http://www.secondsout.com/UK/news.cfm?ccs=228&cs=18807
By Ant Evans: Ultra confident super-middleweight Carl Froch has pulled out of his eagerly awaited British & Commonwealth Title defense against Brian Magee, scheduled for March 31 in Magee's hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
'The Cobra' is citing a bicep injury, picked up against Aussie Dale Westerman in London on February 17. According to a statement, Froch suffered a haematoma (severe bruising and bleeding) and has been ordered to rest for three weeks.
But the news will come as a further blow to Froch's reputation. 'The Cobra' looked very average two weeks ago in his 'warm up' fight against Aussie journeyman Dale Westerman and, unfairly, this withdrawal will be perceived by many as a sign that the unbeaten puncher's confidence has been dented.
Magee's manager Pat Magee is one such person, telling SecondsOut: "We are very disappointed but not in the least surprised. After Froch's performance against Westerman, who is not the best fighter to ever visit the British Isles, was poor. We were very, very confident of Brian beating Froch in Belfast."
Froch and his promoter Mick Hennessey dragged their feet in signing for this mandatory fight after losing the purse bids before Christmas to Magee's new promoter, Frank Maloney.
Magee believes Team Froch's reluctance to travel to Belfast to fight on a rival promoter's card was significant factor in Froch's decision to withdraw.
He said: "Look, Carl clearly hurt his arm against Westerman, but everyone at ringside thought that hitting your bicep against an elbow is something that happens all the time in boxing. With them not returning to contract to the British Board Boxing of Control for so long, I think it is obvious there's a reluctance on Hennessey and Froch's part to face Brian Magee.
"I think they are using this (injury) as an excuse to hang on to the two belts for a couple of months longer.
"I have also asked the Board to look into their rules because I don't think it is correct that any champion can take a warm-up fight so close to a scheduled title fight as Froch did. There was no reason for him to fight in a 12 rounder just weeks before a big fight like the one that has just gone (down the drain)."
In a statement, Maloney Promotions announced: "It is a genuine injury that has ruled Froch out of the fight and he realises there is too much on the line for him to step into the ring anything less than 100% fit and he doesn't want to let his own fans who will be making the trip down."
"As soon as a date which is most suitable for both parties and television is decided, it will be announced. If you have already purchased your ticket it will be valid for the new date and a new ticket will be issued to you once the new date is confirmed."
