Even if he demolishes a game Froch in 3 rounds, Bute won't surpass Ward at 168. That would mean it will have taken Bute that long to face an A level opponent finally, one who just lost 9 rounds to Ward in his last fight and a victory that still wouldn't be to the caliber of Wards' best win (Kessler). Bute fighting Froch is the third best opponent he could have fought at 168, so props for stepping up. Ranking their current best wins amongst each other, in my opinion: Ward over Kessler Ward over Froch Bute over Johnson Bute over Andrade II Ward over Abraham Ward over Bika Bute over Bika Ward over Green Bute over Berrio Bute over Andrade I Bute over Miranda Ward over Miranda
I'd like to believe Berrio was better than Green, he didn't totally collapsed when he reached championship lvl, he was game against Bute, yes Ward didn't Ko'ed Green but he's light-fisted, Glen did it.
Good thing the Super Six locked in the best fighters at 168 without Bute getting a chance to fight them. I wouldn't be a fan if he fought these guys while the S6 folks were available. Yet when Johnson became avail Bute fought him, and when Ward became avail he declined a Bute fight (if you wanna be picky, Goosen did). Froch is/was the best available option for Interbox, since both Ward & Dirrell didn't want any.