Carl Froch - Britain's next star? by Ronnie McCluskey Aug 21st 2004

Carl 'The Cobra' Froch has been touted by many experts as Britain's next great boxer. Fighting under Mick Hennessy, who also promotes Howard Eastman and Herbie Hide, Froch can be seen showcasing his skills on BBC next month. But, can we tell at this early stage, how good this man is going to be? It's certainly tricky. Watching Froch, I can tell he's got something. The man fights with the relaxed air of a veteran ring technician. He throws punches effortlessly, looks calm at all times. And he doesn't seem to be fazed by anyone. I honestly think that if given the chance, Froch would fight for a world title RIGHT NOW. That would be a bold move at this stage, and would almost certainly result in defeat, but it is interesting. Hype tends to cloud your judgement in these matters. The BBC have been raving about Froch, as have people like Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall. Mick Hennessy's praising him, fellow British boxers are tipping their hats. But I can honestly say, being an impartial observer, that Froch is one of the best British prospects on the scene at the moment. While guys like Ricky Hatton fart about with fifth-rate "world" titles, Froch is respectably going about his business, gunning for the British champ Tony Dodson. Hell, he might get a shot at a world title before guys like Hatton or a second one for eternal WBC number one Eastman. It's down to business with this man. No bullshit. But can he back it up? When the dust settles, and the lights are beaming down on you, fans screaming, will Froch be able to take some names? Can he emulate former super-middleweights like Woodhall, current stars like Robin Reid and Joe Calzaghe? Or a more important question...Is he cut from the same cloth? Well, everyone knows Rob Reid is a class act. Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong. The 'Grim Reaper' is a former WBC super-middleweight champ, and he schooled WBA/IBF champ Sven Ottke in his backyard last year (losing a scandalous decision). Is it likely that Froch will do more of the same? You be the judge. Here's my view. Carl Froch is undoubtedly talented. But talent is not everything in this noble sport we love. There are other factors. Consistency, the ability to take a punch, heart...I'd be inclined to say the man has plenty of the latter. In his last fight, Froch fought the game, come-forward Mark Woolnough of Canada. It was a gritty fight, lasting eleven rounds. Woolnough showed tremendous determination, continually applying pressure and showing little regard for Froch's famed left-hook. He had never been down before, so I'm sure Froch paced himself. I t paid off. In the eleventh, after back-and-forth exchanges and numerous changes in momentum, Woolnough crumbled under pressure. Froch was the last man standing. These are the kind of fights Carl Froch needs. In a division lacking in real championship quality, Froch seems to already be ahead of the game. Let's be honest, how many guys thirteen fights deep into their career, look as hardened and savvy as Froch? Not many. Weaknesses are aplenty as well though. Froch tends to step off the gas in fights, allowing his opponent to work his way back into the fight. Whether this is a conditioning problem, or Froch feels comfortable to take rests in fights, this needs addressing. Just imagine if it was someone like Reid or Danny Green in front of a lackadaisical, weary Froch. It'd be costly. Ofcourse, Green and Reid are already established pros. Froch shouldn't eye up a fight with either for a good couple of years, but I doubt he's going to wait. This guy has ambition in stacks, and his ego may not permit him to sit on the bench, biding his time. Another weakness in Froch's armoury is defence. I'm sure even the man himself would admit it. His left hand usually drops down by his waist after jabbing. Against a strong, pressure fighter who can bang, this is just NOT ON. How can you justify it? Where's the logic? Carl says he feels comfortable like that, and he won't change, but leaving yourself open to counters knowingly is strange. Despite this, he isn't as open as you may think. Froch has a clever shoulder-tuck defence. He tucks his chin into his shoulder, as he stands in a side-on stance. At times he can be very difficult to hit. But his chin was found by Charles Adamu and Woolnough recently. The flaw needs to be ironed out. Having said this, I'll watch the progression of Froch's career with a keen eye. He has what it takes, but even the most minor of errors could cost him.

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