By James Slater: Back in December of last year, the two best super-middleweights in the world, in the unbeaten Andre Ward and the now three-time world ruler Carl Froch, met in the final of the “Super Six.” Ward won what looked like a wide decision (yet two judges only had the Oakland man winning by a margin of two points) and he is now recognised as THE best 168-pounder in the world – you can rank Froch at #2, courtesy of his hugely impressive annihilation of the previously unbeaten Lucian Bute.
But Froch says he had a bad night, or a “flat night” against Ward, and “The Cobra” told Sky Sports Ringside show that he definitely wants a rematch. Froch added that he wants a rematch with Mikkel Kessler, the only other fighter to have beaten him, first. Hopefully, in time, both returns will take place.
Ward, who will face light-heavyweight king Chad Dawson in a fight set to take place at 168-pounds next, told Boxing Fixtures that he would love a return with Froch. Not only that, but the man known as “S.O.G” says he entered the ring on December 17th whilst carrying a hand injury.
“I’m ready and willing to do a rematch any time, any place,” Ward stated. “I would love to fight Carl Froch totally healthy. If he had a bad night against me, I had a bad week. I fractured my hand and had to deal with a grotesque swelling, trying to hide it from the media and the Froch camp. I won that fight with virtually one hand. Froch talks about his devastating punches. Well, he hit me with his best shot. I ate everything he had and dished it right back out.”
If Ward’s hand was in as bad a shape as he claims, then his December 2011 performance was even more impressive and worthy of more respect than was first thought. Ward, though he was tired and holding on in the later rounds, boxed masterfully, appearing to win a good eight or nine rounds. How dominant would he be in a return, with two good hands? Then again, how successful would Froch be if he took it right to Ward the way he took it to Bute? Maybe both Froch and Ward will be able to out-do their December performance in a rematch?
Really, Ward-Froch II has to happen (as does Kessler-Froch II). Ward taking on Dawson is intriguing enough, but Ward is making “Bad Chad” come down in weight; which may weaken the southpaw. We want Ward to fight the best at his natural weight class, and Froch is certainly the best super-middleweight next to Ward himself.
Can “The Cobra” get revenge (and the proud fighting man that he is, Froch will want that chance before he is willing to walk away) or will Ward put on a repeat win in a return? Ward-Froch II: it’s the best, the most important and the most intriguing 168-pound match-up that can be made. Would Ward even agree to travel to the U.K for the sequel?