11.09.08 – by James Slater – Unbeaten super-middleweight Carl “The Cobra” Froch is never a man to hold his tongue when it comes to expressing his belief in his talents as a boxer. With a world title shot in his sights and also deserved, the Nottingham fighter has recently been focusing his attention on WBA super-middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler. Writing in The Nottingham Evening Post newspaper, the quick-tongued (or in this case sharp-penned) Froch had the following things to say about the Dane, who he has very much in his sights for the near future.
“I see Mikkel Kessler is bravely defending his WBA title in Germany against Danilo Hausler. I have often been puzzled by some of the decisions out there in Germany over the years. I remember Robin Reid being given a stern warning from the ref for landing a punch on Sven Ottke. Even if you knock them out you find yourself being disqualified for an infringement on a new rule! The brave but limited Hausler shouldn’t present any problems for the Dane, who I expect to stop Hausler late on.
“Hopefully Kessler gets the win as that is one man I would like to fight. The Dane has excellent strength, a good attitude and, being naturally left handed has a great orthodox jab. I have noticed him being hurt in his last couple of fights with a body shot by [Joe] Calzaghe and a heavy right hand off [Dimitri] Sartison shook him to his boots. Apart from my famous uppercut, the liver shot and right hand around the guard are my bread and butter. I think Kessler would start brightly but would be puzzled by my angles and then before he knew it, would be temporarily put to sleep like an old Great Dane dog – although I can’t promise it will be as painless as if it’s done at the vets!”
This is some bug talk from “The Cobra.” And it’s true a fight between he and Kessler would be one to watch. But, “put the Dane to sleep?” No-one has ever come close to doing that, not even Joe Calzaghe, a far more proven fighter than Froch is at present. In any case, Froch has quite a long way to go before he can even start looking in Kessler’s direction. Having said that, a title shot is surely imminent for the 31-year-old. Currently awaiting a big fight his 23-0(19) record has earned him, Froch is anxious to prove himself at top level.
Froch has seen a fight against Jermain Taylor, for the vacant WBC 168 pound title, fall apart this year. He will be hoping to have better look in landing a match with WBA champ Kessler.