• Carl Froch v Yusaf Mack

Froch lands Mack match-up

Carl Froch won the IBF super-middleweight title from Lucian Bute earlier this year © PA Photos

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Yusaf Mack will be the opponent for Carl Froch's first defence of the IBF super-middleweight title, on November 17 in Nottingham.

America's Mack, 32, has not fought in the super-middleweight division since 2007, when he was stopped by Librado Andrade. His recent bouts have been at light-heavyweight, and he carries a 31-4-2 record, with 17 KOs.

He has never held a significant world title, but did challenge for the IBF light-heavyweight belt last year, suffering an eighth-round defeat to Tavoris Cloud.

In 2010, he was stopped by Glen Johnson, who Froch outpointed on a majority decision in June 2011.

"I'm real excited and I know they doubt me, because I saw the interview online when they asked Froch why he's fighting me, and all the press in London spoke their mind that I shouldn't be fighting him," Mack told ringtv.com.

"They brought up that I lost to Glen Johnson and Tavoris Cloud, and it was like I'm not worthy enough to fight Froch.

"I'm going to work my ass off for this fight and leave everything in the gym. I think Johnson and Cloud are tougher than Froch, all day. I was the first person to ever drop Librado Andrade.

"I know everyone has me fading in the sixth or seventh rounds. But my last big fight, I dropped Omar Sheika in the 12th round. I like being underestimated. When I'm in shape, I don't think anyone can beat me."

Froch will be making the first defence of the title he won in stunning fashion from Lucian Bute a few months ago, and is promising to put on a show for his home crowd.

"The Bute win will go down as one of the greatest nights of my life and I plan on doing something special against Mack," said Froch.

"He's (Mack) got nothing to lose coming here to face me and I know he'll put it all on the line to take the title from me so I'll be fully prepared for everything he's got and I'll be hitting him with all my best."

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