by Frank Warren

Congratulations to Carl Froch on his fantastic performance in unifying the IBF and WBA World Super-Middleweight belts at London's O2 Arena last weekend. After a war that surpassed even their initial classic in Denmark three years ago, 'The Cobra' was at his venomous best and deservedly had his hand raised after 12 pulsating rounds.

It was a high energy, fiercely competitive affair right from the first to last bell and both men should be commended for their courage, resilience and fortitude. It's sure to be a strong contender when the Fight of the Year honour is dished out.

Having avenged Kessler, there's been an understandable clammer to pitch Froch in another rematch, being against America's slick Andre Ward, the only remaining opponent he has failed to conquer in his 33 fight career.

The unbeaten Californian, the 2004 Olympic champion is known as 'Son of God' and effectively toyed with Froch in the final of Showtime's Super Six tournament over in Atlantic City 18 months ago.

But Froch has rebounded with three impressive victories, notably scalping reigning world champions Lucian Bute and Kessler and there's a growing swell of belief that he could level the score with Ward if his camp can deliver the fight to the UK.

As I've repeatedly stressed, home advantage is a crucial ingredient to success and even more so in the super fights. Kessler acknowledged the huge part the fanatical British crowd played in spurring Froch to victory in a fight that was so tantalisingly close as was their first encounter when the Viking got the nod.

It's my opinion that Ward would repeat his victory, regardless of which side of 'The Pond' they fight, he's that good!  Styles make fights and while Froch revels in toe-to-toe combat, he labours against the more flighty operators; reference his struggles with Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell in 2009.  Ward is a quality operator and currently a class above any other twelve stoner.

However, in his current rich vein of form, Froch has certainly earned the right to address his one remaining blemish, the worst way is he would receive his biggest payday.  But you get the feeling the way his camp are talking about Ward they will take a different route probably Kessler again!"

It grates with me enormously when people accuse me of giving Carl an unfair ride. First and foremost, I'm a huge boxing fan who appreciates good fighters and Froch certainly falls into that category. I'm also a patriot who enjoys watching all British fighters flourish at world level. That brings a buzz to the industry that allows all to benefit, but it's my job to give my opinion rightly or wrongly.

Britain and Ireland have a particularly rich heritage in the 168lb class, having produced nine world champions since the division's inauguration back in 1984.

Unquestionably, Froch's victory last Saturday elevates him alongside Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Steve Collins (all of whom I promoted at various stages); the Holy Trinity of World Champions who ignited the division in the 1990s.  All were true warriors but each had shortcomings and Froch, with his power, tenacity and granite chin would have been competitive against all of them, I have no doubt.

In his prime, Benn was a very lively operator; a serious banger who could also box and provide angles for his vicious assaults. However, who would have had the bigger heart in the trenches?  Eubank was cast from granite and brutally strong but liked to strut and stroll around the ring and dictate his own pace. Would he have had struggled to contain Froch's incessant tempo?  Collins replicated Froch's ruggedness and will. What a tear up that would've been. Breath-taking and brutal!

However, without wishing to sound like a broken record, I must reiterate that the Nottingham man would not have beaten Joe Calzaghe; nor has he had a greater career as some scribes have been suggesting.  Let's deal in cold, hard facts. Unlike Froch, Calzaghe never met with defeat in 46 fights because, unlike Froch, he had a diverse skill set to combat whatever the opposition brought to the ring.

Much has been made of the austerity of Froch's opposition but it doesn't stack up against JC's. Calzaghe saw off nine world champions and tamed a younger, fresher and far more dangerous version of Kessler – then just 28 and unbeaten in 39 - before 54,000 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. People forget several of the less familiar names on Joe's slate were enforced mandatory defences.

Trust me, fighters know more than I know.  Only Steve Collins knows whether he vacated his world title and retired rather than accommodate the young Calzaghe and Eubank left the ring muttering that he now knew "why that wily old fox Collins didn't face Joe".

Twice when Froch was out of contract, I offered him the Calzaghe fight but both times he stalled and repeatedly asked when Joe intended moving up to light-heavy. He knew Calzaghe was as tough as him, yet far quicker and more skilled. He wanted no part and that's a fact.

Some say that, because of his thirst for war and the ease which he can be hit, Froch might be considered a more entertaining fighter than Calzaghe. But better?  Nah.

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Boxing lost a dear friend and supporter this week with the passing of Jimmy Wray MP. He was without doubt the most generous man I ever had the privilege to meet.

A former boxer from Glasgow's tough Gorbals district, Jimmy served on the Parliamentary Committee for boxing and did a lot of stellar work behind the scenes to safeguard the sport's interest at government level. I was a proud best man at his wedding. Rest peacefully, Jim.

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It's been another productive fortnight for BoxNation.  Last week, Queensberry Promotions saw off Matchroom to secure the winning purse bid for the eagerly anticipated British Middleweight showdown between unbeaten rivals Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder.

Let's hope Ryder isn't pulled out by his team out and denied what will easily be the best pay day of his career.

This week, I am delighted to welcome red hot super-bantamweight Carl Frampton on board. The Belfast banger defends his IBF Intercontinental strap on my bumper promotion, starring Dereck Chisora at Wembley Arena on 20th July.

Managed by former world champion Barry McGuigan, could 'The Jackal' emulate his mentor and become the huge new boxing star that the Emerald Isle has been waiting for?

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