I’ll come clean. I have never seen Carl "the Cobra" Froch (24-0, 19 KOs) fight. Outside of this YouTube boxing clip, I know as much 
about Carl Froch as I know about nuclear physics. But I do know something about boxing and a little bit about Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor (28-2-1, 17 KOs). What am I getting at? Based on what I have seen on YouTube and what I know about Jermain Taylor, I’d be very shocked to see Taylor lose.
Here’s why.
Bernard Hopkins. Winky Wright. Kelly Pavlik. Jermain Taylor has fought and competed well against all three, a "who’s who" of pound-for-pound caliber fighters. Carl Froch’s best opponent was the competent, albeit unspectacular, Robin Reid. To make matters worse, this will be only the second time that Froch is fighting outside of the UK. That’s bad news. I expect Bad Intentions to take advantage of this as well as his huge advantage in ring competition.
I wish I could provide you with more information, but I’m pretty confident predicting a Jermain Taylor stoppage victory over Carl Froch. Taylor is still very fast and strong at super middleweight. Froch appears to have decent quickness but it’s really hard to asses what he’s done based on his woeful competition. If I’m wrong, don’t blame me, blame YouTube.
I don’t know much about Froch either, but I can tell you based on what I know on Jean Pascal, he is no Jermaine Taylor. Even after watch that clip. You can see how wide open Froch is to get wacked. Pascal was just not as polished as Taylor is.
After looking at this fight and seeing there are even odds for either Taylor or Froch to win alarms me. Taylor is a world class fighther with twice beat Bernard Hopkins and losing twice to Pavlik. I look at who Froch has been in the ring with and his claim to fame is beating a canada’s so called elite fighter (yes I’m Canadian eh). Sorry Britian Lennox Lewis was ours.
This should be a walk for Taylor. Taylor by Knockout. and Vaults him back into the middleweight picture again.
Yeah, I almost think the odds are a reflection of how suspect some folks still think Taylor is despite his pretty impressive resume. Hey, maybe Froch has something that I haven’t seen. Problem is, I haven’t seen it (lol). I predicted a Taylor stoppage victory but I could easily see a decision win for him because he’s gone the distance with most of his recent opponents.
I know a little about Froch and, in my opinion, he will beat Taylor by points.
Taylor, after two deafets by Pavlik, is not the fighter he was and his win over Lacy, who was previously touted as the best pound for pound fighter in the world before being demolished by Calzaghe, didn’t impress anyone.
I agree with Jeff Dooley that Froch is stepping up in class and wide open at times but he has a proven chin and should be able to take what Taylor has to offer.
Lager Lee, I have to take your word for it, but are you a “hometown UKer?” 🙂
Ok, Here is a full Karl Froch fight. This was the fight just before Jean Pascal not even a year ago. You tell me, what impresses you about this guy. He is so wide open. He has a very poor jab, fighting some tin can I say Taylor tags him all night. You can you not think his expereince with Hopkins, Pavlik, Lacey would not help him in this fight.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5y6cn_carl-froch-vs-albert-rybacki-12_sport
@Jeff Dooley:
Froch actually looked a little more measured here than he did in the clip I shared. But still, nothing spectacular. Not to say that Taylor is, but as you stated, fighting the boxers that he has, Taylor should be able to deal with anything Froch has. We’ll see.
@Ja Dawson:
I see Carl beating Taylor by a late round TKO.
you have to remeber how reluctant Taylor was to fight Froch, so Taylor must be scared of somthing. Every good fighter beats Lacy now. Froch has a point to prove
and he’ll start with Taylor.
I wasn’t aware of Taylor ducking Froch per se, unless it had to do with him not wanting to go to the UK to fight him. You have any background information on his apparent ducking? I’d be interested. Nonetheless, I’ve been digging up footage on Froch and although he looks strong and touch, I think Taylor is as well, and may just be a bit more skilled. That will be the difference.
Guilty as charged Ja Dawson, I am a “hometown UKer”
I agree with you guys that Taylor has mixed in better class than Froch but Taylor has been disappointing in his last couple of fights.
I’m still predicting Froch to win on points.
