By Ryan Watson: For a decade, Armenian born King Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KO’s) resided in the German province of Kruezberg. For years the king reigned supreme at middleweight, ruling over his division with an iron fist. Foe after foe, Arthur struck with the same vengeance. Defeating all enemies that traveled the globe in the quest for his crown. As time passed the German people took to Arthur, he became their champion. They made him an honorary German. The Armenian king was no longer Armenian, but one of their own.
Meanwhile on the other side of the continent was 168lb British challenger Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KO’s). Carl, a lesser-known figure operating well under the radar, was racking up wins against nobodies but quietly climbing up the WBC ladder. Froch acquired a small army of fans and with every win that army grew. Until eventually the Brit reached the top and fought for a crown of his own. The Cobra took on 168lb WBC mandatory challenger Jean Pascal. In what was a back and forth slugfest, reminiscent of a Rocky film, Froch took the title. Now the Nottingham man had his legion of followers and was thrust in to the public’s eye. All the while both boxers were unknowingly fighting their way in to the concept we know as ‘The Super Six”
Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves deep in the heart of the tournament. Since then Froch has lost his WBC title and King Arthur has been dethroned. The two warriors are now set to cross paths in a fight which the experts are billing as ‘fight of the year.’ And to add even more spice to the clash, both men are coming off their first career losses which will only make them fight harder for the win.
With many pundits split on who will take the victory and the bookmakers slightly favoring Abraham, I think the bout will unfold as many fight fans would expect. Abraham will weld his hands to his face, adopting his trademark high guard and march Froch down. And for the first 6 rounds have the punch output of a Shannon Briggs. While Carl who is very confident, bordering on the delusional, will not go in and try to trade with Arthur but I think adapt his game plan. He will box and move, pivoting after his shots to land his signature uppercut when Abraham turns to catch up with him. However, I do not see Froch having the discipline to maintain this stick and move strategy throughout the fight. As soon as he gets tagged I see him going in to fight mode and reverting back to the style he knows best.
‘The Cobra‘ who doesn’t exactly spit venom at his opponents, ironically resembles more of a python, as he uses intense and relentless pressure to grind his opponents down (admittedly ‘Carl the Python’ doesn’t sound as catchy). He keeps his hands low and invites the hayemakers, intending to slip and land one of of his own, until eventually engaging his opponent in a war. Although this is a dangerous tactic for any fighter to employ, Froch has been very successful with it as it utilizes his best assets, his granite chin and power punching. Unfortunately for the Brit, using this game plan against Abraham is like a lamb to the slaughter. When Abraham finally comes of his shell and Froch tries to trade, I believe Abraham’s punches will prove too powerful even for Carl’s iron chin. But only time will tell.
Come November 27th will we see Froch upset the odds and execute the perfect game plan? Or will Abraham deliver the same fate as he did to his other 31 victims and we see the mighty Arthur be crowned king once again?