These guys remind quite a bit about each other, I think. Froch is more aggressive and Eubank more elusive, but both are awkward, strong and powerful. They're also both mentally strong with the ability to come from behind and win. So who wins at 168?
Eubank was an erratic performer. At his best he would beat the best version of Froch quite severely. Froch is a tough warrior but far too easy to hit. Eubank at his best was a classy boxer-puncher.
Doing this at peak vs peak, Eubank. Hugely. Froch doesn't have the chin of Eubank, he's been heavily dropped and staggered repeatedly in his career. Eubank was cut from black marble. Eubank was faster, cleverer, tougher and more skilled than any version of Froch. Eubank vis wide UD seems reasonable, but a late stoppage wouldn't surprise either.
If Eubank does his best,he outpoints Froch quite decisively. Better skillset. He would have to guard against being outworked,however.
This. I could also see Froch getting into Eubank's mind. Chris is by far and away the better of the 2 but tended to be lazy.
I like Froch better, he is more willing to take risks and mix it up with the best. Eubank was a better boxer though and I think his size would trouble Froch. Eubank didnt even look outsized when he was fighting at cruiserweight, how he ever got down to middleweight is beyond me. To many advantages in size, speed and skill for Froch to overcome, Eubank by UD.
Eubank had incredible head slips against the jab, so Froch would have to close in on him and throw leather - leaving him open to Eubanks excellent body punching and sharp counters. I don't see how Froch could win it, unless his chin (and ribs) holds up somehow and he outworks Chris by having the last word in exchanges, bruised and battered and bloodied... I don't see it. Eubank stoppage.
That much? Yeah, Eubank isnt that tall, but he just looks big. Have you seen the Thompson fights? Eubank didnt look to small at all I thought. I might be overrating Eubank though, he looks good on film. Froch is a bit like Marciano for me, he looks slow and akward, but somehow he manages beat world class opposition time and again. So there is clearly more there than meets the eye.
I was myself surprised that Eubank was so much shorter. Agree that he looks bigger than that. I also find Froch particularly hard on the eye, but, as you say, he is effective. If kept at Eubank's pace, I think he wins this. Froch would really have to pressure him and keep him out of his comfort zone, like Watson, Collins and Calzaghe did.
Eubank used to walk around at a chiseled 182 between fights, whereas Froch walks around at 168 all year round. Eubank would enter the ring at 180+ and Froch 170-.