29.11.06 – Carl Froch has thanked the record-breaking crowd at the Nottingham Arena last Friday for generating the best atmosphere he has ever experienced. The British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion stepped out in front of his biggest audience yet to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former domestic king Tony Dodson..
He responded to the outstanding reception he received with a clinical third round KO that saw him win his Lonsdale belt for keeps.
“I have boxed over 100 fights as an amateur and 20 as a professional and I have never experienced anything like that,” said ‘The Cobra’.
“When I stepped out it was electric. I am very grateful to the people of Nottingham; I will never forget the night – even though there will be many more to come.
“The crowd really fired me up. They revved me up to get the job done. I wanted to put on a show for the fans. I had hoped to get a few more rounds in and fulfil my sixth round prediction, but I was up for it, I was feeling ferocious, and he couldn’t take the sting.”
After a punishing right uppercut and hook, Froch took out his man with a perfectly placed left to the solar plexus. Dodson, on one knee, was unable to beat the count.
“That body shot would have stopped any super middleweight in the world,” added the 29-year-old. “There is no point questioning Dodson’s courage and questioning whether he could have got up – the shot completely broke him.”
Despite finishing matters earlier than anybody had expected, Froch now has a new found respect for his long-term rival.
“Dodson was stronger than I thought,” he said. “He punched harder than I expected as well. He caught me with me a couple of good shots in the opener and he can dig. He didn’t effect me, but he has got power. He can give a good argument to any of the other super middles out there when I move on.”
Froch is expected to return to Nottingham in February or March 2007.
Given the reaction to his win, an even bigger turnout can be expected.
The following day he received a standing ovation when he stepped on to the pitch at the City Ground at half time of the Forest-Milwall match then, on the Monday, he was formally presented with his Lonsdale belt by Forest manager Colin Calderwood at the BBC East Midlands Sports Personality award.