Spectacular finish by Carl Froch, lots of credit to the guy for stepping up and delivering on the big stage. He can obviously take away positives from this fight, like his ability to go all the way and take shots (which he did before as well, but not against the same opposition). He got KD'd but getting up from the canvas and continuing is vital if you want to fight at the top. Improvements he will have to look into: -winning rounds. It was too close for comfort last night. If JT held on for 40 seconds without going down it would have all been over. Most top opponents Froch may face from now on will NOT gas in the last rounds. Relying on a stoppage alone is not going to be enough. You have to be ahead on the cards just in case your opponent doesn't go down. -defence. Jermain Taylor hasn't stopped anyone for 4 years. If he can knock Froch down, than more powerful punchers will be able to as well. Taking shots on the chin is not only going to lose him the round, but could also result in 10-8 rounds or, if the shot is good enough, a stoppage loss. -the jab. Froch can use his reach/size to score more points with the jab and force the opponent to open up more, which will make his big right easier to land. -speed. The power shots were pretty obvious to see coming, and nobody ever scored points for throwing at the air. Conclusion: Great heart and determination, but too close to comfort to use as a model. The approach should be modified for future fights.
Silly, nervous start, against a quick starter That's the main problem he gave himself He thought he couldn't be hurt, silly I thought he figured Taylor out to a degree and took the second half of the fight, I think he'll learn a fair bit from that fight about fighting at the top level
I think he possibly let the occasion get to him in the first few rounds and in a way the KD may have been good for him as he began to slowly pick up after that. Absolutely fantastic finish!
Apparently he didn't get a proper warm up, because the previous fight with green finished earlier than expected.
Started too slowly and Lost too many early round but that may have been down to Taylor. Lets not be too harsh on the guy though, he's only had 25 fights, one title fight, and just beat Jermain Taylor in the US.
He wont have the same problems taylor caused him against anyone else at supermiddleweight apart from Bute. There are relatively few slick, quick boxers at the weight. I suppose we still dont really know how he'd deal with a guy similar in style to himself - tough, hard hitting, good chin and stamina - whuich describes most of the other top supermiddleweights.
I really cannot believe some of the critisism that Froch is getting on here. That was a magnificent performance last night, and i'd put it up there with the best of British performances and alongside Benn V Mclellan, one of my fav fights. Froch had to overcome a worldclass, former undisputed world champion. A very hard puncher with superior handspeed and brilliant technical ability, in his own backyard. And he did on pure will to win. If that fight was live on mainstream tv, he'd be an early contender for sports peronality of the year. And his birds fit.
I agree, only Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell and they're both green, chinny, and one handed - if fast mobile and athletic.
yep he took a massive gamble, won one of the best ever super middle fights, stopped an elite name and now he stands to get prime time ITV coverage plus US TV involvement which will help to make the unification fights. The money for Froch and Bute will def be in defending vs Yank prospects (Green, Ward, Dirrell) and unification. i'm glad he cut it a bit fine as it's a) a wakeup call to fight more sensibly and b) it helps make him a commodity in a time when ppl want value for money battles. it could be a good time for fighters like Froch, and also Adamek, during this recession. Genuine champs, who bring huge drama and excitement.
Agree with all your points. Don't think it that type of performance will cut it against Bute or Kessler. Not everybody is going to gas. Froch is going to have to box a little bit more sensibly and win more rounds.
