By Luke Furman
Nottingham Arena, Nottingham - Carl Froch (29-2, 21KOs) became a three time world champion when he stopped previously undefeated Lucian Bute (30-1, 24KOs) in five rounds to capture the IBF super middleweight title.
Froch made it look easy and never took a step back. He often backed Bute up against the ropes and unloaded combinations. He confirmed two things on Saturday night - Bute doesn't take a good punch, but the Canadian star is capable of throwing a good punch.
Froch confirms the overseas praise of Bute's highly regarded power, admitting the now former champion has some fire in his shots. The Nottingham star displayed his well known granite chin and was never seriously hurt in the contest.
"I could not afford to be lazy and flat-footed. Big respect to Lucian, he can punch, and he hit me with some good shots in there. But I came back," Froch said.
"I was very switched on, focused and determined. I came here to do a job. If it had gone 12 rounds it would have been 12 rounds of that. I was on it.
Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org
