The round of 2008 - No 2

Carl Froch v Jean Pascal, Trent FM Arena, Nottingham, December 6 - round 5

After Carl Froch's fantastic win over Jean Pascal, I believe I wrote something in the paper like, "Froch fought as if he was fighting for the future of boxing on terrestrial TV". There was something pointlessly exciting about the way Froch approached the bout, as if he was not happy winning, he wanted it to be thrilling, he wanted to take unnecessary risks.

There was slightly more to it than that. A key part of Froch's strategy was that he believed that Pascal, who had been inactive for nearly a year going in, would tire in the later rounds. He also has unquestioned faith in the strength of his chin, although he admitted to me afterwards that he had underestimated the Canadian's punching power. But the tactic worked. After a close first six rounds, Froch dominated the second half to take the WBC super-middleweight title.

Round five was a classic inside a classic. As both took turns to get on top and both seemed to neglect defence. Near the end of the round, Froch also seemed in trouble at the end of the round. AT this stage the fight was still in the balance and neither was going to fail for lack of effort.

Here's how PA described the action of round five in their round-by-round report: "Great action so far and Froch scores early in the fifth with a big right. He's been drawn into a brawl here - he just needs to regain some composure and avoid those dangerous Pascal counters. Lovely left hook from Pascal and know they're flailing away at each other in centre ring. Both men landing simultaneously. Terrific stuff. Excellent left jab from Pascal but Froch is also trying to box more in this session. Good flurry from Pascal in the final 30 seconds - good body shot and a terrific left hook. Froch has handed out plenty but he's also taken a lot of big shots. Now Carl is in big trouble as he tries to have a war with Pascal and is pinned on the ropes. He's being blasted by punch after punch as the bell goes and the referee separates them. Froch was in real trouble there."

Comments

[Boxing Poet Tom Zart]

THE BOXER

My opponent’s huge but his brain is small
I’ll bust his chin and watch him fall.
He’ll greet the mat and moan and groan
As I stand in victory, he’ll lie alone.

Boxing is a game of sport
Loved by all both tall and short.
Cheers and shouts shall fill the air
Far more than a circus or fair.

I’ll jump the ropes and respond to the bell
Engage in combat and fight like hell.
As the punishment begins, behold the test
Soon the fans will know, Who’s Best.

BOXERS, PAST & PRESENT

The Greek and Roman athletes
Wore studs of iron on each hand
Beating and clawing each other
Like two tigers on the sand.

The English called it boxing first
To pound someone with your fist.
Mostly it was done for money
But sometimes by those just pissed.

Matches of the bare-knuckle days
Lasted fifty rounds or more
Till one man's towel would be thrown in
As he lay upon the floor.

Boxers now use soft leather gloves
With their hands wrapped in cotton.
Wearing a mouthpiece for teeth and lips
They fight like those forgotten.

By John Brown's
Ringside Poet
Tom Zart
Most Published Poet
On The Web

[Matt J]

What a fight that was, the atmosphere was amazing. From the opening bell they both stood and delivered a barnstorming battle. Froch also showed that he is a worthy holder of the green belt