Froch Plans to Unify the Super Middleweight Division

Carl Froch will defend his WBC Super Middleweight title on Mikkel Kessler’s home soil of Herning, Denmark on� April 24th but the Nottingham fighter has already set his sights on becoming the undisputed champion. Competing in the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic, which pits the top six fighters in the division against one another, Froch remains confident that he can keep his undefeated record intact.

It will be a tough challenge for the fighter who claimed the title in a unanimous decision against the tough Canadian, Jean Pascal. Since that impressive display Froch has retained his belt on two occasions, first winning by TKO against the highly rated Jermain Taylor and then outpointing slick American Andre Dirrell.

Beating three tough opponents in his last three outings means that Froch is certainly not short on confidence and, having watched Dirrell beat Arthur Abraham, he is sure he has what it takes to win the tournament outright.

“Seeing Dirrell completely outbox Abraham proves what a great fighter he is, he has great hand speed and slick skills. But it gives me a boost as I beat him at his own game, so I took a lot from that win,” he explains. “I’m now concentrating on my fight against Kessler, my fitness has improved loads and I am feeling really strong. My training camp has gone really well so I’m just fine tuning and making the sparring count.”

Getting down to the 168 pound limit is something that Froch finds relatively easy, and three weeks away from the showdown with Kessler he finds himself just a couple of pounds over the limit. “I weighed in this morning and I was 170 pounds. I’m performing in the gym at fighting weight which is the important thing as a lot of fighters look strong and feel fit but they are like boiled chicken when they get down to the weight, they are just absolutely drained.”

While Froch is approaching the fight full of confidence it may be a different story for his Danish opponent. Kessler lost his WBA belt in his first Super Six encounter against Andre Ward and was badly cut in the process.

“That fight might have dented his confidence but in the same way it might have provided him with a boost� as he thinks he has to come back stronger and prove to everyone it was a one off. It’s an old saying but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so who knows, Kessler might come back even better.”

Froch is hopeful that he can end the fight before the 12 rounds are up as he is well aware of how hard it can be to get a decision away from home. “I think it’s an advantage for Kessler to be at home, I just hope I don’t get robbed. They say that in Germany you have to win eight rounds out of the 12 just to get a draw so� hopefully Denmark won’t be as bad,” Froch continues. “I am an honourable champion, I’m unbeaten plus I am the reigning and defending world champion. I am looking to win every round, I’m going to be super fit and on the night I can’t see anyone beating me.”

If Froch can improve on his current record of 26 wins from 26 fights then it is likely that he will advance to the semi finals of the Super Six and could add the WBA title to his collection. The current holder, Andre Ward is also in the tournament and could soon be putting the belt on the line against Froch if he successfully navigates his way past Allan Green.

“Ward is injured at the minute but it could be interesting when he faces Green as he is a real puncher. To be honest I really want to conquer this division as both the WBC and WBA titles are tied up in this tournament. If there is no big fight with Lucian Bute, the IBF champion, who really doesn’t want to fight me, then I will step up to light heavyweight.”

The 32 year-old certainly has plenty of confidence but this should not be confused with arrogance. Froch takes his training extremely seriously and prides himself on being a model professional. He has even completed a degree in Sports Psychology, something that helps him understand the power of self belief.

“In psychology it’s called fake it till you make it, because eventually you will believe in yourself. I have done Sports psychology at Loughborough University and that is part of it, you have to believe in yourself. I get my confidence from the fact that I am undefeated in 26 fights and I have beaten three world-class fighters in my last three fights,” Froch explains. “I know my boxing and as far as I am concerned Kessler is getting beat on the 24th of April. I am too fit and too strong.”

Although Froch is totally focused on beating Kessler he has already planned his assault should he step up to the light heavyweight division, starting with the WBC champion Jean Pascal. “I have had a handshake with Pascal so if he remains the light heavyweight champion then I will step up and challenge him for the belt. I promised him a fight as he wants to try and get the only blemish off his record, which of course is me. But I have his number and I will beat him again and become the light heavyweight champion of the world.”


Carl Froch v Mikkel Kessler on Primetime (Sky 480 and Virgin On Demand) on Saturday 24 April. Sky customers call 0871 200 4444 or go to www.primetimelive.co.uk� for more information.