Jermain Taylor vs. Carl Froch - WBC 168 lbs Title

And if he can't KO none of the world class fighters, will they all be "world class tough m/f, David? At what stage would you admit that he might not be that effective a puncher against world class opposition?:think

 

I agree with those who say that Froch is an underdog in this fight. Taylor is more skilled, fast and accurate, but although he is a bona fide world class fighter, he is not an elite-level performer. Froch does have two things that make him a live underdog in this fight: he can take a few good punches to make it hot for Taylor and he can use his mental strength and heart to pull him into a tear-up. This is precisely, in my view, the kind of situation that Taylor doesn't want to find himself in. Because Taylor backs up in a straight line, loses concentration and fights the wrong fight, and because he gets tired down the stretch, Froch has a fair chance to win by stoppage, given his style and physical, mental and emotional advantages. I think Froch's best bet is to go for broke from the start and give it his all, without trying to pace himself too much. If he gets the mental edge over Taylor from the beginning and takes his heart, he has a better chance of winning, I think. On the other hand, he might do better if he lulls Taylor into a false sense of security. Who knows? I may be wrong.

EDIT: I've heard Froch say in an interview that he intends to box early on. Come to think of it, it could be the right move. He could then save his energy, not get hit that much in exchanges, look for big punches and save his energy for the late rounds, when a rally would be most effective against Taylor. This is probably the best way for Froch to maximise his chances of winning, both on the cards and by stoppage. Going for broke from the start might not work so well after all.

This is Froch's opportunity to prove he is a world class fighter. I'm sure he'll make the most of it. I'm picking Taylor by fairly wide decision, though.

 

Does anyone else have something to contribute? I went through the thread and there was not much in terms of actual analysis.

 

How the media see the eagerly awaited 12-round WBC title fight:

Tim Smith, New York Daily News, (Taylor): "Since I've never seen Froch, I can't say whether it will be difficult or easy, but I can see Taylor outboxing him and winning a decision.''

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports, (Taylor): "Froch has a good chin and isn't going to go anywhere. But Taylor has been in with the better competition and is highly motivated to reclaim a championship. He'll have some anxious moments, but he'll pull away to record a unanimous decision victory.''

Robert Morales, Long Beach Press Telegram/Los Angeles Daily News, (Taylor): "Jermain Taylor has fought much tougher opposition during a career in which he hasn't received enough credit for his accomplishments. I believe that experience is going to play a big role in him defeating a fighter whose list of opponents leaves much to be desired. Froch has only fought once in the United States and it was against a club fighter at the Avalon in Hollywood (Calif.), which means nothing. This fight is going to be in Connecticut; that's just another advantage for Jermain. Because of the idea that he has not been given enough credit for what he has done, that just makes him even hungrier to win this fight. Taylor by lopsided decision.''

Flattop, FightNews.com (Taylor): "Taylor needs to box a measured fight, jabbing and out-maneuvering the heavy-handed Froch from a distance. Froch can win if he makes it a
toe-to-toe battle, as Kelly Pavlik did in the first fight with Taylor. But Taylor learned not to brawl with a brawler from the first encounter with Pavlik and fought a more tactical rematch, although unsuccessful. Taylor by unanimous but unpopular decision.''

Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.com, (Taylor): "In a closely contested fight, I'll take the speed and athleticism of Taylor over the consistency of Froch. Taylor wins a decision.''

Johnny Falgoust, USA Today, (Taylor): "Taylor by KO 8. Froch's power doesn't appear to be as good as his record indicates. He also doesn't have the reflexes to get away with carrying his left hand so low. Taylor's right hands should find a home easily. Although Froch holds the belt, he's the one stepping up in competition, not Taylor.''

Kevin Mitchell, The Observer, UK, (Froch): "Carl Froch has been boxing like a pro since he was a young amateur. He is a natural, as is Jermain Taylor. So this has the potential to be a classic boxing match. However, Froch has a hardness about him that will shock Taylor. He is a physically mature super middleweight up against a middleweight whose resolve and dedication have not always been up to scratch. Froch keeps the title by late stoppage.''

