Carl Froch vs Arthur Abraham Preview

When the match-ups were first released, boxing fans everywhere though this one had the potential to be the best out of the bunch, including myself. Much has changed since the tournament's opening set of fights, including my opinion of how this battle will probably play out.

Back then, I pictured carnage. Violence, throughout. The kind of fight that would take a chunk out of both men. Two rugged offensive fighters with rocks for fists... how could it be any other way?

"I’m going back to Plan A against Abraham, back to basics. I’m going to get behind the jab, I’m taller than him, I’ve got a longer reach, I punch as hard if not harder, and he’s coming up from middleweight. The advantages are in my favour in this fight."

- Carl Froch

*exhales*

Just what I had in mind.

In my opinion, Froch is a better fighter and he'll have the benefit of some key physical and stylistic factors, such as height, reach, command of range and consistency. You've all seen Vitali Klitschko before. Think, a harder hitting version of what he does to squat opponents. From distance, it will be no contest. One man poking and prodding with his left hand, eyeing up a place to fit the right, while turning to stay a step ahead. In close, he'll clinch up and give the brain stem a good swat.

The other pug will be covering up for at least 2:35 of every round through 8. During his 36 minute shift, he usually takes a half hour break. Good thing for him, those 5 second bursts are enough to drop anyone.

The only way you could draw it up better for Froch is if Abraham couldn't hit with such fightening force. It's the German's ability to separate men from their senses with one punch that makes things so interesting, because I personally think his British nemesis has everything necessary to dominate the fight.

Now, rounds 9-12 could be special. Presumably, Art will feel the need to open up by then and things could heat up in a hurry. The rise in temperature should turn the combat into something more volatile and unpredictable. Arthur Abraham, "the defensive-minded boxer", is like looking at a bull in a tutu. Hurt and piss off the bull though, and you've got a very dangerous animal, capable of inflicting critical damage.

I don't doubt his ability to hit, hurt and drop Froch for a count, I just don't think he'll stay down.

Let's not forget that Abraham is programmed to protect himself first. Attacking seems to take a lot out of him. I think it might have something to do with the way he commits himself fully during every blast of energy. If he opens up beyond his comfort zone, he makes himself more available to be met with a punch he doesn't see coming.

I don't think it's going to live up to "Fight of the Decade", as has been repeated by those who are expected to say such things, but there is still plenty of intrigue surrounding this very significant encounter. The great thing about this fight is that I have no idea what's going to happen during those last 4 rounds, but I have a feeling it will be worth the wait.

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