Individual opinions on Carl Froch

[Kirkland Laing]

You've got to admire Froch for going to America to fight his first defence against a guy who's fought in much higher class than him. Until he beat Pascal his best win was against a 37 year old ex-porn star and he was best known for his mouth and avoiding getting in the ring with anybody good till his thirties. I'd never seen Pascal before the Froch fight and thought he'd be a much better fighter if he'd had a jab. Taylor has a jab but Froch is the far hungrier fighter, but I still take Taylor by close decision. I think Kessler would hand his arse to him if they ever fought.

[Rantcatrat]

As far as his personality goes, Froch is arrogant and untested, which is a vexing combination. By comparing himself to Calzaghe, I had a difficult time taking him seriously until he decided to travel the US to fight Jermain Taylor. I can't help but give him credit for leaving the safe confines of England to fight a tough opponent. From what I've seen, his ability as a boxer is lacking in some areas but strong in others. In addition to decent punching power, he possesses admirable determination and a strong chin. On the other hand, he isn't fast enough to leave his left hand as low as he does and his head movement is relatively non-existent. In sum, Froch is very watchable because he'll leave it all in the ring and doesn't cower from punches.

In regards to the Taylor fight, given the above discussion, I lean toward Taylor taking a unanimous but hard-fought close decision with Froch giving a good showing of himself and considerably raising his profile. Possibly earning himself a rematch or a lucrative fight against another relatively big name like Miranda or Bika. Either poses stylistic challenges for Froch.

On another note, I understand Kessler has proven himself to be a talented boxer, but isn't it fair to say that due to his promotional problems and recent level of opposition that he is irrelevant for the next period of time and that Bute (or Bhop if he remains) is the man at the top of the heap in the 168 division?