Bobby Cassidy, Newsday, (Taylor): "It's always tough to pick against a guy who has never lost, but I don't see Froch being able to outslug Jermain. I think that Taylor is very comfortable at 168 and that his handspeed will carry the day as he wins a unanimous decision.''

Michael Swann, ***********.com, (Taylor): "I love, love, LOVE Froch's confidence level. But that assuredness will evaporate when he figures out that Taylor is a step above anyone he has fought to this point. Taylor is triumphant by unanimous decision.''

Michael Rosenthal, The Ring-Online, (Taylor): "I'm impressed with Froch's record and his willingness to fight in the United States but I don't think he's faced anyone with Taylor's ability or quickness, although Jean Pascal is capable. If Taylor can twice give Bernard Hopkins fits, he'll be able to beat Froch by unanimous decision.''

T.K. Stewart, ***********.com (Froch): "From the first time this fight was mentioned as a possibility I maintained that Carl Froch would prove victorious over Jermain Taylor - and nothing has changed my mind since. Froch has an eclectic and quirky style and he fights with a lot of imagination. Styles do indeed make fights and Froch has the style as well as the confidence in himself to keep Taylor off his game. Froch will win a wide, unanimous decision.''

Karl Freitag, FightNews.com, (Taylor): "Joining a growing list of recent British champions to cross the pond, will Carl Froch be a Joe Calzaghe or a Clinton Woods? Jermain Taylor will test Froch as he's never been tested before. The feeling here is that Froch has more Woods in him than Calzaghe. Taylor won't stop him, though, but will win a 12-round decision.''

Ramon Aranda, 411mania.com, (Taylor): "Taylor will be more at home at super middleweight and his desire to be a world champ again will carry him through this fight. Froch is a strong 168-pounder but I haven't been too impressed with what I've seen out of him. I think he gives Taylor problems early on, but Taylor has a better second half and wins a close decision.''

Clive Bernath, SecondsOut.com, (Taylor): "This is a tough fight to call but I do believe if a peak Jermain Taylor turns up he will win. Froch is bigger, stronger and possibly better conditioned but he has not fought in this class before and his defense is weak to say the least. Taylor is faster, more experienced. And if the same fighter that beat Bernard Hopkins turns up I see him breaking through Froch's fragile guard and outpointing him over 12 hard rounds.''

James Slater, EastsideBoxing.com, (Froch): "I think Froch will be physically stronger than Taylor and I think he wants it more. Jermain may be the better, smoother boxer, but "The Cobra" will jump right on him and not allow "Bad Intentions" to get into his groove. This is the acid test for Froch, but I feel he will pass it with a late stoppage or a pretty clear points margin.''

Thomas Marriott, 15rounds.com, (Froch): "I can see each man winning in one fashion, Taylor by decision or Froch by KO. My head tells me Taylor, being he can probably outbox Froch most of the fight. I'm going with my heart, though, and pick Froch by a late stoppage. Taylor's lack of stamina and willpower, at times, has bothered me. I think Taylor wins the early rounds, but Froch wears him down and TKO's him late - perhaps around the 11th round the cobra will strike.''

Lee Bellfield, SaddoBoxing.com, (Froch): "At the time of writing this prediction, I found it hard to believe that no agreement had been made to screen this fight on UK TV, particularly since I think it's Froch's time now. Having won the crown in an exciting fight against Jean Pascal four months ago, Froch won't give up the title without a scrap and I've always had this feeling he's wanted this fight more than Taylor. Although Taylor has fought better, he also has flaws. I feel Froch's will to win should see him through against Taylor. At worst, I think Froch will win on points, but he may possibly stop Taylor late in the same way that Kelly Pavlik did.''