That explains the nonsensical prediction! haha
@Ja Dawson:
HBO never wanted Taylor to take this fight, FRoch team trveled twice to to US to get the fight but it still wasn”t setteled, only later they agreed. hope it a good fight.
Was it a money thng though?
Ok,
I am not American
I am not British
So I have the only neutral 3rd Party perspective on this.
Taylor wins, rather easily Lol.
Cool, but what are you? And don’t say HUMAN! LOL
I am Canadian. eh
I can’t wait until my next Lucian Bute fight prediction. 🙂
Froch is not another Calzaghe is he?
He isn’t because he doesn’t slap his punches. ha, ha Well, nothing I have seen so far makes me think he’s on Calzaghe’s level. Winning impressively next Saturday would be a good start on that path.
Not sure if you care about the Ring Magazine and it’s ratings, but they are why I mentioned Robin Reid. He’s the only fighter on Froch’s resume that has had a sustained stay in the top ten rankings at super middleweight. Pascal is better than Taylor? I guess he’s worse than Porras too, heh? I guess we’ll just have to find out on Saturday, heh?
Calzaghe would’nt fight froch for any amount of money for years I saw froch years ago and knew he would one day be world champion he was the stongest toughest fighter that the uk had produced in years and deserves his title. I predict he will be to strong for taylor he can box which he did’nt do against pascal.
Carl froch beat henry porras and he was a very good fighter indeed.
No offense but none of you know what your talking about, Pascal is a better fighter than Taylor, Taylor is going to look flash and busy in the early rounds but the bottom line is Taylor is going to be banged hard from start to finsh.
This is a proper fight and the last time Taylor had proper fight it lead him into the bottom of a couner.
I would not like to be standing in the ring vs Froch on the 26th, Taylor is going to need to BOX, not trade, and be on his BIKE for 12 rounds, if he is to STEAL this fight.
The only problem is Taylor is no ALI.
Taylor does not have the ability to KO froch but froch has the ring craft power jab and will to smash and smash untill taylor sucums just like the others.
To the author how can you put robin reid above pascal or henry porras.
Stephen thanks for the insight. However, I never read anywhere that Calzaghe ducked Froch per se. I mean, it’s hard for me to think that Calzaghe ducked him but fought Kessler (whom I’d favor to defeat Froch). We’ll see. I admit to you and “bud” that I am speaking somewhat out of ignorance of Froch’s ability, but going off of the “eye test” he simply does not impress me too much on film.
@Ja Dawson:
I think froch is putting himself on the map in terms of us audiences he wants to fight the best fighters outthere and is willing to go anywhere to do that. the fight game is different in the uk to the us fights aren’t shown on tv like in the us which is one of the reasons why he is relativly unknown everywhere. fighters like hatton and froch know you have to go stateside to make a name for yourself, and are willing to fight anyone put in front of them.
Fair enough but peep this commentary from Calzaghe that I found: http://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/04/calzaghe-sees-taylor-beating-froch-news/:
“Calzaghe feels that Froch’s win over Jean Pascal perhaps wasn’t as important as it seems on the surface, because Calzaghe isn’t entirely sure that Pascal is truly a world class fighter, says Calzaghe in the South Wales Argus.
The victory over Pascal, a narrow 12-round decision in December 2008, was the biggest win of Froch’s career by far and the one that put his name on the map for many American’s and Canadian fans. Calzaghe, though, doesn’t see the win as all that special and isn’t ready to crown Froch just yet after that performance.
Besides Froch, Calzaghe also isn’t impressed with Taylor and wonders about whether he has the heart to beat a fighter like Froch. Joe gives Froch credit in that department, saying that Froch has a lot of heart and a good chin.”
I can’t wait to see this English Muffin Froch come to America and step into the Ring with a world class fighter like Taylor.
Pascal is better than Taylor. Man. I am Canadian even and I have to laugh at this. I guess Pascal is better than Bernard Hopkins also. The Canadian boxing scene is pretty sad. We sent one fighter to the last Olympics and got mercied inside of 2 rounds.
