• Super Six

Froch's no tougher than me - Ward

ESPN staff
August 22, 2011

Andre Ward, the reigning WBA super-middleweight champion, believes it is a myth that Carl Froch will prove too tough for him in the final of the Super Six competition in October.

Ward meets Froch in Atlantic City where the WBC and WBA world titles, in addition to the Super Six cup and Ring Magazine championship, will all go on the line. In Ward's eyes, the 25th fight of his professional career will be bigger than any other.

"I've always wanted to be the Ring Magazine champion, so now that's on the line, and we have the Super Six cup, plus the two other belts involved, everything's on the line," he told Sky Sports News.

Stylistically the fight is expected to be an intriguing collision of Froch's grit and power against Ward's speed and technique. Certainly Ward showed a tactical mind in his last outing, a unanimous decision victory over Arthur Abraham, but he insists his own rough streak is often misinterpreted as cheating.

"My toughness is underestimated," Ward said. "When Andre Ward is rough, I'm 'dirty', but when Carl is rough he gets praised for it. It depends who you ask and how you look at it."

Responding to claims from Froch that the American Olympic gold medallist cannot punch, the undefeated Ward stated: "It's not the first time I've heard it, and it won't be the last, but I do know I get it done and that's what is important.

"Carl can expect a little bit more, because he opens himself up and gives you more shots than Arthur Abraham. So you can expect more in this fight."

Froch, more so than in any of his previous fights, is expected to take a vocal following to the States. Ward, though, appeared to relish such a prospect.

"I appreciate their passion for their fighters, it was similar for Ricky Hatton against Floyd Mayweather, if he has more fans than I do, you just have to block it out and get the win."

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