Brett Conway, MaxBoxing.com, (Froch): "Froch by unanimous decision. After beating Hopkins, Taylor would be my choice, but since then he has not measured up to expectations. Froch, on the other hand, has just come off a tough win against Jean Pascal, a fight that some considered the fight of the year for 2008. Froch is just too battle tested for Taylor. His toughness will wear the former middleweight champ down and he will win a unanimous decision.''

Matt Richardson, FightNews.com, (Taylor): "This should be a fun fight for as long as it lasts. I think there is a tendency now to assume all European super middleweights are underrated since so many of us on this side of the pond underestimated Joe Calzaghe for so long. But Froch is no Calzaghe. He's fun and exciting but I can't see him beating a rejuvenated and more physically comfortable (at 168) Jermain Taylor. Taylor wins by late TKO or decision.''

Jack Obermayer, Boxing Digest, (Taylor): "Lots of factors to consider, almost so, that this is a draw or toss-up fight. Can Froch be top flight away from home? Will Taylor move too much and thus make him look afraid in the eyes of the judges? Originally, I was a Froch man, but I feel that Taylor is enough of a solid - not great - boxer-puncher to control most of the limited action. Nonetheless, it'll be interesting in how it unfolds. Taylor by decision.''

 

Tim Starks, QueensberryRules.com (Taylor): "Both Froch and Taylor have loads of flaws, but in each of their last fights, they showed they have enough good traits to make them super middleweights to be reckoned with. I expect a good style match-up and close bout. What tilts me to 'Taylor by decision' is that one of Froch's flaws - that junk where he fights with his hands down - makes him far too hittable, and some of Taylor's good traits, like his speed and jab, make Taylor just the man to exploit it over and over again.''

David M. Lee, (411mania.com, (Froch): "Froch by TKO in the 10th. He is too big, too strong and too heavy-handed. Although Froch's defense is always a worry, I don't believe Taylor carries a big enough stick to stop a full-blown super-middleweight like Froch.''

Francisco Salazar, FightNews.com, (Taylor): "I'm a firm believer in that it's who you have fought. Taylor has faced the stronger and more talented opposition. Carl Froch has faced Jean Pascal and Robin Reid, scoring decision victories. Taylor wins a close decision in a bout that might feature at least one knockdown - by something like 115-112.''

Brent Matteo Alderson, ***********.com, (Taylor): "Froch has primarily fought a collection of no-hopers in his native England while Taylor has competed at the sport's most elite levels against the likes of Hopkins, Pavlik and Winky Wright. Plus Taylor is a big middleweight, and it looked like in the fight with Jeff Lacy that the additional weight is going to help him. Taylor hasn't fulfilled his potential and hasn't learned the subtle nuances of the sport that make good fighters into great ones, and just basically uses his athleticism and size to beat guys. I can't see Jermain, an Olympic medalist; losing to someone who didn't turn pro until the age of 25. I like Taylor especially since the fight is stateside. The advantages fighting at home in England are immense but fortunately for Taylor and unfortunately for Froch, the fight is in Connecticut."

Brian Blake, TalkingBoxing.com, (Froch): "Jermain is one of the best boxers America has seen in recent years, but I don't think that will be enough. His chin has been cracked and it will be tested once again. He'll try to box but once he gets touched he'll feel the need to go toe to toe and it won't pay off. It will be a see-saw fight until the seventh round when 'The Cobra' takes out 'Bad Intentions.' ''

Scott Fyfe, The Sunday Post - Scotland, (Froch): "If Taylor could not stop Jeff Lacy, he is unlikely to be able to come close to halting Froch. After waiting so long to become a recognized world champion, Carl will put on a showcase in this one to underline he's the emerging force in the super-middleweight division. Froch rolls on by decision.''

Mariano Agmi, FightNews.com (Taylor): "Taylor will be significantly faster than Froch, and the disparity in big-fight experience will be the difference. I expect an exciting bout where each fighter is stunned. In the end, I see Taylor using his superior boxing skills to pull out a tough but well-deserved 12-round unanimous decision victory in a close, competitive fight.''

