I miss Carl Froch!

[jamesmcdonnell]

Carl Froch (black) & Ricky Hatton's (red) best 10 results:

Kostya Tszyu
Mikkel Kessler II
Lucian Bute
George Groves II
Arthur Abraham
Jean Pascal
Jermain Taylor
Paul Malignaggi
Jose Luis Castillo
Mikkel Kessler I - (Lost)

Glen Johnson
Luis Collazo
Vince Phillips
Juan Urango
Andre Dirrell
George Groves I
Floyd Mayweather Jr - (Lost)
Carlos Maussa
Eamonn Magee
Juan Lazcano


I thought this was going to be more competitive, but Froch's record seems a lot better overall. Hatton's win over Tszyu is the only result that makes him in the same league as Froch.

Does anyone have any major disagreements with my list?

Froch has the better fights number wise but the Kosta win is number 1 by quite a margin.

I sometimes forget how good a win that actually was.

It has to be taken in context, Tszyu was nearing retirement (he never fought again), had had a long long career as a pro and amateur, and was suffering from numerous injuries (he confirmed this himself in interviews prior to the fight) - he was also paid a career high payday to come over.

It was a very good win, but you have to be realistic.

Overall, Froch's resume is better.

[danamba7]

Froch was always in good fights. When did Froch actually have a stinker except the Dirrell fight which was cos Dirrell was doing a road runner impression. Always gave value for money, always fought the top end guys with only really the one gimme (Mack) as others mentioned.

I miss Froch a lot, followed his career from the 2002 BBC shows, can't see myself buying into someone's career again like that with all the hype nowadays and one-sided mismatches.

As for arrogant? All the best people have a steely determination and self-belief. It's the British way that we knock down anyone like that, the actual real achievers. We like a wrong 'un, a pisspot like Hatton who is one of the lads rather than a true consumate pro like Froch who doesn't booze and stays at home with his family. End of the day who achieved more? If Froch was a German he'd be a national hero for them because they like winners, typical Brits we knock down the actual achievers if they are 'a bit arrogant'.

Very good comment. And strong username

I personally miss Froch dearly

[Horse]

It has to be taken in context, Tszyu was nearing retirement (he never fought again), had had a long long career as a pro and amateur, and was suffering from numerous injuries (he confirmed this himself in interviews prior to the fight) - he was also paid a career high payday to come over.

It was a very good win, but you have to be realistic.

Overall, Froch's resume is better.

Yes, the only major flaw in Froch's record is that he doesn't have that "defining win". Most of Froch's best wins are at a similar level.

Hatton's win over Tszyu was clearly his best win and Tszyu was still generally considered to be a top 5 P4P fighter. Which is significantly higher than the level of any of Froch's wins.

However, Tszyu was old, inactive and clearly nearing the end. So how much better was that win that Froch's best wins? I'd say that it was better, but not at all enough to make up for the huge lack of depth in his record compared to Froch's.

Hatton's post Tszyu career was a huge disappointment. He could have fought pretty much anyone, but he chose to fight mostly soft touches.

[danamba7]

Froch is up there with my favourite British boxers of recent years. Loved Ricky Hatton until he became a bit of a dick after the Pacquiao loss, lot of time for Ricky burns and Froch was a total warrior who would take on anyone. Aye he is deffo a bit arrogant and the fame has went to his head a bit though.

He goes out round my way often, he isn't giving it the big un or being arrogant. He's approachable and gives people the time of day. A gent.

You a Notts lad then mate?

[jamesmcdonnell]

It has to be taken in context, Tszyu was nearing retirement (he never fought again), had had a long long career as a pro and amateur, and was suffering from numerous injuries (he confirmed this himself in interviews prior to the fight) - he was also paid a career high payday to come over.

It was a very good win, but you have to be realistic.

Overall, Froch's resume is better.

Yes, the only major flaw in Froch's record is that he doesn't have that "defining win". Most of Froch's best wins are at a similar level.

Hatton's win over Tszyu was clearly his best win and Tszyu was still generally considered to be a top 5 P4P fighter. Which is significantly higher than the level of any of Froch's wins.

However, Tszyu was old, inactive and clearly nearing the end. So how much better was that win that Froch's best wins? I'd say that it was better, but not at all enough to make up for the huge lack of depth in his record compared to Froch's.

Hatton's post Tszyu career was a huge disappointment. He could have fought pretty much anyone, but he chose to fight mostly soft touches.

Yes, I think the Tszyu win flatters to deceive a little. Sadly for Froch he ran into Ward in his prime, and in Kessler found someone who had strengths similar to his own. I'd say the Ward that Froch faced was a tougher test than Tszyu was by that stage. Tszyu didn't have it in the tank physically to compete with a fresh and bull-strong Hatton, who mauled his way to victory.

[Horse]

Yes, I think the Tszyu win flatters to deceive a little. Sadly for Froch he ran into Ward in his prime, and in Kessler found someone who had strengths similar to his own. I'd say the Ward that Froch faced was a tougher test than Tszyu was by that stage. Tszyu didn't have it in the tank physically to compete with a fresh and bull-strong Hatton, who mauled his way to victory.

Unfortunately, Ward was far more of a Mayweather than a Tszyu.

I think that Froch has done enough to be considered better than Hatton, but to beat his more obvious rival Calzaghe then he would have to come back.