Wow, he called Froch an English Muffin. I was thinking Fronch Toast or something. j/k
It’s true you certainly have to be of world class calibre to step into the ring stateside
as that is where the money and potential for a career lies, i always thought it was a shame that calzaghe did not go there sooner when he was in his prime.
Carla Frochy is a “Tomato Can” . His resume consists of Santa Claus, Pee Wee Herman, Michael Jackson, Snoopy, Mighty Mouse, and his Grandmother. JT is a skillful boxer who has fought Hall of Famers. Taylor has been on the biggest venues’ and has went the distance so many times. Jermaine is in the best condition ever. He spared 16 rounds repetitively in Miami during training camp and he was so impressive. Taylor is huge and he is so chiseled. Taylor in 12 EZ. Froch is a “tune up” for “Bad Intentions”. Kessler vs Taylor. Now thats what real boxing fans want to see.
You’ll all definitely know who Carl Froch is on Saturday. Yes he gets hit but the man has a chin of iron and ALWAYS punches back with interest. He will break Taylor’s heart by the 10th and finish Jermain at world class.
Carl is a fighter who truly believes he can’t lose and he has a steely determination that is awe inspiring. Americans who are now asking ‘Who the hell is Froch?” will love his fighting style. Its a style that is made for an American audience (much more than Taylor’s boring style anyway)..
ok the pascal is better than a prime taylor maybe slightly on the edge I admit in fact thats just wrong, I used to be a big Taylor fan, the guy was very good, but the last time he really put it together was v pavlik 2.
I am warning you guys as you are boxing fans also, be very careful if you are betting money on this fight froch is no way near being an under dog in this, as I said Taylor is going to have to stay at distance and have a on your bike fight because he does not have what it takes to actual bully or blow through froch, any way you slice it froch is a monster conduct in my opinon.
When he starts banging and gets warmed up to the idea of why he is in there its not pleasant for the other fighter.
Im pretty confident on what kind of froch is going to turn up, its going to be down to how taylor deals with his arse whopping, once it starts dawning on him just what is in front of him, I mean guys, froch no question you could drop him in with ANY one from ANY period and it would be a mano mano fight.
If this was a froch in say 4-5-6 years, burnt out, overly hit, ok, but this is a sharp gromed busy powerful fighter at the top of his game.
If you are thinkig about putting money on Taylor DONT in my honest opinon, put it on manny or kilsko to beat haye.
Taylor has two options, get in the ring and just explode for three rounds and KO froch or play it as safe as he can for 12, at distance.
But thats not going to take the tittle and if it does there will be a riot / public out cry.
Froch is the champion and taylor IS going to need to TAKE it from froch not the other way round….
I pray both boxers leave the ring 100% sound of health, I think people should spend a few minutes reflecting on the good conduct of taylor as well, guy has single handly fed his close and extended famliy, even if he quits after the froch fight I think medi should set the guy up some on going nicely paid TV work of some disciption.
its going to take some one very special to beat froch at the moment, it wont be kessler, it wont be pavlik, it wont be bute, I do think calazghi would re take the title as much as it hurts me to say that as I dislike calazghi fighting style.
Roy jones in his prime would have wipped the living ” out of Calazghi but remember Calazghi beat a prime eubanks.
REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FIGHT Make sure you watch it also at
http://www.frochvtaylor.com
ITS a not to be missed fight!!
Damn, that’s real tough words AGAINST Froch; he can’t be that bad, can he? I did hear JT looks to be in great shape though. I think Froch’s chin will make this really interesting.
Chris, who has Froch beaten? Is he a victim of not being able to get fights and why is his fight not being broadcast in the UK if he’s so good? I find that VERY curious. Is there internal politics that I am not aware of?
Thanks for the fight viewing link man. Indeed, both men seem to be very classy; I doubt they will be as nice to one another in that ring though.
You can catch an 11 minute interview with Froch from his Training Camp at
http://www.tsn.ca/boxing
Who is broadcasting this fight? I could not find any listing for it in Canada. Will have to find some web stream.
Man, are these live video stream stuff legal? ha, ha I’d love to include a link to them from my blog, if possible.
http://www.frochvtaylor.com
This is the OFFICAL team carl froch web stream provided by team CARL FROCH.