Gunnar Meinhardt, German Boxing, (Froch) : "Froch will prevail - not only because of his determination to enhance his reputation in America but also because of his power and hunger to be the best at 168 pounds. Froch wins an exciting fight by decision or late stoppage.''

Patrick Cassidy, 411mania.com, (Froch): "Froch's handspeed will be a big problem for Taylor. Jermain was worn down over 12 rounds by Kelly Pavlik in their second fight and I expect Froch's naturally bigger frame to weigh on Taylor in this one. Froch wins a close split decision.''

Alex Dombroff, FightNews.com, (Taylor): "Taylor has too much natural boxing ability for the forth-coming brawler, Froch. It is quite possible that Taylor could beat himself, if he forgets about his jab and stands in with Froch. But something tells me Froch doesn't have enough Kelly Pavlik in him, and Taylor gets by with a decision victory.''

Zachary Levin, Boxing News, (Froch): "Froch wins a close decision. I think his movement, sneaky punches, awkward angles and underrated pop are going to trouble Taylor throughout. As Froch fades and makes mistakes in the last few rounds, Taylor will land some convincing blows. But it'll be too little too late.''

Chris Strait, Stick and Move w/ Chris and Chris at www.stickandmoveshow.com, (Taylor): "While's Froch's win over Pascal was impressive, it wasn't that long ago that we were less than impressed with Pascal even as he fought journeymen on ESPN2. I think it will take Froch only a few rounds to realize he's in over his head, and he will not attempt to ruffle Jermain's feathers. Taylor outboxes him to an easy decision win.''

Scott Swerbinsky, Pound 4 Pound Apparel Internet Radio (Taylor): "I love Taylor in this one. He's too big, strong, fast and hungry. Taylor wins by KO or dominating decision.''

Antonio Castro, KNR2 Boxing show, Cleveland, (Taylor): "This is too big of a jump up in class for Froch, who will also have to win on foreign soil. It won't be pretty, but Taylor will win a clear-cut unanimous decision.''

Dennis Bernstein, pound4pound.com, (Taylor): "Taylor's fought far better competition and needs a convincing victory to put him back in the forefront of the minds of the American boxing fans. Froch's WBC super middleweight title win was against unknown, then-unbeaten Jean Pascal and prior to that he beat a 37-year-old ex-Polish military man who took the fight on three days' notice - not exactly Kelly Pavilk and Bernard Hopkins. If Taylor uses his reach advantage and stays on the outside, he should be able to wear Froch down. Froch's straight ahead, plodding style is perfect for the bigger and more athletic Taylor. (Still) Jermain needs to prove he's a finisher. He hasn't stopped an opponent in over four years. Bottom line is, another Englishman goes home unhappy. Taylor takes it by TKO 10.''

David Duenez, There Will Be Blood Fight Show, (Froch): "Even though Froch's opposition does not equal Taylor's, Jermain's history for walking himself back to the ropes on his own will cause himself to be trapped against a big puncher like Carl. As we know, Froch does not have the speed or the experience like Taylor, but has the willingness to win. Taylor still has not adjusted his game plan and still tends to fall in the shoot-outs. Instead of boxing himself out of danger, he leaves an open window for someone like Froch to get a KO. Taylor is obviously the boxer, but he has yet to complete his schooling in the boxing manual. At this point in Taylor's career, a fight with Froch should be a minor test for him, but the lack of progression in his skills in this fight is going to be the testament of where his career goes next. Froch by late knockout stoppage.''

Phil Santos, Overhandright.com, (Taylor): "Taylor boasts a résumé with names like Hopkins, Wright and Pavlik and was once recognized as the world's best at 160. The trouble is every time JT faces an elite opponent (1) he never scores a knockout and (2) looks hittable and makes the fight more difficult than it has to be. For Froch this is his big shot. His most notable victories came over fringe contenders, at best, but to his credit he's still unbeaten and does possess good power. Froch is a nice fighter but Taylor's speed and experience should own the night. Despite what history tells me, I expect Taylor to score a TKO in 5.''

