Froch talks Glen Johnson venue

[johnswan1]

Froch's Evening post column:

FOLLOWING a relaxing trip to Center Parcs with Rachael and baby Rocco, I thought I'd address some of the rumours surrounding my impending fight with Glen Johnson in the Showtime SuperSix tournament.

The fresh forest air and the swimming in the dome with my son was fantastic. I feel really relaxed and ready to resume another intense training camp in preparation for the 'Road Warrior'.

Christmas is a distant memory now for us all. Mine was spent with great company and it was wonderful to help Rocco unwrap his first Christmas presents together as a family.

My fight with Abraham didn't put any miles on the clock. It was called a virtuoso performance by some and while my Cobra instinct was to go for the kill, I managed to keep it at bay and box to orders.

It was interesting to see how the media made Abraham a slight favourite ahead of our Helsinki showdown, also how his promoter tried to manipulate the Finnish public against me and give Arthur all the advantages.

I pierced King Arthur with the jab and rocked him with clubbing shots and I could tell that he was surprised with my strength when I put the punches together.

Abraham can really punch. But I took away his tools and broke his heart with my range and movement.

Many were concerned about my mental game ahead of the fight but I was supremely confident in what I had in my tool-bag.

I knew from the outset I would be his worst nightmare and everyone will agree that I was.

Abraham is now working towards a tune-up fight, outside of the tournament in February – a confidence-builder so to speak.

And then he will be taking on Andre Ward, which will be interesting, as the choice of venue will obviously be a very big sticking point between the two men as both owe a lot of their success to fighting at home again and again.

But for me, my focus now turns to the American-based Jamaican Glen Johnson.

Like a fine wine, this guy just gets better with age. He is now into his 40s and as game as can be.

If anything, he is a better fighter today than he was ten years ago. And his KO victory over the capable Allan Green proved he is no push over.

People assume I will be taking this man lightly but that would be unprofessional as he also knocked out a young Roy Jones and was very close to giving Chad Dawson his first defeat.

With regards to the venue, there have been rumours with regards a blockbuster Sky double header with myself and David Haye sharing top billing.

While that would be a tremendous move for the fans and really underline Adam Smith's intentions as the Sky head of boxing, we still have a few kinks to iron out of the scenario.

Firstly, my Showtime contract stipulates that the semi-final must be held in America.

There was talk that Johnson's team wanted it to be held at the Silverdome at Detroit in America, as they are paying handsomely to lure big fights to the premises.

But the recent bout between two American starlets Tim Bradley and Devon Alexander didn't make a huge splash on tickets. So an Englishman and Jamaican may not break that trend, even though we'd make a better fight of it.

The other ideas we're receptive to are possible venues in Las Vegas and Canada, both of which I'd have absolutely no problem with.

If all the interested parties do relax their stance on the American soil aspect of the contract, then perhaps we may well join David Haye on at a London venue somewhere such as the O2 Arena.

As I keep underlining, I'm pleased to be fighting anywhere – but a big night in London would be a nice change for my loyal Cobra fans who have clocked up the air miles in the last couple of years.

I've been from Connecticut, to Denmark and finally in Helsinki. So a British fight would be great from their point of view.

In a time where so many of my boxing peers are in the press for NOT making a fight happen, I think my beliefs as a proud warrior who will fight anyone, anywhere (apart from Germany!) need to be seen more than ever.

One thing I can confirm, is that the date looks to be May 21. I hope Johnson will be training as hard as I am, because I feel like I'm almost breaking through to new levels of power and fitness which will be evident in my next showing.

[jameswilson]

I think Johnson will prove to be a tougher fight than Abraham. Johnson has a much better work rate and will keep throwing shots through what Froch hits him with. Establishing the jab will be key for Froch.

[crusader]

I think Froch will win a competitive but clear decision. Even if Johnson did get the better of it, I don't think he would get a decision.

[sendo]

Clinton Woods showed how to beat Johnson, he can be outworked as he doesn't have the gas in the tank for a full 3 minute round. Froch is a level above Woods and should get the UD12.

Froch and Haye at the O2 and on SKY together would be epic. I can't see it happening though after the Dirrell scoring and Johnson always moaning about being robbed.

