.
Just as Froch is aiming to rise further up the ranks to mandatory challenger status, he hopes Forest can continue their progress in their quest to win promotion to the Championship this season.
League One side Forest are in the play-off places, and Froch is confident of their chances after regularly watching their home games.
The City Ground season-ticket holder said: “We’re going up this season. For a big club, it’s a bit demoralising being in the third division but we have already proved we are the top team in the league. Hopefully it will continue.
“I go down to every Nottingham Forest home game now as I’ve got a season ticket. I’m an avid fan. I would like to get to the away games, but because of my training and the time it takes, I can’t.
“I know Kris Commons well and I get to go in the players’ lounge afterwards so I speak to a few of them. I am on friendly terms with the manager Colin Calderwood and everyone is very welcoming to me down there.
“I use their gym down there and they treat me like one of the players, which is great.
“Kris can’t get to the fight because the players are not allowed out so late before playing on the Saturday, but he said they will be watching at the hotel. They are all behind me, like I am them.”
Froch dreams of one day being able to fight at the City Ground.
He said: “I’ve got a massive fan base in Nottingham and a great relationship with the club, so the potential is there for a massive crowd at Forest one day.
“It’s going to get bigger as I keep winning. I could take over the scene in the next year or so. I could be the name and face of British boxing for the next five years if I do the business in the ring.”