Jane Warburton, SaddoBoxing.com, (Froch): "I expect this to be an exciting and close contest. Taylor has fought great opponents, but I think Froch's speed and 'cobra sting' gives him the edge. Froch retains title on a unanimous decision.''

George Elsasser, BraggingRightsCorner.Com, (Taylor): "Having never seen Froch, undefeated or not, the scalps taken are as faceless to me as he is. Even a tainted Taylor since the Pavlik misadventures should be enough to claim the WBC strap. Taylor takes a decision.''

Dave Wilcox, Talkin Boxing with Billy C" Radio Show/RingSports Magazine, (Taylor): "It seems the current opinion is that Taylor has seen better days and Froch will overpower the Arkansas native. I couldn't disagree more. Taylor will be too slick and he will win a clear-cut unanimous decision to put himself back in the picture for some big paydays.''

Rusty Rubin, RingSports.com, (Taylor): "Taylor has been a hard fighter to understand. After he eked out a win over BHOP, instead of learning and correcting some mistakes, he seems to have lost his confidence. Make no mistake, Taylor can fight with the best of them; in fact, he has. Froch is an up-and-comer and this will be his biggest test. The obvious question is, which Taylor will show up. If he fights like he did in his two fights with Hopkins, he's an easy winner. If not, we have a horse race. Assuming the fight goes to the judges, and I believe it will, Taylor, who's certainly fought better competition, will take a unanimous decision.''

Howie Reed The Square Ring, (Froch): "The champion successfully defends on a 12-round decision.''

Luke Kohler, BoxingInformer.com, (Taylor): "Taylor has a clear class edge, having beaten Hopkins (twice) and being in the ring with Pavlik (twice) and Wright. Froch still seems to be a bit rough around the edges and hasn't fought at this level. I think this is a solid action fight with Taylor being able to win rounds more clearly. Froch will have his moments, but as we've seen before, it's very difficult to look good against Taylor. Froch's low left hand will make Taylor's jab look good and Froch's flurries won't be enough. That said, you never know what you're getting from Jermain, so I can't say I'd be surprised at a Froch victory. But in the end, Taylor's experience will show as he pulls it out on the cards in a close, exciting fight.''

 

Graham Houston's thoughts:

After years of saying how good he is, Carl Froch gets the chance to prove it in his biggest fight when he defends his WBC super middleweight title against Jermain Taylor at Foxwoods on Saturday, with Showtime televising in the U.S. and Super Channel in Canada, while in Britain ITV will have delayed coverage the next evening. (Fans in Britain and Ireland can also watch on internet PPV should they be so inclined.)

For the first time in his career, Froch will enter the ring as an underdog.

He showed grit and savvy when he outpointed the flashy, undefeated Jean Pascal in his last fight, in December, but this time Froch is far from the home comforts of Nottingham in the English midlands. He meets a skilled, elite-level American ex-champ who has boxed on a much higher level.

The crowd at Foxwoods in the Connecticut woods will be cheering for Taylor. Froch will most likely hear boos when he is introduced to the crowd; chants of “U.S.A.” will be a rallying cry for Taylor.

Froch has never faced anything like the pressure that he will be facing in Connecticut. He seems unconcerned, saying that he not only thrives on pressure but that the big occasion will give him the extra surge of adrenaline that has not always been there when he has boxed at home. The ring will never have seemed a lonelier place for Froch, though, than it will be when the bell rings for the first round on Saturday night.

All of Froch’s career so far has been leading to this moment. If he wins, he establishes himself as a big-time attraction on the world stage. If he loses, sad to say he will go home as just another British fighter who couldn’t back up his words when the stakes were high and the chips down.

Froch, although the champion and undefeated, is the underdog. He has fought just once outside of the U.K. as a professional — a stoppage win over Costa Rican trial horse Henry Porras in Los Angeles — although he boxed overseas in international tournaments as an amateur, including two wins in Saskatchewan over Canadian Olympic representative Donald Orr.

