WARD-FROCH FINAL PRESSER QUOTES
By John McCormick
An atmosphere of urgency and relief could be sensed in the air at the final press conference held for Saturday night’s Super Six World Boxing Classic Final between Andre Ward and Carl Froch. The tournament has lasted two years, and two months. Eleven fights amongst eight fighters, cancellations, multiple promoter disputes, and just about every type of ending that can be seen in a boxing ring has paved the way to this Saturday night. The tournament was originally designed to match the best fighters against the best fighters, accelerate the pace in which these fighters would’ve fought each other, and to give boxing fans a steady diet of compelling matchups.
Carl Froch the WBC Super Middleweight Champion, who holds a record of 3-1 in the tournament appeared confident going into the biggest fight of his life on Saturday night. “I want to keep it brief. Very brief. The time for talking is over. I will do my talking on Saturday. It is a cliché but trust me, I guarantee my fans will not be disappointed, I am in the best shape of my life, I have been underweight for a few weeks now, and I am sharp. I am here only to win this tournament, win these belts, and the super six trophy. “claimed Froch.
In regards to the recent controversy surrounding Amir Khan’s loss in Washington D.C. this past weekend, Robert McCracken, Froch’s trainer is not worried about fighting abroad here in the United States by saying “We have had good experiences here in the U.S., and in Atlantic City before, and I am confident that I will get a fair crack of the whip on Saturday.” McCracken also went on to say “I’m very proud of Carl, he has a very good resume, and he’s fought some of the best fighters on the planet. I enjoy watching Andre Ward he’s a great fighter, but Carl Froch is a real prizefighter. Andre and Virgil stated that Kessler, Abraham and other fighters stopped fighting half way through, but I guarantee you that will not be the story on Saturday night with Carl Froch.”
Andre Ward, the undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion once again stuck to his good guy persona. “There has been too much talk in my opinion. My favorite time is when it’s time to get down and show down. Froch is the self-proclaimed best fighter in England, and I want to fight the best. I am extremely well prepared physically and mentally. Many people say that I’m the favorite. I’m not the favorite, I still have a chip on my shoulder and that’s how I prepare. Many question my toughness and my physicality, and I’m hoping to come in and squeak out my victory. I don’t plan to squeak out a victory, I plan to take it. Froch has claimed that I am ignorant for taking on the nickname the “Son of God”, my faith is not my crutch, my faith is my foundation. Neither of our prior fights matter, all that matters is Saturday night. If Froch beats me there will be no excuses, if I beat Froch no excuses. No judges, no referee, no nothing, no excuses.” claimed Ward.
Virgil Hunter, trainer of Andre Ward believes that Saturday night will be a very familiar fight for Ward. “Andre has his bags packed, all his sightseeing items, and is ready to see what trip Carl brings him on. A little into the trip, I am sure Andre will recognize the terrain, and realize he has been on this trip many times before.” said Hunter.
When both fighters were asked if they feel that a win over Lucian Bute after this fight would clear all doubts in the minds of boxing fans in regards to the best Super Middleweight in the world, both Andre Ward and Carl Froch finally agreed on something. “Lucian Bute hasn’t fought anybody. He got knocked out in the 12th round in one of his fights and the referee picked him up, and let him continue.” claimed Froch. In response to Froch’s remarks, Ward stated “I agree. No disrespect to Lucian Bute but he isn’t in the mix. The winner of this fight is the best super middleweight in the world. Bute has been fighting B- and C+ fighters”.