If you are unable to view the fight on TV in you area that site has been specially arranged so you can see it ONLINE..
It is 100% legal and offical, its reason for creation is because no uk TV companies could afford the fight, in short.
Thanks man.
watch this:
Froch interview
http://watch.tsn.ca/in-this-corner/clip163289#clip163289
ok, I’m even more convinced now Froch is going to lose.
Froch ain’t convinced, he’s talking real big fellas. He’s making me wanna invite folks over now to watch the fight. Initially, it was just going to be my Coronas and I.
@bud:
Are you kidding me. I’m not so sure Jones in his prime could handle Calzaghe’s hand speed. JC is has insane hand speed like no other I have ever seen. I completely disagree with you.
Lefty, A shopworn Jones was able to drop Calzaghe with a short, crisp counter. I’m venturing to guess that a younger, fresher one would have stopped him. Joe has fast hands, but Roy had fast hands with dynamite behind them. Joe would be what we call a “slap hitter.”
The more I read of this the more laughable it is to me to suggest that Froch has any chance in winning. I am starting to get concerned that his life might be at risk stepping into the ring with this guy. I guess in boxing it is anyway.
I’ve seen alot of Taylor, and a decent amount of Froch. I dont love either way fighter but am pretty confident of my prediction:
Taylor wins on points in a spirited contest. Froch will have his moments but Taylor’s handspeed will ultimately be the difference here. If you’re going to make a wager, bet on Taylor by decision, you may be able to get 2-1 odds.
Also, to the poster who said Kessler cannot beat Froch. You surely must be smoking something potent. The jury is still out on Froch. There\’s no idea to know how good the guy is considering he hasnt fought one world-class opponent yet. Pascal is a fringe contender type who\’s never beaten anyone. All of Froch\’s wins before that were irrelevant. Robin Reid was beyond shot. Henry Porras showed he\’s not respectable with the whipping he took from Edison Miranda. Froch has fought no one of high note. We will all see what he\’s made of on Saturday, fighting a world-class champion on U.S soil. The only people I know who speak most glowingly about Froch are his countrymen, and you can never take that bias seriously.
This fight imo is a 50-50 fight, anyone ruling this as an easy nights work for Taylor will be shocked come fight night, hard one to call i can’t decide between Taylor on points or froch by ko.
The reasons im giving Carl Froch a fair chance are his chin, his power and the key reason his heart, you have to understand the motivation Carl will have come fight night, its his big chance.
Looking at Taylors chances I have to question his heart, if Jermain is fresh again with a new sense of motivation he will be able to box Carl the majority of the night and prob win on a wide points decision, however, I question if
the fight isn’t going the way taylor had planned to do it (i.e. box and move) will he be able to go into trenches (he will have to at some point) take the power shots and still be standing because once Froch knows he can hurt Taylor he’ll be all over him and I don’t think Taylor handles pressure to well.
To be fair on paper, looking at the pairs record you could easily argue that their in different leagues, but for me the fight relies on what taylor comes to the ring if hes sharp, taylor on points but if hes not fully focused hes getting ko’ed because Frochs ready and been waitng for this opportunity and won’t lay down easily.
Diddy, that’s what I am thinking but my gut tells me that Taylor just may stop him.
Fairly unbiased prediction Mr Me but why are folks acting like Taylor doesn’t have heart. If anything he has always had, I thought that was it. I found that he was often technically flawed and lacked confidence at times, but I never particularly questioned his heart. I’m I alone here?
I am just so pumped for this fight you cant even imagine. Reports that Taylor is able to get through 16 rounds in sparing does intimidate me some what since I have had a large bet on froch to win outright.
but froch is smart, smarter than taylor, he is sharp, sharper than taylor, he is more powerful, has a1 + level ring craft and boxing savy, he has A1+ world class jab. I think mentally froch is going to be the big dog in the ring guys, its like a rock and hard place and taylor ant no rock, nor is he Ali.
With out question in my opinon froch is gioing long in this fight but thats going to be to his advantage.
If this was a PRIME taylor this would be a different more difficult fight for froch but Taylor has been in his world class championship bouts.
