Renowned boxing writer and boxing aficianado graham houston gives a good account in picking AA by stoppage. Graham cannot be confused with the wrong picking teddy atlas, and hasn't ever let his british nationalism get in the way of handicapping a big fight. Afterall, he picked ward to decision kessler when most thought ward was in over his head. The brit likes AA's regimented fight plan, and with the recent hostilities he seems to be on the idea that matters will end beofre the final bell. I really didn't know who to pick in this fight, and in an earlier post i gave a slight edge to froch's long range tactic of picking off AA and slipping out to the side when the armenian charges in. However, houston has my head working over the heart and I seem to envision the same result in an AA TKO. The other reason is the stubborness of froch, and that he will get caught.........hard. Nobody can take a flush AA shot without something giving. I'm not officially calling an AA stoppage, but it's the outcome i'd pick if i was forced to pick a result.
**** this Graham Houston guy, I was saying Abraham UD years ago. He was probably trolling the boards under some ******* alias when he saw my prediction and decided to write a ****ing article about it. Plagarist ****.
the facts are its a tough fight to call... but froch will bully the bully tonight and the crownless aa can go back to 160 and play with the rest of the smurfs..:hey
That was my stance too at first hendo, but houston's propensity to predict the outcomes almost spot on, and with explanation has me questioning my own judgement. However, I feel i know as much as anybody on this sport and won't be swayed. Thanks for setting me straight bro. I'm going back to my original pick outcome, and going with a 116-112 decision for the cobra.
Arthur Abraham @ near evens (8/11) is one of the best bets I have seen in some time. The fight will take place in Finland, and Sauerland are promoting the fight. IF this fight goes to points and I sincerely doubt it will, then it will be extremely difficult for Froch to get a decision. For that reason alone I am amazed AA is not -200. If this goes to the cards, Froch aint winning (ala Kessler in Denmark). AA is essentially a hometown fighter here, a point which seems to have been lost on most posters on ESB. Stylewise, I think Froch is perfect for Abraham. He leaves his head out there to be hit and that is a recipe for disaster against Abraham. Froch has a good chin, but realistically who has he fought that has a murderous punch? AA has sick power in both hands and while I don't think he will KO Froch early, I think eventually his power will wear Froch down and he will get a brutal late KO. I know some people think Froch can box on the outside against Abraham. I am not buying that for a second. Andre Dirrell, Froch is not. I have no doubt that will be Froch's gameplan. Jab from the outside and try pile up the early rounds. I am sure he will win a few of those rounds using these tactics, BUT Froch's biggest problem is not his jab (which is not a bad weapon) it's his footwork. The guy does not have the footwork to keep AA off him for too long. I think AA will start quicker than in previous fights (or he will certainly try) and his gameplan will be simple. Drag Froch into a war. Froch is too stupid (he lacks boxing acumen) to avoid this scenario (no matter what his trainer says to him) and he will play right into Abraham's hands. I truly believe this will be Carl Froch's last fight. I think he will never be the same after the beat down he is about to receive. I would question his hunger (from interviews I have seen/read and general body language and demeanour. He has made enough money to live a secure life. He is a new father and I think deep down he knows he can't beat Andre Ward. Abraham on the other hand is a true warrior, he has better hand speed, better footwork, bigger puncher and harder chin. Froch lossing his 0 will have a serious effect on him mentally and I swore I would fade him huge as soon as this happened. Add to the fact, as far as judging goes this may as well be in Germany and this is just beyond a tasty bet. Can Froch win? Of course. There is not a huge amount of difference in class between them, but at these odds and when you condiser all the variabiles that come into play for this fight, King Arthur represents amazing value at these odds. Take it....
