Froch-DeGale Negotiations Must Begin By December

By Terence Dooley

Lindsey Tucker, the IBF’s Championships Chairman, has told BoxingScene that negotitations between their 168lb titlist Carl Froch and mandatory challenger James DeGale must begin before the turn of the year, with the fight itself due to land before February 28 2015.

“The second fight between Froch and Groves was the mandatory since we ordered the re-match,” said Tucker when speaking to BoxingScene earlier today.  “Froch’s new mandatory date is February 28, 2015.  However, we will order Froch to start negotiating with Mandatory challenger James De Gale on December 31, 2014.”

It sets a rough timeline for Froch’s next move, as “The Cobra” has a number of options available to him if he chooses not to accommodate DeGale and take part in another lucrative all-British clash.  Froch, 33-2 (24), stopped George Groves in the eighth round at Wembley last time out to underline his dominance over “Saint” Groves.  The 37-year-old champion has talked about a legacy fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Junior in Vegas, but will have to squeeze in DeGale first if he wants to keep his IBF title.

DeGale, 28, beat America’s Brandon Gonzales in an IBF final eliminator on the Wembley undercard to move to 19-1 (13).  DeGale’s stunning fourth-round stoppage win earned him top spot and made many former critics take note.  The southpaw contender now has a timescale as to his world title future, a future that could be bright for the improving London-based boxer.

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom promotes both men, the promoter knows the power of an all-British clash, however Froch will no doubt have the final say as to who and when he fights—he’s more than earned that right.

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