Interview: Carl Froch

By Spud Woollatt

27.06 - British Eastside were lucky enough to catch up with perhaps The World's brightest prospect, Nottingham's Super Middleweight Carl Froch.

Carl had his first professional fight in March 2002 and since that fight has received rave reviews throughout the boxing world and the media alike. This is is after having an outstanding amateur career in which he won a bronze medal at the World Amateur Championships in 2001. He eventually signed his professional forms with Mick Hennessy, his reasons why he did this are discussed. "The Cobra" has had 8 professional fights with his next fight being on 25th July 2003 at the Sports Village in Norwich.

In the interview Carl speaks frankly about his past, present and includes some interesting snipits away from boxing.

British Eastside naturally thanks both Carl and Hennessy Sports for affording the time to conduct the interview

If you hadn't been a boxer, What would you have liked to to have done??

I would have probably tried to join the Royal Marines. I love discipline and I think I would have coped really well with Army Life.

Who is Your Boxing Hero?

It has to be Roy Jones Junior. He is in my opinion a fantastic boxer who has mastered every aspect there is to know about the sport.

Boxing Achievements?

I won the ABA Middleweight Titles in 1999 & 2001

Voted the Best Boxer and the Gold Medal in a Multi Nations Tournament in Denmark in 2001.

I won a bronze medal at Middleweight in The World Championships in 2001

I am sure my amateur record is something like 88-8

What Are Your Favourite Fights You Have Watched?

The first one was Naz versus Jose Badillo in Sheffield. Naz took him apart in one of the best technical displays I have seen from a boxer. He did not get a glove landed on him all night.

The second fight was recently. It has to be Roy Jones Junior against Johnny Ruiz. RJJ showed his class and technical ability that night which proved he is the pound 4 pound best boxer in the world.

Can You Remember Your First Amateur Fight?

Yes. I was 11 years old and I fought Jason Booth of Nottingham. I think I stopped him in the 2nd round.

What Are Your Best And Worst Moments Of Your Boxing Career So Far?

The worst moment of my boxing career so far happened as an amateur in 2001. I was fighting in the World Championship Semi Final against a Russian called Andrei Gogolev. I had an extremely sore right thumb and had 4 fights in 4 days so I was already really knackered going into the fight. I had the Russian out on his feet in the first round and I know if I was remotely fresh I could have taken my opportunity and finished him. The frustrating thing is Gogolev went onto to win the World Amateur Champion Title.

There are 2 best moments so far. The first has to be when I boxed Valery Odin in front of my own fans at The Nottingham Ice Arena. The atmosphere was fantastic and to box in front of your home fans in a fantastic Arena is a privelege that any boxer dreams of. I think I put on a very good performance that night but did not get the recognition I thought I should from the media. People seem to forget Odin is ranked in the top 10 in this countries Light Heavyweight Ratings. And he has a good win against Toks Owoh.

Another extremely satisfying night was again at the Nottingham Ice Arena in April. I fought Michael Monaghan and stopped him. That was especially good as there was a fair amount of needle between us as he is from near Nottingham as well.

Which Domestic Fighters Are Your Tips For The Top?

I really do believe David Walker has got what it takes to make it. He has turned the corner now and he will have all the lads in the Gym supporting him. He has outrageous ability as a boxer. He can punch dam hard with both hands and he is definitely one of the hardest and dedicated trainers we have got in the gym now.

I nearly forgot about Lenny Daws. He joined the gym a few months ago. He will be sensational. He learns technical aspects of the sport so quickly, which some boxers don't so for years.

And don't forget the rest of my "Class Mates", Lee Meager, Billy Corcoran, and Matthew Thirlwall. With certain adjustments they can reach the very top.

I think David Haye can make it. That is because he is in such a weak division, there is no one to stop him taking a British Title, beyond that who knows.

I don't know what the fuss is all about with Audley Harrison. All I will say is, is that he has been very dissapointing.

What Are Your Ambitions/Goals For The Future?

A lot of boxers who I have heard being asked this question will always say they want to be a World Champion. Of course I want to as well. However what I want most is to do it the traditional route.

There is nothing more I want to see on the wall in my frontroom in a nice box is the Lonsdale Belt. To do that I am obviously going to have to win the British Super Middleweight Title and defend it 3 times. When I have achieved that I want to fight for the European Title and then of course onto one of the major world titles.

Although I believe I am ready now, Mick and Robert want me to adjust to fighting Championship rounds, once I have done that then in 8-12 months time I really do believe I will wipe the floor with any Super Middleweight in the world and that includes Joe Calzaghe.

I have a tremendous amount of confidence in my ability and with Robert McCracken in the corner I have the best trainer in this country.

Why Did You Sign For Mick Hennessy?

When I first discussed my future with Mick Hennessy I had a tremendous amount of trust and belief in what he had to say. Mick Hennessy and Robert McCracken are such genuine people and I believe I am a very good judge of character.

I met with other well known promoters and managers (Warren & Maloney) from this country and did not get the same warm feeling as I did with Mick Hennessy. I did not feel they had my best interests at heart.

I know I have made the right choice, it has clearly been proven to me by the sensational way I have been promoted since turning professional. I have had more exposure in the last 12 months through the media, advertising, and the TV than some boxers have in their entire careers. I have been extremely fortunate in finding such a good team.

Are You Enjoying Life As A Professional Boxer?

Yes definitely. My first 18 months or so have been very enjoyable. I am learning so much from my trainer Robert McCracken. He will be an inspiration to any boxer. He is very thorough and methodical approaching all of my fights and that has installed so much confidence in my abilities as a fighter and my future in the Sport.

It has not been all work and no play. Sometimes, we have such a good laugh. Some of the wind ups that go on in the gym bring tears to your eyes with the laughter that goes on. Whats more everyone joins in.

Frochy As Usual It Has Been A Pleasure Speaking To You ... Thank You

No problems Spud U Like.