[Chambers2]

Cheers for posting that

Froch to win the battle of the Road Warriors in athe FOTY. Nuff said!


Everybody has a tough nights work with Glencoffe and Frochy loves a tear-up, it's gonna be like watching 'Rocky Vs Rocky'. Very tough fight which will turn into a war of attrition, Froch will be like a machine by the time he steps through them ropes

[DavidPayne]

This will be a classic which the British public will once again be robbed from seeing.

[dondada]

What would really underline Adam Smith's intentions is if he managed to get this on Sky.

Johnson is one of those fighters who has mere mortals waking up in a cold sweat. Relentless, remorseless old bastard.

[freddydoesdallas]

This needs to be on sky.

Froch needs to be rewarded for having the correct attitude for boxing.

[Deserter]

The other ideas we're receptive to are possible venues in Las Vegas and Canada, both of which I'd have absolutely no problem with.

You've just got to love his 'old school' mentality - he's becoming as much a 'road warrior' as Glen Johnson himself.
Having said that, I'll fly to London to cheer him on if they manage to get the fight on UK soil!

[TheCobra]

Would love to see this fight in the UK, it should happen, Froch's profile is growing he should have it at the MEN or somewhere, take a risk and see if it sells with a good undercard. Maybe I'm wrong and it's too much of a gamble, but I think this fight is ideal for Froch to come back to UK and showcase his skills again to the UK audience.

[DavidPayne]

Such a shame Froch wasn't at this level two/three years ago....Woods v Froch and Froch v Calzaghe would have been seriously BIG fights.

[THEBUTCH]

This is going to be one hell of fight Right up there with Froch Pascal, Froch Taylor and Froch Kessler. Froch is a true world class warrior.

[Bennyblanco]

Wish they would officially announce a venue for this soon

[TheCobra]

Wish they would officially announce a venue for this soon

Yep, the nearer it gets the dearer it will be if it is in USA/Canada or whatever. Don't think I'll be bothering unless it's in the UK, can't afford a US trip.

[Chambers2]

Such a shame Froch wasn't at this level two/three years ago....Woods v Froch and Froch v Calzaghe would have been seriously BIG fights.

It's a shame Joe chose to fight a shell of RJJ rather than Froch

[Hit and Run]

This fight will be a massive disappointment i think personally.... Froch will win so easily like he did against Abraham... Although he will be there with Froch, the younger man will be just too fit and quick for the older Johnson and will either a late stoppage or a very wide points margiin!!!!!!!

[gobbles]

I heard Johnson wants double his money to fight in the UK. Can't see Hennessy affording that.

[Chambers2]

This fight will be a massive disappointment i think personally.... Froch will win so easily like he did against Abraham... Although he will be there with Froch, the younger man will be just too fit and quick for the older Johnson and will either a late stoppage or a very wide points margiin!!!!!!!

When has anybody ever had an easy nights work against Glen Johnson?

[Hit and Run]

This fight will be a massive disappointment i think personally.... Froch will win so easily like he did against Abraham... Although he will be there with Froch, the younger man will be just too fit and quick for the older Johnson and will either a late stoppage or a very wide points margiin!!!!!!!

When has anybody ever had an easy nights work against Glen Johnson?

Never said it would be easy cos having seen Johnson live i know he is 1 tough customer, just said Froch would win easily!!!!!!!

[Chambers2]

This fight will be a massive disappointment i think personally.... Froch will win so easily like he did against Abraham... Although he will be there with Froch, the younger man will be just too fit and quick for the older Johnson and will either a late stoppage or a very wide points margiin!!!!!!!

When has anybody ever had an easy nights work against Glen Johnson?

Never said it would be easy cos having seen Johnson live i know he is 1 tough customer, just said Froch would win easily!!!!!!!

That's an Oxymoron IMO

[TheCobra]

When has anybody ever had an easy nights work against Glen Johnson?

Never said it would be easy cos having seen Johnson live i know he is 1 tough customer, just said Froch would win easily!!!!!!!

That's an Oxymoron IMO

What's with the oxy? lol

[THEBUTCH]

There styles will gel for a brutal battle. Even if Froch wins "easily", which I doubt, I still expect a tremendous fight. I've seen plenty of entertaining one-sided fights. Johnson doesn't lay down for anyone and is as good now as he was years ago.