By Terence Dooley
Carl Froch's dream of a Las Vegas date against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior could be inching closer according to reports on ESPN UK and The Daily Mail's website. Froch's promoter Eddie Hearn has told both outlets that talks will begin in earnest this week, whilst warning that Chavez's complicated contractual situation with Top Rank would have to be overcome first.
Chavez has not boxed since March, a 12-round decision win over Brian Vera, but he has been in dispute with Top Rank in recent times. The 28-year-old Mexican has not been in the world title mix since losing the WBC 160lb title to Sergio Gabriel Martinez by unanimous decision in 2012, so a showdown with WBA and IBF 168lb champion Froch could prove enticing for the 48-1-1 (32) former title-holder.
Froch, though, has an IBF mandatory obligation against James DeGale on his plate, and the IBF recently told BoxingScene that "The Cobra", 33-2 (24), has to face "Chunky" next or vacate the belt. Hearn also told me that Froch is not keen on the idea of vacating his title, but the Nottingham-based boxer also wants to fight in Vegas and could sacrifice the IBF title to make that dream a reality.
A trip to Vegas to take on Chavez would still allow Froch, 37, the opportunity to sweep up his former belt down the line, DeGale is promoted by Hearn and will fight for the vacant IBF title should the current titlist vacate—leaving Froch with a fitting potential homecoming bout after taking his Vegas bow.
Whatever happens, Froch has plenty of options on the table at a time in his career when it is all about building a legacy—and Las Vegas is a great for securing your place in history.
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