• Boxing

Hopkins lined up for Froch's homecoming

ESPN staff
June 7, 2011

Steve Bunce: Froch could realise Calzaghe dream

WBC light-heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins is the latest name to be linked with a super-fight against Carl Froch in early 2012.

Froch, the WBC super-middleweight king, is expected to land a homecoming clash against a high-profile opponent at the City Ground next April - although that dream could be scuppered if he loses to WBA champion Andre Ward in November.

Mikkel Kessler, Nathan Cleverly and George Groves have already been touted as potential participants - as has Joe Calzaghe, retired since 2008 - but now it seems Froch may step up in weight to face Hopkins, who Calzaghe beat on a split decision three years ago.

"A stadium fight for Carl in Nottingham would be the obvious stage for a fight with Hopkins," said Eddie Hearn, Froch's promoter, to the Telegraph. "But Carl is also highly regarded in America and Las Vegas could be another option.

"The funny thing about Carl is that he only wants the toughest fights. I've said to him, when the Super Six is over, let's get an easier fight in a football stadium in the UK and make millions of dollars. But he doesn't want that, he just wants to fight the best out there."

Meanwhile, Cleverly has confirmed his interest in fighting Froch. "It's a nice option for me," he said. "It would be a great fight. Two great warriors going toe-to-toe - that's what the fans want. He's a good fighter who doesn't duck anyone."

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