Is Carl Froch an Arrogant Asshole?

[thepocketrocket]

OK, serious question. For ages when Carl has been giving it large and not coming across well, he has been forgiven for it by people saying he 'lacks personality and just can't pull it off, like an early Calzaghe who was taking off Naz'

But really, is this over generous?. Is he a prize one tit who thinks he is better than Hagler? Or is he really just so media unfriendly?

Pocket,

You are a ****

Carl Froch is a fantastic servant to British Boxing. All he did last Saturday was box and showed tremendous heart and courage when others would not have found a way to dig deep like he needed to just to stay in the fight.

Come on Spud, you know it was a tabloid style headline! LOL

Though I am interested in your opinion on whether there has been a change in character over the years? Because he did seem to want reverence in the build up, and has been a twat since.

No-one is here to question his balls

[Crease]

I'm on the same page with you on this but I understand how he does rub people the wrong way. I'm a big fan and have been for awhile purely because he's been willing to go in with the best time and time again! That doesnt happen anywhere near enough these days and if the majority of boxers had Froch's mentality, I think the sport would be in a better place.

Entirely agreed. Far, far too many many of today's boxers take less challenging fights for the money option. This is not just the fighters fault but it also is a sad indictment of their Managers/Promoters who decide their fights for them. Too many talented fighters are making easy(ish) money and not challenging themselves to the highest degree.

Sadly this is the big downfall of having more than one World Champion.

[Crease]

Yeah....Froch became a damn site more insulting than Groves was. The worst Groves got was when Froch was basically unhappy that Groves was baiting him on Ringsode, and seemed to want Eddie to stop Groves doing it, due to him being an international superstar

That is a matter of opinion. Groves was predicting victory for himself and stating that he was going to outbox and outpunch Carl when he has not (yet) even proved that he was on the World-Class level. That rubbed Carl up the wrong way. And to a lesser degree I can see why Carl was irked. I happen to think that everything could have went much smoother if Groves had said something like:

"I know that I have to raise my game to beat Carl. Carl has had a great career, is a ring legend and deserves to be mentioned alongside Benn, Eubank, Collins & Calzaghe. I am going to have to fight better than what I ever have before and I consider it an honour to draw hands with a man like Carl Froch before he retires. I hope the best man wins, but I also realise that Carl is the heavy favourite - and rightfully so considering that he has disposed of better opponents than me".

Now I know that it's not up to me to make conditions for what Groves should and shouldn't say. But maybe this could have been a healthier way of dealing with it. Nowadays we have this bitterness which does not look like it is going to be resolved.

[thepocketrocket]

Yeah....Froch became a damn site more insulting than Groves was. The worst Groves got was when Froch was basically unhappy that Groves was baiting him on Ringsode, and seemed to want Eddie to stop Groves doing it, due to him being an international superstar

That is a matter of opinion. Groves was predicting victory for himself and stating that he was going to outbox and outpunch Carl when he has not (yet) even proved that he was on the World-Class level. That rubbed Carl up the wrong way. And to a lesser degree I can see why Carl was irked. I happen to think that everything could have went much smoother if Groves had said something like:

"I know that I have to raise my game to beat Carl. Carl has had a great career, is a ring legend and deserves to be mentioned alongside Benn, Eubank, Collins & Calzaghe. I am going to have to fight better than what I ever have before and I consider it an honour to draw hands with a man like Carl Froch before he retires. I hope the best man wins, but I also realise that Carl is the heavy favourite - and rightfully so considering that he has disposed of better opponents than me".

Now I know that it's not up to me to make conditions for what Groves should and shouldn't say. But maybe this could have been a healthier way of dealing with it. Nowadays we have this bitterness which does not look like it is going to be resolved.

So Groves has to lick his ass? Why didn't he just give him oral on set?

[Spud]

Very difficult this.

I think Froch deserved some respect, but yet to get to Froch, Groves needed to be a **** and he succeeded.

Froch was emotional after the fight and I have seen this so many times, you dont think about what you say.

Froch has had an amazing career and all I am saying here he doesnt deserve what happened on Saturday with regards the controversy.

[Tomasino]

He doesn't deserve the shite he has had. Everything about him has been questioned, his bravery, skill, personality and achievements. It's pretty sad. He defo came out the worst because of the refs terrible decision. I think he stops Groves in a rematch. Groves fought the fight if his life and Carl didn't, he still managed to pull it out the bag.

[palooka]

He doesn't deserve the shite he has had. Everything about him has been questioned, his bravery, skill, personality and achievements. It's pretty sad. He defo came out the worst because of the refs terrible decision. I think he stops Groves in a rematch. Groves fought the fight if his life and Carl didn't, he still managed to pull it out the bag.

