Who is next for Carl Froch?

By Tony Pill: British and world No.1 super middleweight boxer Carl Froch silenced his critics last saturday night, with a sensational stoppage win over former undisputed champion, Jermain Taylor. Taylor, the American favourite, dominated proceedings, seemingly hitting the Brit with ease at times.

With the edge on speed and timing, he beat his man to the punch, wobbling the Cobra on several occasions. The right hand lead was without question causing the most problems. But it was a sweeping uppercut in the third that floored Froch for the first time in his 25 fight career..

The fight was a struggle for Froch from the opening bell and conceding a 10-8 round in the third didn’t help matters. Having a style of a loose defence with his left hand hanging low is always going to be dangerous at this level, and was close to being his downfall. Taylor was taking full advantage.

With only 3 rounds left in the contest, the Nottingham man was losing the fight considerably and just didn’t look like causing an upset.

Going into the last session Froch was behind on 2 of the judges scorecards by four rounds. He was in desperate need of the biggest three minutes of his career.

So with his second to none stamina and granite like chin, Carl “The Cobra” Froch fought the round of his life. Fighting, for the first time in the contest, like the true champion he is.

Taylor just couldn’t cope with the assault that was put upon him. With a two fisted, some might say reckless attack, the Brit caused a stoppage with less than 20 seconds left on the clock.

In emphatic style Carl Froch retained his WBC world title, against one of the most recognised fighters in the world, on American soil.

So with an improved record of 25-0 (20), who will be next for the Cobra? Will a retired Joe Calzaghe be tempted back in the ring one more time for a British showdown.

The chances of a comeback are slim, as Calzaghe has now cemented his legacy in boxing history. A fight with Joe’s old foe and WBA champion Mikkel Kessler is more probable.

Would it be unthinkable of a jump in weight. The light-heavyweight division has a handful of crowd drawing names and mega fights. Chad Dawson, Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson and the pick of the bunch, Bernard Hopkins. These are just to name a few of the options out there for Carl. Maybe even a fight back in Britain, and give our very own Clinton Woods a shot at the title.

If he goes back to the drawing board, trainer Robert McCracken and promoter Mick Hennessy may convince their charge to think hard and make a sensible decision next. Should he take a softer option, work on that defence and maybe keep those hands up. No one could criticise, he’s had two career defining fights that have turned into battles. He has proven he has what it takes to become a world champion, ability, heart, stamina, solid chin and belief. But if Carl wants a long career at the top he has to stop defending with his chin.

Let’s wait and see who will be next for Carl “the Cobra” Froch……..