UK Boxing: Froch On Calzaghe, Hatton; Brook Injured, Cleverly Steps In

WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has told talkSPORT, the UK’s only national commercial speech radio station, that the recently retired Joe Calzaghe should STAY retired as the Nottingham fighter feels he has nothing to prove following his stunning 12th round defeat of Jermain Taylor on Saturday evening..

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show, Froch was asked if he expected the undefeated Welshman to come out of retirement and fight him. “Realistically, probably not,” said Froch. “Calzaghe needs to stay retired. He’s finished; he’s done what he’s done. He’s eating plenty of food now, he’s drinking, and he’s enjoying his life and so he should. He’s had a fantastic career.

“But the reason I called him out at the end of the [Taylor] fight was because he did say going in to that fight I wasn’t good enough to fight him and I’m not proven at world level. I gave him my answer back there and he who laughs last, laughs longest. I’ve had the last laugh now with Calzaghe. I’ve won that fight in style and he’s got nothing bad to say about me.

“He’s retired, I’ll leave him alone. He needs to stay retired. If he does want to come out of retirement and he was talking about it, the only justifiable fight for him is [against] myself. So we’ll see what happens. Bigger names than Calzaghe have come out of retirement so he might just fancy the job.”

Looking ahead to Ricky Hatton’s fight this weekend in Las Vegas where the Manchester fighter is defending his light-welterweight title against Manny Pacquiao, Froch was asked how he thought the fight would go. “It’s a difficult one, it’s close,” said Froch. “I think Ricky Hatton can do it and I hope he does. He can definitely pull it off. He’s the bigger and the stronger of the two and if the referee allows him to do what he can do, to rough him [Pacquiao] up and punch him around the sides, hold him and hit him like he does. If the referee lets him fight his fight then Ricky Hatton can pull it off and I sincerely hope he does.

“It looks like the favourite is going to be Manny Pacquiao on points because pound-for-pound he is one of the best fighters in the world. He’s got a phenomenal work rate. But he’s not a big man. Hatton is bigger and naturally stronger than him so don’t be surprised if Ricky pulls it out of the bag.”

BROOK INJURED, CLEVERLY STEPS IN

Rising star Kell Brook has withdrawn from his British Welterweight title defence on May 22 at the York Hall after injuring his hand.

The Sheffield star, who was aiming to win the Lonsdale belt outright inside 12 months, hurt his hand during a sparring session and after medical examination was advised to pull-out.

Brook’s challenger was due to be Birmingham’s Young Mutley, but he withdrew yesterday after injuring his ribs and the search was on for a new opponent.

With Brook now out, Welsh hot-shot Nathan Cleverly will now headline the Frank Warren promotion with a defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight crown.

The unbeaten 22-year-old, who is studying for a Mathematics degree at Cardiff University, is undefeated in 15 fights with five knockouts. His last two title defences have ended in knockout wins.

Cleverly said, “I was disappointed to hear that Kell was injured, he’s a good fighter and I was looking forward to putting my feet up and watching him on TV in a few weeks time,

“When I got the call asking if I was fit and ready and could I box on May 22, I jumped at the chance,

“I was due to fight next on the Amir Khan undercard at the 02 Arena in June but I really fancied getting back in the ring sooner so it was a great opportunity,

“I’m always in training and try to keep close to my fighting weight so I don’t have to lose too much when I start training.”

“It’s going to be a busy year for me and I’m desperate to get a shot at the British title.”

Cleverly’s challenger will be announced shortly.

The York Hall undercard will remain the same and features Kevin Mitchell, Derek Chisora, Stephen Smith, Vinny Mitchell and Walsh brothers Liam, Michael and Ryan.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £50, are available from the Frank Warren Box Office on 01992 550 888 and Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500.