by James Slater – Unbeaten WBC super-middleweight ruler Carl Froch has always wanted to become a man known as the best in his weight class, if not his entire sport, and he has always wanted to become a true superstar. Entering the very exciting “Super-Six” super-middleweight tournament that has been conceived by Showtime has now given “The Cobra” the opportunity he has wanted with regards to fulfilling the superstar part of his desires as a boxer.
The 32-year-old, who has already made a name for himself with thrilling victories over world class opponents Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor, has gone on record as saying he is sure he will become a true star of his sport when he wins the tourney that is scheduled to begin in October.
Talking to BBC Radio Nottingham, the 25-0(20) warrior expressed his excitement at the Showtime opportunity..
“To win this tournament will make me an international superstar, it’s as simple as that,” Froch said. “There are six top, world-class fighters here, all facing off against each other. It’s an unbelievable concept. It’s a new concept for professional boxing. You’re not in a team but feel part of a team.”
With regards to feeling like part of a team, Froch revealed how he has been getting on well with rival world champion Mikkel Kessler, who is, of course, also one of the six fighters taking part in the tournament. Even though he will be swapping leather with the Dane pretty soon, Froch, as a result of the Showtime event, has got to know the WBA 168-pound champ a little better.
“I’ve befriended Mikkel Kessler,” Froch said. “We’ve had a good chat and exchanged numbers. We’re on talking terms and we’re getting on, but there’s still that look in his eye. I told him, ‘Mikkel, respect before the fight, respect after the fight, but not during the fight,’ and he said, ‘Of course, of course.'”
Froch Vs. Kessler is just one of a number of mouth-watering bouts the tournament will give the fans. And of course, Froch feels he will win the lot, in so doing surpassing everything one-time potential rival Joe Calzaghe accomplished in his great career.
“I will have achieved far more than [Joe] Calzaghe ever achieved in his career [if I win], because I’m in a position here where I’m fighting the other five best fighters in this division,” Froch stated. “I think winning this tournament will mean you’re not only the best in your division, but it’s going to give you status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.”
It will be far from easy for Froch to pick up the trophy next year (most fans seem to have Germany’s Arthur Abraham listed as the favourite to win), but “The Cobra” feels he is closer than ever to achieving just about everything he’s wanted to achieve in boxing.
Froch’s first fight of the tourney takes place in his native Nottingham, UK on October 10th, against unbeaten Andre Dirrell. A war can be expected!