• Super middleweight

Bute eyes Froch rematch after Grachev win

ESPN staff
November 4, 2012
Lucian Bute lifts the North American Boxing Federation light heavyweight belt after defeating Denis Grachev © PA Photos
Enlarge

Lucian Bute declared himself ready to take on Carl Froch after he moved a step closer to a rematch after defeating Denis Grachev in Montreal on Saturday.

Bute, who suffered the first defeat of his professional career at the hands of Froch in May, claimed the Russian's North American Boxing Federation light heavyweight belt with a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the fight 115-113 116-112 118-110 in his favour.

The win should set up a rematch in Montreal with Froch, who faces Yusaf Mack in Sheffield on November 17.

"Ever since I lost I wanted a rematch," Bute said after his win. "I'll be happy to get back in the ring with him."

Bute claimed he had learned his lessons after his defeat to Froch earlier this year, and although he found himself backed against the ropes on a number of occasions, the Romanian-born fighter never looked in serious trouble.

"In the fifth he got me with a good right, but I wasn't in difficulty," he said. "Against Froch, when I was up against the ropes I didn't react, but this time I reacted right away each time and made him pay. I didn't just stand there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices