Boxing Preview Analysis: Carl Froch vs. Jean Pascal, Amir Khan vs. Oisin Fagan

ByLee Bellfield


© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

As well as the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao mega matchup in Las Vegas, there’s a big night of british action tonight.

In what could be the bout of the evening, Nottingham’s Carl Froch has home advantage on his side when he faces tough Canadian Jean Pascal for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight title.

Froch is undefeated in 23 contests and Pascal is also undefeated, winning all 21 of his fights. Between them, both men have scored 33 knockouts.

For Froch, this has been a long road to his big chance. Often too good for his own future prospects, Froch ,now aged 31, has had to bide his time while rival Joe Calzaghe has had the limelight. With belts won at English, British and Commonwealth level, now is the chance for “The Cobra” to shine.

But it’s no pushover that he has in front of him on tonight as Pascal is five years Froch’s junior and has KO’d 14 of his 21 opponents.

Froch, however, has beaten the bigger names, as respected opponents such as Brian Magee and Robin Reid have fallen.

I’m expecting a tough night for Froch and while Pascal will come out fighting, home advantage should see “The Cobra” through on points.

Meanwhile at the ExCel Arena in London, Bolton’s Amir Khan attempts to get his career back on track. In his first fight since the shocking 54 second loss to Breidis Prescott, Khan faces Irish American Oisin Fagan.

The spotlight will be on Khan, but having spent time training with Freddie Roch and Manny Pacquiao, I’m not expecting Khan to slip up against his light punching opponent and the Bolton man should be back with a win before the halfway mark.

Also on the London bill, heavyweight Audley Harrison is in action when he meets “Prizefighter” winner Martin Rogan in a 10 round bout.

Harrison is still insisting that he can fight for a world title, but I dont think he will have things his own way against the Belfast Bruiser. One thing is for sure, Harrison will have to fight in this one and hopefully it should be more exciting than his last win three months ago against former cruiserweight contender George Arias.

Harrison might have some shaky moments, but I think he should come through, dare I say, on points!

The main attraction in London sees the return of Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli who was to attempt to win back his old WBO Cruiserweight title. In a revolving door-like change of opponents, he will now face domestic heavyweight Matthew Ellis.

Originally the Welshman was due to take on tough American Jonathan Banks in what would of been a big test in his first bout since the heavy loss to David Haye, until Banks pulled out with an injured ankle.

There was talk of a matchup with former WBO Heavyweight Champ Herbie Hide, now fighting as a cruiserweight, then opponent Francisco Alvarez was announced before finally former Blackpool heavyweight Matthew Ellis was drafted to face Maccarinelli.