It was the refs terrible decision that got it in the bag for Froch - it was still in the air until the headlock, Groves had 3 rounds to go but 8 in the bag (from anyone who can score a fight).

[thepocketrocket]

No-one is denying that Carl hasn't benefitted from the early stoppage. It is his mantra that it was a brutal beatdown for Groves, and that Groves was gone that are making people think he is just talking shit.

Carl could have avoided this by saying it was the refs call, but he felt confident he would get to him. Then give Groves credit and it is all OK.

It is Carl who has mis-managed the whole situation

[bigjack]

Absolutely,he is a knob.I have just read on the BBC that he thinks Groves can't cut it at world level,5 days after he received the beating of his life,Grove's right hands must have done more damage than we think.

[palooka]

Absolutely,he is a knob.I have just read on the BBC that he thinks Groves can't cut it at world level,5 days after he received the beating of his life,Grove's right hands must have done more damage than we think.

Cmon jack, just say what you think

[Crease]

So Groves has to lick his ass? Why didn't he just give him oral on set?

Well I didn't exactly say that, mate. No matter what way you dress it up there is nothing wrong with recognising that Froch & Groves have fought at different levels. Groves has never won a world title and arguably has never beat a top 10 guy at Super Middleweight at the time he beat them.

If anything Groves overperformed and Froch underperformed and that is what helped make the fight so compelling.

[palooka]

So Groves has to lick his ass? Why didn't he just give him oral on set?

Well I didn't exactly say that, mate. No matter what way you dress it up there is nothing wrong with recognising that Froch & Groves have fought at different levels. Groves has never won a world title and arguably has never beat a top 10 guy at Super Middleweight at the time he beat them.

If anything Groves overperformed and Froch underperformed and that is what helped make the fight so compelling.

Or maybe Groves boxed to his level and Froch has slipped (36 years old).

[Crease]

Or maybe Groves boxed to his level and Froch has slipped (36 years old).

Time will tell. For one, I actually believe that Froch has now past his best and that father time has caught up with him. I'm not so sure that Groves will be able to operate at that level consistently in the future... Or maybe Froch's lacklustre performance has made George look better than what he is.

[palooka]

Or maybe Groves boxed to his level and Froch has slipped (36 years old).

Time will tell. For one, I actually believe that Froch has now past his best and that father time has caught up with him. I'm not so sure that Groves will be able to operate at that level consistently in the future... Or maybe Froch's lacklustre performance has made George look better than what he is.

Crease; Groves would be doing well to be half the champion that Froch has been; I can imagine him being very popular though as he has a far more likable style and personality.

[cutsman]

I think the problem with Froch started a while back when he became world champion. He was forever turning up on tv programmes bemoaning the fact that he wasn't well known to the public even though he was champ. He was also interviewed constantly asking him if he was bothered that he wasn't that well known and Foch started to use the phrase " ..deserved respect"

His management have cosseted him by telling him he deserves to be a media personality and have promised him more airtime and this hasn't happened because he simply doesn't come across very well.

Froch now claims he isn't interested in being a media superstar.

All this, along with him being a relatively simple man, is the reason why he comes across like he does.

He simply doesn't have the brains to say the correct things. He is an awesome fighting machine and he should just keep his mouth shut and he will get the respect.

[Spud]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

[doctorboxing]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

The main event was great but as a show, it shouldn't have been ppv. Whilst the public don't care so Eddie doesn't need to spend the money doing so, I'm a firm believer that a PPV should have a strong undercard. Apart from the main event, the standard of the card was poor.

Its easy to say a show was worth the ppv fee based on one fight in hindsight but if Froch hadnt got back up in round 1, everyone would have said it was a rip off. A strong undercard at least gives some value if the main event is quick/poor.

[Spud]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

The main event was great but as a show, it shouldn't have been ppv. Whilst the public don't care so Eddie doesn't need to spend the money doing so, I'm a firm believer that a PPV should have a strong undercard. Apart from the main event, the standard of the card was poor.

Its easy to say a show was worth the ppv fee based on one fight in hindsight but if Froch hadnt got back up in round 1, everyone would have said it was a rip off. A strong undercard at least gives some value if the main event is quick/poor.

I fully understand I am in the minority but in my view PPV is all about the headline fight - the undercard is merely a bonus.

[thepocketrocket]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

Issue is that Froch has poisoned his rep with the paying public...it is these kind if fans that make him a regular PPV star...no-one outside Boxrec will pay to see him in a PPV bar anyone but Groves...and it is the beef that sells that.

And if Groves had sucked off Carl like Carl wanted and people on here think he should have done, that fight would have bombed as a PPV...yet Carl went down the road post fight of saying George was sill, childish and stupid....when in fact Carl should be thanking Groves for helping get public support for the fight.

