Froch Returns This Winter, Bute Rematch On Horizon

ByBoxing Press


© Lawrence Lustig

Carl Froch will defend his IBF super middleweight title in the UK this winter after both his and Lucian Bute’s teams decided to delay the rematch which is now pencilled for March 2013 in Montreal.

The Cobra ripped the IBF belt from Bute with a stunning fifth round stoppage in Nottingham in May, and Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn says the three-time World champion will now defend his title in the UK in November.

“Froch vs. Bute has already gone down as one of the greatest nights in British boxing history,” said Hearn. “It generated record television audiences and a sold-out arena where fans were treated to what many respected pundits and fighters have described as one of the best atmospheres ever felt in a British fight.

“Of course, like any fighter Lucian is keen to avenge this defeat and as per our agreement has the opportunity to try to make that happen.

“Both myself and Lucian’s promoter Jean Bedard feel that it is the best interests of both fighters and any future rematch that both fighters will take an interim fight later this year. Froch vs. Bute II in Montreal is a massive event and I’m sure that impressive victories for both men later this year will add further fuel to the fire.

“We will be looking to announce an opponent for Carl in the next few weeks for another big fight in the UK.”

On the rematch, Bute commented: “That was not the real Lucian Bute in that Nottingham ring on May 26. I spent the last few weeks reflecting about what went wrong, what happened, and the only thing that is crystal clear in my mind is that I want my rematch with Carl Froch as soon as possible.”

Promoter Bedard added: “There is no hiding the fact that the result on May 26 was hard on everyone. But even in defeat, in the locker room after the fight and the days following the loss, I still felt Lucian had the fire in his belly to come back stronger and demand his rematch with Froch.

“Matchroom Boxing is a great organization to work with and I have been speaking to Eddie once or twice a week since May 26th. I almost know his number by heart.”