Once he starts feeling real world class level super middle weight power in his face and he knows in his heart of hearts froch is not gonig any were but through him whats going to happen then, its going to be a damage limiation exercise.
One last thing, Pascal is a great great fighter, if you know boxing and watched the froch fight you are aidot if you say any thing other than respect to him, he has good power (look at this last ko fight since froch, that was crazy). And a freak strong chin, was very fast and durable, a smart very fit boxer indeed, so lol at down playing Pascal as not being world class, I mean seriously wtf, what is he a top flight journy man, gtfo.
Taylor is going to need to knock out froch when he has the power early other wise this fight is only going to get worse and worse for Taylor.
What a fight, as fans we can only win, if I lose my money so be it but I call this a froch win and so far I have a 100% boxing call record.
“bud,” you should become a fight promoter…you got me so hyped that I may watch the replay! haha just kidding I appreciate these comments, makes me “hyper” for the fight.
@chris K:
Froch is sharper ans smarter than JT? How many medals did froch win at the olympics? How many future hall of famers did he beat? This fight is so easy to predict. Taylor by knockout or UD. He is the faster, stronger, and more athletic. Bud, you said your record is 100%, you must only go off Froch fights.Ja. Dawson seems to be the only one with some boxing sense. Froch has showed me nothing. Taylor never ducked Froch, the name of the game is gettting paid and Taylor can’t do that against froch. HBO did’nt want the fight. Pascal is better than Taylor, When I say that I was done. Be for real, Pascal wish he could be as good as Taylor.
boxingfan#1, as you can see, i have been ignoring the “pascal is better than taylor” rants until acknowledging it now. thanks for the “boxing knowledge” props, but you guys know a lil something as well…save the patriotic stuff which clouds some folk’s judgement, but i won’t name names…they are all listed here. lol
When Taylor fought the Pavlik fights, he was not grabbing and holding after he would land effective punches. Taylor tried to move away to much and he got tired. A little tip to you so called “experts”, If you will look at video of the Lacy fight, you will see Jermaine landing heavily against Lacy and grabbing and holding. Jermaine is a lot wiser now. Taylor will not allow Froch to gat off. Taylor will not trade with him. JT in12 UD EZ!!
Ja Dawson, I just watched the Froch fight against some Polish guy. He telegraph’s everything he throws. I still don’t see how Froch can win this one. They keep talking about Froch’s chin, its so good cause no real fighters have hit it. Im very interested to see if it holds up when taylor lands those same shots he landed against pavlik. Froch does look strong to me. I think winky wright would eat him alive. I would like to see froch fight a miranda or say a sakio bika. All these british fighters get hyped up but when they step up in competition, they fold. Hatton folded against mayweather, Amir Khan folded rather quickly against Bredis Prescott. Taylor will win!!
I agree with most of your points, except about the British fighters…have you not forgotten Lennox Lewis and more recently Calzaghe-Lacy?
@Ja Dawson:
Since when is Lennox Lewis British. Your forgetting, he learned to box in Canada. Represented Canada in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. He is from Kitchner, Ontario. No this is not support for Jean Pascal. I am sure I just ticked off all the Brits with this comment.
“Hatton folded against mayweather”.
Dude… Mayweather is one of a select limited number of p4p of ALL TIME
You know I think whats going to happen is taylor is going to have a really good fight “early on?”, he is going to really knock froch but its not going to have the affect he expects and wishes and in return he is going to get the same with a little bit more, rounds 7-8-9 are not going to be his I can tell you that now.
god is my witness this is going to be a real barn burner I honestly believe taylor is going to bring the best he has but this is vs a prime froch.
This is sports right here, if you like boxing, this is it, this is being alive and appericating some thing fine.
four and abit days…
A little birdie just told me that Froch will be taking a long nap in a few days in Connecticut…did y’all hear the same thing? 🙂
Come on peeps! This is not going to be nothing more than an old fashion schooling by JT. Froch will come strong and aggressive and Taylor will pepper his “dome” repetitively. The worst thing Carl can do is try to stalk Jermaine and go for the KO. I am telling you, Froch will have to box Taylor to beat him and we know that want happen. JT will dictate this one and Froch will go back across the pond with a look of defeat. Taylor is not the same boxer since he fought Pavlik. If you measure your prediction based on JT’s losses over Pavlik, then I hope you didn’t put up your rent money! He will not trade with the “Cobra”. JT will use his Jab and catch Froch with some combos here and there and “cruise” to vicory. Kessler vs. Taylor!