The fight against Taylor, a championship bout in the U.S. and live on premium-cable American TV, will be a new experience for Froch. Taylor, however, has fought on the big stage a number of times.

Froch has the unbeaten record, but Taylor has the superior pedigree.

While Froch was twice the English national amateur champion and captured a bronze medal in the world championships, Taylor won an Olympic bronze medal.

Apart from the impressive win over Pascal there is nothing on Froch’s record that really stands out at the world-class level. His best wins prior to beating Pascal were a knockout over the capable Irish southpaw Brian Magee — and that was a close fight up to the 11th-round finish — and a blowout over a faded and semi-interested Robin Reid in five rounds, although Froch's two-round demolition of usually durable Sergey Tatevosyan is perhaps an underrated performance.

Taylor, though, has the two wins over Bernard Hopkins — both admittedly debatable — and the gallant draw with a peak-level Winky Wright. He almost knocked out Kelly Pavlik in their first fight, and Taylor boxed very well in the rematch although unable to keep up with Pavlik’s pressure and punch-rate in the later stages. He is a boxer who is accustomed to being in big fights against a very high standard of fighter and this, coupled with the Foxwoods setting, is the reason he is the betting favourite.

Froch is viewed in the U.S. and also to a certain extent in Britain, I believe, as a dangerous but still somewhat unproved fighter who might be dazzled by Taylor’s speed and skill level.

He is a fighter who has always believed in himself, though, and soon we will see if the self-belief is justified.

I think that the early rounds are going to tell the tale. If Taylor immediately starts having his way, jabbing, hooking, bringing over the right hand, moving smoothly and making Froch look amateurish and flat-footed, the fight will be as good as over.

Froch must, I believe come out with assurance and let Taylor know from the start that he is in for a long, hard night. Even if Froch is outpointed in the early rounds, as long as he can keep in the fight, perhaps hurting Taylor once in a while and not eating too many shots, he can still come on to win, because I believe that the later rounds are where the British fighter can have his greatest success.

I consider Taylor, 30, to be the faster and more polished boxer, but Froch, 31, seems to be stronger and heavier hitting.

Froch would appear to have a natural size advantage as he has been boxing his whole career at 168 pounds whereas Taylor has boxed just twice at a weight above 160 pounds — the hard-fought loss to Pavlik in their second meeting and the comfortable points win over Jeff Lacy in his last fight.

I believe that if Froch can keep the fight on a competitive basis for the first six rounds, there is a real possibility that he can force his way into control in the second half of the contest.

The most worrying aspect of the fight for Froch’s supporters is the way that he holds his hands low. He believes that this keeps him relaxed and better placed to strike with swift, hard shots when he sees an opening, but it could get him into trouble against Taylor, who throws hard, fast right hands and hooks.

Pascal hit Froch with some big shots but the British boxer adjusted smartly and was able to get his left jab and combinations working to assert his authority. His camp is convinced he can do the same against Taylor.

I thought that Froch was outstanding in his title-winning fight, hittable but with an unquenchable will to win over a worthy opponent.

It could even be argued that Pascal is more gifted than Taylor — but he doesn’t have Taylor’s big-fight experience. Taylor knows what it is like to be in long, gruelling championship fights. Pavlik kept the punches coming, but Froch doesn’t have Pavlik’s grinding workrate. Froch can definitely punch, though, and he is capable of being explosive with his hooks, right hands and especially his uppercuts even in the closing stages of a contest.

What worries me about Taylor is that he has shown a tendency to fade and he knows what it is like to be badly knocked out. If Taylor is unable to outclass Froch or get him out of the fight early, he could start feeling the strain, mentally as well as physically.

I have gone back and forth on this fight but I think I found a clue when looking at my notes on November’s Taylor-Lacy 12-rounder. Taylor did a lot of holding in that fight, and was cautioned on a couple of occasions by the referee. Although the ref ruled a slip when Taylor went down in the fifth, it was noted by Larry Merchant in the HBO commentary that Taylor acted like a fighter who had been knocked down, the way he grabbed hold of Lacy. I made the note that Taylor looked “strangely vulnerable” but that Lacy was “too slow and plodding to be very effective”. Yes, Taylor won widely on points, but this was against a sadly faded Lacy who was in effect a one-handed fighter, the left hook hardly ever in evidence. I keep asking myself whether the severe knockout defeat in his first fight against Pavlik took a little something out of Taylor.

