Carl Froch says we will see a different side to him now he's part of Sky Sports team
Thursday 16 July 2015 17:12, UK
Sky Sports' boxing pundit says we will see a new Carl Froch now he's on the other side of the ropes...
If I'm honest, retiring has taken a weight off my mind.
Of course Tuesday was the day I officially retired but I've got to be honest and admit that right up until the last possible moment I wasn't certain it was the right call.
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It really hit home on Monday night. I knew it was going to be on Sky Sports News every hour, online and mobile from 6.00am on Tuesday, but I didn't get any sleep.
I was just laying in bed with my eyes wide open, trying to force them shut, but my mind was working overtime. I was thinking 'Should I fight again? Who could I fight? What have I done over the last 13 years?' Was there anything I should've done different?
Human beings always want more, though, and boxers always think there's one more fight in them, and I went through that.
There is nothing like the highs and lows you go through in boxing but I've said all along, my new role is the next best thing. I am excited just thinking about it and one thing I do know is I will be talking less about myself. And I know you'll enjoy that!
I went through my whole career all night but even after only an hour's sleep, I was pretty satisfied with myself and very happy with my career.
I also thought I was going to get some criticism, or stick, when it was announced. But when I woke up on Tuesday, watched the great packages Sky Sports News had put together and announced my retirement, the response - dare I say while not 100 per cent positive, but 99 per cent - was amazing. It made me realise I had made the right decision.
I know I could fight but I have been out for over a year and I am not sure how my body would react to another camp. But the important thing was not so much the body, but the mind - and it just wasn't willing go through it all again.
Now I am quite happy, I'm at peace and I know it's a cheesy cliche that I've used before, but Micky said it to Rocky: 'You've become soft, you've become human and civilised. You're not the fighter you used to be and you are not the fighting machine you need to be at top level.' I suppose it's true.
To finish my career with such a massive ending couldn't have been scripted. A bitter feud with a domestic rival - and the George Groves saga was long - is the best you can get. Now I know it was the right way to go.
When I was fighting I was usually a bit angry and selfish, short with people, and most fighters will tell you when you're in camp you have to do that. Yes I was arrogant and cocky as well, but that has gone now. I don't need it.
I have had nothing but great respect, acknowledgement and appreciation from loads of fighters and loads of fans. It not only made me feel humble, it made me feel loved. Thank you. That is a great feeling to go out on.
The writing had been on the wall for ages but the one thing I have been looking forward to is being part of the Sky Sports team, starting in Manchester on Saturday.
You will not see the same person I was when I was fighting. I will still call it as I see it, though. I will always give an impartial, non-biased reflection on what's going on in front of me - even if one of my friends is fighting!
If they are doing something wrong I will tell the audience and if they deserve praise and credit I will give it to them as well. I am honest and that's one thing you need to be in this sport.
I've never been and I am never going to be a cheerleader for anyone. Don't expect that because I am looking forward to NOT doing that!
You'll probably see me more relaxed, more content, and you won't see me on edge. There will no longer be questions about future opponents and there will be no need for bravado. I've got nothing to prove.
There is nothing like the highs and lows you go through in boxing but I've said all along, my new role is the next best thing. I am excited just thinking about it and one thing I do know is I will be talking less about myself.
And I know you'll enjoy that!
