Lucian Bute: I Want My Revenge Against Carl Froch

By Luke Furman

Former champion Lucian Bute wants his revenge against IBF king Carl Froch. In May of this year, Froch destroyed Bute in five rounds. Bute had a rematch clause and plans to use it. He wants to face Froch in either March or April of this year.

Bute claims that Froch's promoter, Eddie Hearn, is trying to discourage him from the rematch.

"I told my promoter, Jean Bedard, I want to fight against Froch. We have a solid rematch clause. Froch will come to Montreal, either in March or April. It is a matter of marketing. [Hearn] protects his champion and he sends me little arrows to distract and discourage me, but I know what I want," Bute said.

"I know I want my revenge, regardless of when it will be. We should know where we are going to do it by the end of the year or maybe even in two weeks if all goes well."

Based on his recent performance against Denis Grachev, many experts feel Bute should take another fight or two to prepare himself for Froch. Bute does not agree.

"We must not forget that I was coming back from a loss by knockout. It was difficult for me mentally. The first half of the fight was difficult because I was tense and hesitant. I also lacked precision. However, I was back on track later on and all went well. Grachev was well prepared and I'm glad I had a twelve round bout. I needed the experience. I showed in the second half of the fight that I have the tools to beat Froch," Bute said.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org