As mentioned, Froch doesnt listen at all. I have seen mccracken throw right hands with the pads with the intention of froch blocking or slipping it before countering. froch lets it whack him in the face then counters!
i think its a case of froch having alot of flaws that have shown in past fights that ward could work on, ward on the other hand hadnt really shown any in past fights so froch just went out there to try and do what he always does.