Carl Froch Vs Yusaf Mack At Nottingham Capital FM Arena REVIEW

Photo by Lawrence Lustig

Carl Froch retained his IBF World Super-Middleweight title, stopping Yusaf Mack in the third round at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena last night.

The news managed fifth place in BBC Radio 5 Live's sports headlines at midnight, behind qualifying for the US Motor Racing Grand Prix.

It continues to be a mystery as to why the world champion has not received the acclaim his incredible record, including nine consecutive title fights, merits- the introduction of three British Olympians to the audience perhaps providing a reminder of what a spectacular year it has been for Britain's sportsmen and women- but the clinical demolition of the hapless Yusaf Mack sets the Cobra up for a thrilling run of confrontations in 2013 that could cement him as an authentic legend.

Froch's last fight at this venue against Lucien Bute was fought in a ferocious, medieval atmosphere on a warm May night, with the challenger as he was ultimately overturning odds to prevail amidst scenes of relief, astonishment and euphoria.

This time around it was different, Froch now champion, an expectant crowd and a performance as cool and crisp as the November evening.

Delayed slightly by an entertaining light heavyweight bout on the undercard, Froch seemed determined to make up for lost time. After exchanging blows in the first round Mack paid an early visit to the canvas following a Froch left hook with the champion, perhaps remembering some ill-judged pre-fight remarks by the American, taking the opportunity to stand over and snarl at his opponent.

The second round was more even with Mack finding his defence, range and glare, but a pummelling set of body shots in the third culminating in another left to the ribs left the American back on the floor and out for the count.

'Easy! Easy!' roared the Capital FM Arena and indeed Froch seemed barely to be breaking sweat as he embarked on his post fight interviews.

Promoter Eddie Hearn went on to call 2013 the year of the rematch with a three-fight pipeline planned comprised of Bute, Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler, the latter also rumoured to be staged at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.

If this is indeed to be Froch's farewell to the Capital FM Arena, it could not have been in more emphatic style.

EMIL KOWALSKI