[samwbr]

Froch is up there with my favourite British boxers of recent years. Loved Ricky Hatton until he became a bit of a dick after the Pacquiao loss, lot of time for Ricky burns and Froch was a total warrior who would take on anyone. Aye he is deffo a bit arrogant and the fame has went to his head a bit though.

He goes out round my way often, he isn't giving it the big un or being arrogant. He's approachable and gives people the time of day. A gent.

You a Notts lad then mate?

Not a native but been here over 20 years

[jamesmcdonnell]

Yes, I think the Tszyu win flatters to deceive a little. Sadly for Froch he ran into Ward in his prime, and in Kessler found someone who had strengths similar to his own. I'd say the Ward that Froch faced was a tougher test than Tszyu was by that stage. Tszyu didn't have it in the tank physically to compete with a fresh and bull-strong Hatton, who mauled his way to victory.

Unfortunately, Ward was far more of a Mayweather than a Tszyu.

I think that Froch has done enough to be considered better than Hatton, but to beat his more obvious rival Calzaghe then he would have to come back.

Yes, Ward had the perfect style to negate Froch, he'd probably have to come back and beat Ward or Kovalev to outdo Calzaghe, and even then it would be disputable.

Froch won't come back anyway, he's content with his lot, and should be. I'd say he's my favourite British fighter ever.

[Horse]

Yes, Ward had the perfect style to negate Froch, he'd probably have to come back and beat Ward or Kovalev to outdo Calzaghe, and even then it would be disputable.

Froch won't come back anyway, he's content with his lot, and should be. I'd say he's my favourite British fighter ever.

I can see a realistic Froch return, with comeback fights against Kessler and Hopkins seeming winnable yet still prestigious.

If he could comeback against them looking good, then it really wouldn't seem that unrealistic that he could beat someone like the winner of some mini tournament of DeGale/Jack/Ramirez etc. for the lineal title.

Far easier said than done of course, but it seems realistic and doable.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Yes, Ward had the perfect style to negate Froch, he'd probably have to come back and beat Ward or Kovalev to outdo Calzaghe, and even then it would be disputable.

Froch won't come back anyway, he's content with his lot, and should be. I'd say he's my favourite British fighter ever.

I can see a realistic Froch return, with comeback fights against Kessler and Hopkins seeming winnable yet still prestigious.

If he could comeback against them looking good, then it really wouldn't seem that unrealistic that he could beat someone like the winner of some mini tournament of DeGale/Jack/Ramirez etc. for the lineal title.

Far easier said than done of course, but it seems realistic and doable.

I can only go by my instincts , I just think that once Carl's gone, he won't want to come back. I'd rather he stayed retired.

Kessler, he's retired isn't he? Hopkins - is he likely to fight again, he's over 50 now, surely that's the end?

[Stuarty]

Yes, Ward had the perfect style to negate Froch, he'd probably have to come back and beat Ward or Kovalev to outdo Calzaghe, and even then it would be disputable.

Froch won't come back anyway, he's content with his lot, and should be. I'd say he's my favourite British fighter ever.

I can see a realistic Froch return, with comeback fights against Kessler and Hopkins seeming winnable yet still prestigious.

If he could comeback against them looking good, then it really wouldn't seem that unrealistic that he could beat someone like the winner of some mini tournament of DeGale/Jack/Ramirez etc. for the lineal title.

Far easier said than done of course, but it seems realistic and doable.

I can only go by my instincts , I just think that once Carl's gone, he won't want to come back. I'd rather he stayed retired.

Kessler, he's retired isn't he? Hopkins - is he likely to fight again, he's over 50 now, surely that's the end?

Kessler retired and basically said only a third fight with Froch would tempt him back. Hopkins has been apparently saying he's having one more fight then wrapping it. I agree with you, I can't see Froch making a comeback. Also agree with the fetlocked one in that it's not impossible. Definitely doable. As far as I'm aware he lives pretty clean and still looks in good shape. There's a lot to be said for vanity!

[Horse]

I can only go by my instincts , I just think that once Carl's gone, he won't want to come back. I'd rather he stayed retired.

Kessler, he's retired isn't he? Hopkins - is he likely to fight again, he's over 50 now, surely that's the end?

All of them could come back, or never come back. They're all in a similar position, but are still all respectable opponents for anyone at super middleweight.

Froch may have absolutely no interest in returning, but if he does then there is still a credible and lucrative route back.

I'd love to see it, but maybe I'm just being selfish.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I can only go by my instincts , I just think that once Carl's gone, he won't want to come back. I'd rather he stayed retired.

Kessler, he's retired isn't he? Hopkins - is he likely to fight again, he's over 50 now, surely that's the end?

All of them could come back, or never come back. They're all in a similar position, but are still all respectable opponents for anyone at super middleweight.

Froch may have absolutely no interest in returning, but if he does then there is still a credible and lucrative route back.

I'd love to see it, but maybe I'm just being selfish.

I really wanted to see Froch fight GGG - despite people writing him off, I'd have given him a great shot at winning, but it did seem Froch didn't fancy the fight one bit.

[ILikeBeer]

Not sure if I miss him, but I give him respect.

When you see fighters like Anthony Joshua winning/defending titles against modest opposition, it makes you appreciate people like Froch for always taking on the best possible opponents.