Boxing / Alex Steedman / 01 December 2008 / Leave a comment

Carl Froch thinks he's the dog's whatsits, and now he has the chance to show us why. Alex Steedman looks at the odds ahead of Saturday's bout with Jean Pascal.

Forget Narcissus, move over sleeping beauty, for Carl Froch is in the house and I know he thinks he's the best in the land. On Saturday night, the Englishman gets a much anticipated chance to prove himself.

If self-promotion was an art, Froch would be a modern day Michelangelo. But behind the brag there is definite talent as well as unflinching belief in that ability. It is a rich talent has taken the Nottingham fighter through 23 unbeaten contests with 19 KOs along the way. Bring on the elite.

Jean Pascal isn't necessarily that yet, indeed the Haitian-born Canadian is only two years out of eight round contests. But like Froch, he has yet to taste defeat and he shares a sense of his own importance and fate. Losing will be tough for either to swallow.

Stylistically, they are different cats. Froch is unorthodox and hard hitting but yet to face a truly speedy, world class opponent who can expose his low hands and sometimes staccato approach. Pascal could be that man.

The visitor hasn't conceded many rounds on a 21 fight winning spree, though he hasn't quite the depth on his resume as Froch. Still, he can box, particularly when allowed to dictate and he has the speed, if not necessarily the power, to trouble Froch. But it's unlikely that on prime time terrestrial TV Froch will allow himself to be out-hustled.

The Cobra has waited some time for this opportunity; suffering three injuries spread over a year-and-a-half, so long in the shadow of Joe Calzaghe. He's 31-years-old now, tick tock.

The first two rounds will be crucial, whoever establishes a foothold early may be away and gone. If Pascal wins the first two rounds behind the jab, back him to win. If Froch cuts off the ring and has his opponent on the back foot, he'll dominate.

It is, though, a more even fight than the betting suggests. But experience, mental fortitude and the intimidating menace of Froch maybe the difference. And a late KO might just demand a little more polish on the Froch bathroom mirror.

Verdict: Froch to win
Method: K/O
Total Rounds: 7-12