By Edward Chaykovsky
Former rival Andre Ward has come out in support with high praise for Carl Froch (33-2, 24KOs), who announced his retirement from boxing early Tuesday morning.
In December of 2011, Ward decisioned Froch in the final round of the Super Six tournament that saw both boxers elevated with their performances during the Showtime series that lasted several years.
Froch's other loss, also in the Super Six, was to Mikkel Kessler - which Froch later avenged. Following the defeat to Ward, Froch racked up a series of high level wins with two victories against George Groves, a demolition of Lucian Bute, a crushing of Yusaf Mack and the revenge win over Kessler.
Ward told Sky Sports News HQ: "You have to respect the way he went about it, and the fact he not only stepped up but beat just about all the guys he fought at the top level.
"He was competitive in every fight and brought his best every time out, so I have nothing personal against Froch. I actually like him a lot because he reminds me a lot of myself with his competitiveness.
"He did it the right way - it's a victory to go out on your own terms with money and faculties intact. At the end of the day that's what it's all about."