Lefty just be here if he (JT) doesn’t. 😉
Interesting point from Yahoo.com’s (Kevin Iole) article on Taylor:
http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-taylor042209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
His promoter, Lou DiBella, concedes it’s an important fight but notes that Taylor has never gotten the credit he’s deserved for his accomplishments.
And while Oscar De La Hoya deservedly received oodles of accolades for the caliber of his opposition, don’t overlook the fact that Taylor’s opponents had a combined record of 694-109-26 when he fought them, an astounding 83.7 winning percentage.
@Ja Dawson:
Froch will not beat Jermaine Taylor, I can guarantee this. Froch is a “Tomato Can”. Pavilk is the poster child for aggressive boxers, as well as Jeff Lacy. JT knows exactly what to do with Froch. Carla Frochy is a “tune up” for Taylor. I can’t preach this enough. Jermaine will “school” the “Cobra” AKA the “grass snake” come Sat. night. Froch and Pascal are made for each other. Both need to start a trilogy.
you cant say froch is a “Tomato Canâ€. thats just stupid, you dont get the belt he has and a zero defeat record by being a “Tomato Canâ€.
keep it real.
three days..
I agreee lefty, i think it will be a schooling by taylor with froch looking very stupid after the fight. To much skill, speed, power, and JT is just an overall better boxer. This fight will not be a barn burner like many think, Taylor’s skill level is just to superior to froch, who has not fought anybody remotely close to taylor. Taylor might even knock him out.
Wow.
Sixty responses.
Firstly, Taylor is not going to KO Froch. When was the last time Taylor put someone to sleep? Ok, nearly Pavlik but it seems to drain Taylor alot when he goes into blizt mode. Taylor is facing a natural 168 lb man with a granite jaw, I’d be so surprised if Froch goes to sleep.
Secondly, Pascal may be inferior in skill and handspeed to Taylor but in overall toughness and stamina/workrate he is superior and against certain foes, he might, on average do better than JT. Remember, JT fades a bit down the stretch.
I know I’ll get damned for this but I actually think Jean Pascal IS a better fighter than the Jermain Taylor we see now. He doesn’t have lazy patches like Taylor, his aggression is non-stop and very accurate and he is on the way up and hungry. I have seen Jermaine absolutely stink the joint out!
I know people here are questioning Carl’s chances based on who he’s fought and thats totally fair but I am absolutely convinced that a combination of Froch’s aggression and chin will break Taylor’s heart force him to get stopped, probably on his feet, around the 10th. This is going to be a fantastic fight and Carl WILL be the winner…
So wrong Lefty! Taylor couldn’t finish a washed up Lacy (and even got knocked down in the process) so how on earth is he going to school someone with the aggression, chin and hunger of Froch?
One thing that the Pavlik fights showed is that Taylor is clueless when getting backed up and he is going to get backed up in this one.
I get the sense that people here are putting Froch’s chances of beating Taylor down based on watching either only one or none of Carl’s fights. In the UK we have all seen (and been bored to death by) Taylors fights as well as Carl’s. With this knowledge I absolutely guarentee you that Taylor’s career is coming to an abrupt and painful end on saturday!
You are right, stating that Pascal is better than Taylor has DAMNED you….damn you chris K.
chris K i rewatched taylor pavlik 2 last night and you know what, Im not really impressed with taylor to be honest, he doesnot have any, infrasture, he is not methodical, it reacts only, theres no sense in there, or plaining, all pavlik did was step forward like a mummy and throw shots and was enough to beat taylor, again look the fights going to be on in a very short time but seriously taylor is not that good, im woundering if froch is going to be more pavlik that pavlik, if thats the case froch is going to win.
The one way froch loses this is if he gets into a slug fest in close, its not necessary, just shoot away at distance and break taylor down, its as clear as that.