Maybe I am underestimating Taylor, and perhaps he will come out with one of his sharpest performances and maybe even make it look easy — this would not be a total shock. I am going with Froch, however. I think his jab and hand speed are comparable to Taylor’s, and I have a feeling that he might be a little too hungry, too big, too strong and too tough for his higher-profile opponent. I’m taking Froch to grab command in the last third of the contest and forge ahead to take a points victory — with a late stoppage not an unthinkable outcome.

 

Here, finally, is a preview from one of the most credible British analysts, who rarely gets it wrong, Kevin Roberts:

How good is Carl Froch? It's a bit of a mystery. Some say he is a world beater who is ready to fly the British boxing flag around the world for years to come. Others say he is an overrated, mouthy git who will get shown up. Which is it?

Well, as these things tend to be for me he is somewhere in the middle. One thing is for sure we will find out on Saturday night just how good he is when he makes the first defence of his WBC super-middleweight championship against Jermain Taylor – this on paper looks a stern test and a first defence which Froch should be applauded for having the nuts to take.

Certainly it is not unfair to say that it took a certain Welshman a lot longer to fight blokes of the calibre of Taylor, but let's not go there.

Nottingham's Froch has impressed everyone not only with his fighting skills but also his attitude and willingness it seems to take risks, hence this fight. For his part Taylor has also shown he is willing to take risks – two fights each against Hopkins and Pavlik; remember the spanking he took off Pavlik first time out, shows that Jermain does not take the easy route either. Indeed it's a risk fighting a bona fide 12 stoner in Froch, make no mistake if Taylor loses then it's hard to see where he would go afterwards.

So, how will the fight pan out?

Looking at Froch first we see a determined, hungry champion who possesses good boxing skills, a very good chin and what would seem decent power – just how hard he hits at this level though is open to debate. He hit Pascal flush with a number of shots and the tough Canadian did not seem overly perturbed. It's a far cry from Ruben Gronewald to Jermain Taylor.

Carl will, I am sure, want to drag Taylor down into places Taylor does not want to go and will try and make the fight a bit of a brawl.

Taylor? Well, it's hard to know what to make of him. He has balls as we have already talked about but there is the perception that he is a bit of a reluctant fighter, more the sportsman rather than the fighter. You only have to witness just how uppity Manny Steward got in Taylor's fight against Spinks to realise that. Therefore it's hard to see Taylor wanting to trade with the bigger, stronger man in Froch. Taylor will surely look to use his reach and boxing skills to try and outbox Froch. Certainly Froch is no speedster and there is a suspicion that he could be soundly outboxed here.

What will happen? It is a difficult fight to call. However, the more I look at this the more I see Naz v Kelley. What I mean by that is we have an unbeaten, confident fighter going in against someone who whilst still good is perceived to be ‘past his best'. The problem for Froch I see is that in the same way Naz underestimated Kelley, I think Carl has done the same with Taylor.

The other problem is that I see the result going a different way. It's like when you see a very good football team in the Championship (in this case Froch) play a mid table Premiership team (Taylor) – everyone thinks the Championship team will win being that they are on the up, yet invariably the Premier League team shows its class and wins.

This for me is the key. Taylor has the form and class at the highest level, Froch does not and I do feel everyone has underestimated Taylor and slightly over egged the pudding with Froch.

Sadly, and I mean sadly because I want Froch to win, more for his attitude more than anything else, I see Froch finding out very early doors what he has let himself in for. Look for Taylor to outbox Froch early on survive the odd sticky moment late on to secure a wide points decision and take the title away from Britain.

To be fair, he may even make Froch look a little poor in doing so. I hope I am wrong.