Since the inception of the sport of boxing, up and coming fighters have taken part in the by now traditional activity of champion baiting. This usually happens in the giddy period experienced by the prospect after a win, usually over a faded ex-champion or a

journeyman of the type that are repeatedly defeated by better class fighters. Currently in the super middleweight class, just such a situation is occuring between British and Commonwealth titlist Carl Froch and longtime WBO kingpin Joe Calzaghe.

Froch, 15-0 (12), is one of the better up and coming British fighters since Ricky Hatton was still a prospect and has made full use of his excellent verbal skills as well as his honed ringcraft. The former amateur standout banged out quality Costa Rican journeyman Henry Porras earlier this week and has been wringing full value from the win, particularly as it occurred on US soil.

The boastful Froch certainly isn't lacking in confidence and has upped the ante with his calling out of Joe Calzaghe, of late delving into territory likely perceived by the WBO titlist as being disrepectful. This line of media manipulation is obviously designed to acquire an opportunity for the Nottingham man to face Calzaghe when that normally wouldn't happen due to the two's differing career stages.

Should Calzaghe, as expected, turn back the challenge of Mario Veit next month and promoters Sports Network continue to have difficulty lining up IBF belt-holder Jeff Lacy, Froch may get his wish to share the ring with the Welshman. And he may wish he hadn't.

Calzaghe hasn't lost a fight in over eighty matches, including his amateur career, and has by far the fastest hands in the super middleweight class. The Newbridge man's abilities far outshine anyone the brash Froch has shared the ring with to date and it would simply be a mistake to allow the unbeaten British and Commonwealth champion into the ring with Calzaghe at this stage. Froch's promoters Hennessy Sports have full confidence in their man however and are eager enough to blacken the eye of Britain's ruling promoter's Sports Network that they just may force the issue.

Richard Eberline can be reached at richardeberline@fastmail.fm

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