And another thing, I was not impressed with parternship and inteligence / advice from Taylors couner in the pavlik 2 fight, totally useless, Taylor has got fantasic tools but he not a proper skilled boxer.
If Taylor had a proper skilled boxing mind and a couner that did not just lump it on him, (no proper care in my opinon)”got to go to work now”, honestly he could have been put down in the top 20 ever.
Ive put every bit of money i can scrape together on froch £169 plus I have used every possible matched free bet I can find (when opening new accounts online with bookies).
If your american you have to see through all the smoke a mirrors, Froch is one of a kindand he has a meaningfull dig, its not instant result ko power like verio, but the guy change into an Animal.
today is friday, the fight is tommorow..
Joe, very unbiased fair assessment of both fighter, welcome back to objectivity. 🙂 Seriously though, I don’t think Taylor is the one on trial here – he has fought Winky. Hopkins (2x) and Pavlik (2x). Sure, he’s had mixed results, but he’s also had his share of success with this trio. Froch needs to show he’s on this level – we’ll find out in one day. When I doubt, I tend to lean to the old grease, because I have seen it cook before.
bud, I really do appreciate your energy for this fight, it’s really getting me hyped and keeping this thread active, but froch is the one we need answers from no matter how you slice it. this is the big leagues. sure, JT is flawed, but so is Froch. that makes a very interesting fight. i am going with the proven trial horse in a matchup of two solid, yet unspectacular, fighters (froch being less spectacular in my opinion). for your betting sake, i hope i am proven wrong.
I am comparing this to the Prince Hamed vs. Marco Antonia Barrera fight, when everyone was under the assumption that Hamed would plow through MAB. Maybe Froch is not a 3:1 underdog coming in like MAB was, but this is going to be a old fashioned schooling by Taylor.
This is nothing like the Hamed Barrera fight.. Firstly, Froch is not the favourite and is not expected to just walk through Taylor. At least that is not the expectation of the majority. Secondly Carl is a great boxer with a fighting heart second to none. I personally question Taylor’s heart after witnessing some boring displays from him where he just switches off. If Jermain switches off against Carl its lights out time because Froch is a great finisher. Hamed was a gobby little prick just waiting to get exposed by a true fighter like Barrera but Carl is a sensible guy who knows the risks on saturday and will have trained to combat them in the ring. Hamed just thought all he had to do was bang Barrera out of there (at least he thought that until 30 minutes before the fight when he appeared to crap himself and want out!)
No no no, Carl is NO Princess Hamed and Jermain is certainly no Barrera..
@chris K:
Actually the latest odds are showing on bet365.com Making Froch the favorite
Taylor 1.90
Froch 1.83
I agree. The only similiarities to Hamed Barrera, is we have an un defeated Brit who is finally stepping into the ring with a guy who has faught the best the sport has to offer. Lets see how he does against a world class fighter like taylor and knowone will question his obscure list of oppoenents on his resume.
Great pre-fight analysis of the fight here (see my URL).
I have just mortgaged my house and put it all on Jermain Taylor to win as the noble Mr Dawson and his little birdie has guaranteed the result!
Thanks Ja!
Hey, if he loses though, don’t blame me, bnlame YouTube, as I state in the post! haha
@bud:
Keep in mind people, when you start throwing this “prime” word around, remember Taylor just turned 30 yesterday, and Carl is 31. So I’m not sure where you can say JT doesn’t have it, and Froch is in his Prime. That’s just plain ignorance. JT sparred 16 rounds in Miami during his 8 week “boot camp” and looked awesome as far as his stamina goes. Jermaine has the reach advantage, height, Taylor is younger and once again, Taylor’s competition level was against the Elite. In The Pre-fight ceromonies, Froch looked frail to me. Taylor’s arms were way bigger. Froch had to flex to show he’s cut. Taylor looked so confident and determined, while Carl doesn’t really look as if he understands what is in store for him in this fight. JT will control the fight with his jab 1-12. UD EZ!!!
Lefty, Froch, pronounded FROCH not FROCK (ha, ha), only started fighting pro at 25, so he’s a young 31. That won’t help though, ya heard? 🙂
I did!
