By James Slater – Reigning WBC super-middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch was a studio guest on today’s issue of The Boxing Hour on Setanta TV, and he spoke about his upcoming fight with former middleweight king Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor. Looking lean and fit as always, the 31-year-old was asked if he was relieved when the on, off, on again fight was finally signed, sealed and delivered – taking place as it is at Foxwoods, Connecticut on April 25th..
“I was Definitely relieved [when the fight was finally made], we had to make sure everything was right for us, what with me going over to the States,” Froch said. “It’s great to be going over there though, because a win will catapult me to superstardom.
“It’s a tough task and I haven’t done it yet, but I’m looking forward to showing my skills in the U.S. and doing a number on Taylor.”
The fight took a long time coming, but now that is has been made it’s likely the fans will be rewarded with an exciting encounter. Taylor’s promoter, Lou DiBella was a guest caller on the show earlier, and he said that in his honest opinion he thinks Taylor, 28-2-1(17) will consider leaving the sport behind if he is beaten convincingly next month. The fight has not been taken by Jermain due to any financial reason, Lou explained, as the 30-year-old is financially sound already. This fight is all about the former middleweight champ’s legacy. With the Froch fight likely being his last shot at reaching the top again, Taylor can be counted on to give his all. So too can the defending champion, and that all adds up to a great fight.
Though he also spoke a little about the retired Joe Calzaghe – referring to him as J.C – Froch, 24-0(19) was more interesting when speaking about the fight he has got coming up, as opposed to the one he spent months calling for.
“The Cobra” was asked if Taylor’s two losses to Kelly Pavlik have taken any of the shine from the Arkansas man or his reputation.
“It’s a case of definitely, maybe,” Froch said in reply. “He’s still a big name, obviously, but some of the shine does come off a fighter when he loses at top level. Taylor’s still a marquee name for me, though, and a win will launch me into stardom.
“I plan on having around three weeks of time in America, so as to get the long flight out of my system. I know the fans over there will take to me, with my style of fighting. I’m looking to do a number on Taylor, I really am.”
As close to a pick ’em fight as you could wish for, the 4,000 capacity arena inside the Foxwoods Casino is sure to be full to the brim next month – very likely with a number of British fans there to support their hero. This first defence really is the acid test for the world champion from Nottingham!