Carl Froch will take on the undefeated Canadian Jean Pascal for the vacant WBC super-middleweight title in his hometown of Nottingham
Cobra to take on dangerous Canadian
Carl Froch will take on the undefeated Canadian Jean Pascal for the vacant WBC super-middleweight title in his hometown of Nottingham on December 6.
'The Cobra', himself unbeaten in 23 outings with 19 wins by way of knockout, is considered by many as the best boxer in Britain but remains in the shadow of Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe.
However, the British and Commonwealth champion has finally been given the all-clear to fight for a world title after Denis Inkin twice pulled out of fights earlier this year.
"I'm very excited at the prospect of facing a top fighter like Pascal for the WBC belt. It's something I've waited my entire career for," 31-year-old Froch said.
"Big credit for Pascal for taking the fight. I've had two so-called superstars flat out run from me this year in Joe Calzaghe, and Jermain Taylor.
"But Jean Pascal stepped up, and on December 6th, you're going to have two undefeated fighters in their primes fighting for a world title. It doesn't get any better than that."
But despite the frustration of having big fights disappear in front of his eyes, Froch is ready to turn the page on an aggravating chapter in his career.
"It's been very frustrating this past year having Inkin pull out twice, Calzaghe continue ducking me, and Taylor opting to fight Jeff Lacy in a potential eliminator rather than fighting me for the full WBC title," Froch said.
"There were times when it was really tough getting motivated to get in the gym. Really, what was I training for? But I kept faith in myself, and faith in my promoter, and things eventually worked out in a big way."
Promoter Mick Hennessy paid tribute to 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Pascal and his promoter Yvon Michel for taking the fight, which will only be the fighter's second outside of his native Quebec.
"I'm so delighted that this fight has being made, and thankful that somebody had the cojones to step up and face Carl Froch," Hennessy said.
"All of the top 168lbs fighters seem to be blatantly avoiding Carl Froch. So fair play to Jean Pascal and Yvon Michel for stepping up to take this fight."
"I saw first hand in Manchester just how good Jean Pascal is. He's a very athletic, flashy, fast, powerful, and somewhat awkward fighter. And, you know against Carl he's going to be more motivated than ever."