You…you TRICKED me!
Nooooooooooooooo
its going to be an interesting fight and I think froch might need to change game plain a few times, but then he is able to do that on the fly any way.
Froch holds the belt, the presure is on taylor to take the belt, if its any were near a draw, froch by rights should go home with the belt, does not matter were the fight is held those are the unspoken rules of boxing, if its close its froch..
Taylor needs to impress, subdude, and not just “hang on in there”, or run for 12 rounds, he needs to show that the belt deserves to be around his waist.
I honestly dont think this is a close fight, I see Taylor getting knocked out, in the ring Frochs power is going to tell for a lot and you better believe theres going to be a big effort to land that power right from the opening bell.
I never felt better about wagered money in my life.
Taylor is over rated, in the ring with a technician he folds.
So Joe, you are gambling away your mortgage on Taylor (lol) and “bud,” you are very confident throwing away money (lol) on Froch? All I am saying folks, not in my name! LMAO
This one is too close to call fellas. I used to be anti-Froch because i prefer fighters who do their jawing in the ring, but i’ve grown to like him after hearing him interviewed a lot recently. I’ve never watched a Taylor fight that didn’t have me reaching for the medicine cabinet. Froch is awkward but he has the heart of a lion, even if he comes from a city where it’s considered acceptable for men to call each other ‘duck’. A lot of the US guys on here are clearly knowledgeable boxing fans but there’s too much of the usual “horizontal Brit” crap being talked. Let’s just hope it’s a good fight eh lads!
Ja Dawson wrote : sure, JT is flawed, but so is Froch.
How, exactly, is Carl Froch ‘flawed’? He has never lost a fight, he has never been down (amateur or pro), is a vicious puncher and has a chin of steel. If there is a flaw with Carl please let me know 😉
Troupy, you know what, you just added a dose of sanity to this thread…there is a lot of nationalistic fervor going around…and you know what? I love it! LOL It makes for good trash talk. But you are right about Froch being awkward; I just think he leaves himself too often. When I hear someone has a good chin, I typically think it means that they have limited defense and get that chin-checked a great deal. That’s always been a curse disguised as a gift if you ask me.
Chris K, damn, I dunno where to start! First he’s fought next to no A-level fighters, he has a shaky defense, and he’s not exactly super-fast. If the Yankees went undefeated against all of the college baseball teams in the country, they would not be flawless. Don’t let an undefeated fool you my friend. 🙂
Carl froch ends the fight by ko / ref stoppage in the 12th round.
Taylor was looking down at the canvas and was totally unable to defend himself.
I shall enjoy collecting my £520.
Great fight. Froch is VERY VERY flawed but has a great heart and is physically strong. That was just enough to do Taylor in. As I expected, Froch’s chin was as good as his opponents’ prior, but he did prove to be incredibly strong. He would perhaps run Bute outta the ring or could easily be outboxed. He would be wise to night fight Allan Green. Congratulations “bud.”
Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I’ve lose EVERYTHIIIIIING!
Damn you Ja, Damne you!
What a disaster for Taylor to lose like that. All he had to do was survive the 12th round and stand up and he wins. Full Credit to Froch for knowing what he had to do, and did it. I lost my Bet. That was way too close for anyone’s comfort.
I won’t rub it in with our American friends as their predictions of a Taylor victory weren’t unreasonable given the facts. Froche is no Calzaghe, I wouldn’t fancy him against Kessler. He’s a classy guy though, and its good to see British fighters with great chins now – given our fighters had such a notorious reputation over there for snoring on the canvas – from Fainting Phil to Frank Bruno.
Damn me, Joe?!? No, damn Jermain, learn how to clinch!!!
Well, thanks for not rubbing it in on us “ugly” Americans. 🙂 Speaking of ugly, damn Froch is unorthodox and he was as limited (if not more) than I had suspected. But you know what, he had a ton of heart, a very good chin (not as great as many of you guys said, because he got dropped for the first time, probably because the guy he fought was a world-class fighter), and great stamina. Props to Froch. Too bad for Jermain…he had that fight won if he coulda lasted for 14 more seconds. But that’s boxing folks.