Boxing Home Boy Carl Froch Promises to KO Tony Dodson

Carl Froch has promised the people of Nottingham a knockout when he defends his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Liverpool’s Tony Dodson live on Sky Sports this Friday.

A record turn out is expected at the prestigious Nottingham Arena when “The Cobra’ meets his long-term rival in a highly anticipated showdown that could see him win the Lonsdale belt “Outright’. The 29-year-old intends to reward his loyal supporter base with a spectacular performance.

“I am going to unleash hell on him,” said Hennessy Sports promoted Froch. “I’m going to give Nottingham a spectacular knockout. I think he’s going in the sixth round. If he gets beyond the sixth then all respect to him, but he won’t be going much longer.”

Whilst Froch is typically confident, he is in no way underestimating his opponent, despite surpassing Dodson’s achievements since the pair were first scheduled to meet 18 months ago when the Liverpudlian was champion.

“Dodson’s up for this,” Froch continued. “He’s going to be in his best shape ever. He’s had 12 weeks notice for this fight. In fact he’s had 18 months notice, but lets not talk about that.

“He deserves respect. He is a big strong man and he comes to win. He is not like Matthew Barney who I had to chase around the ring for 12 rounds.

“He is going to come out swinging. He’s been talking about his one punch power and saying that he is going to knock me out, so I am going to have to adopt a champion’s tactics. But I am slicker than him. I’m going to show off my skills and he’s going to feel my power.

“He may give me a couple back and I will think fair play to him: that’s what boxing is all about. I love the warrior angle – but whatever he thinks of his own power, he’s not going to be able to live with me.”

The two-times former ABA champion has had the advantage of preparing at home for this eighth championship contest of his career alongside his family, including his mum Carol who owns a pub in the City.

“I could never not be there when Carl fights,” she said at a photo call yesterday. “I always worry about him. I always worry about his opponent as well. You have to remember the other boy has a mum and dad too.”

For Froch, there is no place like home.

“I love it when I’m fighting in Nottingham,” he added. “Being familiar with your surroundings eases the pressure. Being around your family in your own setting helps you to relax. It’s great when the City gets behind me as well. It gives me that extra lift.”

The Hennessy Sports team member, hailed by his trainer Robert McCracken as a model professional, is highly motivated at the best of times. He believes his dedication will see him reach the very top.

“I don’t cut corners in training,” he said. “I never take my foot of the gas. I know that is the recipe for success. I know that 12 hard rounds for me will never be a problem. When I get into the ring I know all the hard work is in the bank. It’s been done. That leaves me to relax and get on with doing my thing.”

The Hennessy Sports “Outright’ promotion, headlined by Carl Froch vs. Tony Dodson, takes place at the Nottingham Arena on Friday November 24th. Tickets priced £25-£80 are available on 0870 121 0123. For a full bill and more information please visit www.HennessySports.com.