By Terence Dooley
WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has laughed off claims that he is nervous ahead of his clash with the undefeated Andre Dirrell. Froch and Dirrell meet in Nottingham on October the 17th; it is the first showdown of the Super Six tournament.
Dirrell, who has a perfect 18-0 record, has brushed aside Froch's title credentials. Froch is also undefeated, with a 25-0 record, and he has reversed the claims made by Dirrell; Carl told the BBC that Andre is out of his depth.
“I've heard all that kind of talk before so it doesn't bother me. It's Dirrell who has to worry about backing up that big talk. I actually believe he's quite nervous about the series so he's trying to talk himself up,” claimed Froch.
“When he turned up at the media tour last week I think the realisation of what he'd got himself into actually hit home and I think he was a little overawed by the occasion. If he's nervous getting his photo taken alongside the likes of World Champions like myself and Mikkel Kessler how's he going to feel when he actually has to step into the ring with us?”
Dirrell has pooh-poohed Froch's wins over Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor, despite a lack of top-class experience, Dirrell believes that he should be the favourite in this clash. Froch, however, differs; Carl is not impressed with Dirrell's record.
“He's got a decent amateur pedigree and he's done well as a pro so far but he's about to step up to a whole new level now,” explained Froch.
“Most of the other guys in this tournament are proven, elite-level fighters but Dirrell is still untested so it's up to him to prove he belongs at this level. He's unbeaten obviously so he has that confidence and mentality of a fighter who doesn't believe they can be beaten but he's forgetting that I'm unbeaten as well so I have that same confidence and mentality.”
Froch has an iron-will; Dirrell has smooth skills; both men are arrogant, cocksure, and full of fire, it will be a hell of a showdown.
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