[Spud]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

Issue is that Froch has poisoned his rep with the paying public...it is these kind if fans that make him a regular PPV star...no-one outside Boxrec will pay to see him in a PPV bar anyone but Groves...and it is the beef that sells that.

And if Groves had sucked off Carl like Carl wanted and people on here think he should have done, that fight would have bombed as a PPV...yet Carl went down the road post fight of saying George was sill, childish and stupid....when in fact Carl should be thanking Groves for helping get public support for the fight.

Boxing is all about hype, controversy and slating your opponent, then beating him in the ring.

I await loads of people to disagree.

Controversy sells, hype sells - FACT

[thepocketrocket]

There are some really harsh posts concerning Carl.

Its so easy to be like this after the fight last Saturday.

For his boxing exploits alone he warrants respect.

In addition a point I dont think anyone has made thus far - before Groves/Froch happened some of you moaning ****s were stating it didnt warrant PPV billing yet it probably will end up as one of the fights of 2013.

Both fighters, Fast Car Eddie and Sky had to work hard to get people to buy their PPV - they succeeded and it was well worth the money, yet Froch is lambasted for a mistake by the Referee when in reality he should be applauded for dragging himself back into the fight after a one sided beating. I think its one of the best comebacks I have seen.

Issue is that Froch has poisoned his rep with the paying public...it is these kind if fans that make him a regular PPV star...no-one outside Boxrec will pay to see him in a PPV bar anyone but Groves...and it is the beef that sells that.

And if Groves had sucked off Carl like Carl wanted and people on here think he should have done, that fight would have bombed as a PPV...yet Carl went down the road post fight of saying George was sill, childish and stupid....when in fact Carl should be thanking Groves for helping get public support for the fight.

Boxing is all about hype, controversy and slating your opponent, then beating him in the ring.

I await loads of people to disagree.

Controversy sells, hype sells - FACT

Exactly! That is why Carl saying George was silly, childish, and stupid has gone down badly...Carl knows the score as a vet yet seems to want special treatment.

You must agree with that?

[Spud]

Pocket,

I know Carl Froch reasonably well, he doesnt expect or demand to be liked.

What he deserves is peoples respect for his exploits in the ring. After that fight last Saturday both fighters deserve huge respect - I will state again after the one sided beating Froch got in the early rounds to then fight his way back for me was simply brilliant, yet Froch got booed.

[thepocketrocket]

Pocket,

I know Carl Froch reasonably well, he doesnt expect or demand to be liked.

What he deserves is peoples respect for his exploits in the ring. After that fight last Saturday both fighters deserve huge respect - I will state again after the one sided beating Froch got in the early rounds to then fight his way back for me was simply brilliant, yet Froch got booed.

You are missing the point here...Froch took massive exception to Groves and was nasty and patronising AFTER the fight regarding groves hyping it (Groves was very positive towards Carl post fight), that is where the public have been lost. Both warriors deserve respect but no-one likes a pratt, and that is how he came accross.

Will you at least say he has mishandled the situation?

[Spud]

Pocket,

I got your point first time around - Froch was merely defending himself after receiving little or no credit after one of the best comebacks I have seen. In addition he was rightly emotional - so to then have a microphone shoved up his nose for an interview he was given chance to think or speak rationally.

Carl Froch is a top man and a top boxer.

[Autobarn]

carl froch is arrogant but he has that belief that allows his to avenge guys who've beaten him (Kessler) and to persist when he's thoroughly outboxed (taylor) and getting battered with clean shots (groves). he produces the most memorable fights involving british fighters, comes across as a british matthew saad Muhammad in the ring, has produced two perfect performances vs serious punchers (bute & Abraham) and is somehow still in world title fights despite taking many big shots going back FIVE YEARS (the pascal battle). AND he's still able to make the same weight, showing he has serious discipline.

my worry for froch, a huge one, was that he wasn't seeming to recognise how dangerous his (ranked) challengers all were, post-bute. there was the south African, oosth, who ended up being a disappointment, okay. but there was also Stevenson, who seemed to be dismissed, and who could've really given froch a shock - had this fight been made. froch didn't seem to take groves' threat seriously, a young guy with talent and a punch. through the fight froch was being punched with more conviction than ANY of his previous opponents and did not seem ready. the only area in which he was ready was the hard bastard/toughness department. why wasn't froch ready for this?

anyway, regardless of what froch says, the demand is there for the rematch. there surely will be one. froch was likely looking ahead to chavez jr and golovkin (in america) and couldn't entertain the notion that groves could be his great rival (in Britain). the shots he took will surely work as a humbling experience and make him be a bit more responsible, defensively, and be more realistic about the boxing abilities of his opponents. you have to think about what's in front of you, you have to concentrate and be on top of things at this level.