• Super-middleweight

Froch's battles with Bute plunged into doubt

ESPN staff
January 26, 2012
Carl Froch's next move remains up in the air © Getty Images
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Carl Froch's double-header against Lucian Bute appears to be on the ropes, with Froch's promoter Eddie Hearn proposing alternative options.

Earlier this month Froch appeared on the verge of agreeing two battles against IBF super-middleweight king Bute: one in Montreal during April, and another in Nottingham four months later.

The deal seemed to represent something of a coup for Froch, who was outclassed as he lost his WBC crown to Andre Ward in his most recent battle. However, scheduling concerns are threatening to derail the plans; Rob McCracken, Froch's trainer, has his hands tied in April because of his work with Great Britain's Olympic team.

"The more I talk to Carl the more May 5 becomes appealing," Hearn said. "He would be fighting in front of 10,000 of his own fans instead of going to Montreal and April 14 is not a good date for Carl's trainer Rob McCracken because of commitments to the Olympic team.

"It would be for less money, but it would give Carl the chance to get a convincing win in front of his home fans."

Hearn has reserved the Nottingham Arena for Froch's next contest. He has been tipped to face Mikkel Kessler at some point during 2012 - but Kessler would not be available for any May date, as he faces Robert Stieglitz, the WBO champion, in April.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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