14.11.08 Froch ready to unleash hell

Joe Calzaghe maintained his unbeaten record and gave further evidence that he might just be Britain's best post-war boxer after drubbing Roy Jones in New York last weekend.

It was a virtuoso display from the Welshman and one so accomplished that you would think his rivals must now be having second thoughts about sharing a ring with him?

Not a bit of it.

His big domestic rival Carl Froch has the utmost respect for Calzaghe the boxer but 'The Cobra' is convinced he has the speed, power and ability to "do a number" on him should their proposed super-fight materialise in 2009.

To get to Calzaghe though Froch must first negate a path past slick Canadian Jean Pascal and claim the vacant WBC super-middlweight title in Nottingham on December 6.

In the second part of an exclusive interview with ITV, Froch reveals to Derek Bilton how his training has been going for the big one and even admits to being so focused he is throwing jabs in his sleep!

ITV: In terms of your own preparation for December how are things going? I hear you are in ridiculously good shape already?

CF: Yeah the camp is very good. We are over in Ireland at the Breaffy House as you probably know and what a fantastic set up they have laid on for us. As well as a full size ring and all the boxing equipment we ice baths, saunas, everything really. The food is top class and the country running round here is just fabulous. We are running the hills, away from home, just concentrating on the job in hand. It's all about getting ourselves in the right condition for the right time.

ITV: Do you reckon it's important for a fight of this magnitude to get yourself away from the distractions of home and concentrate fully on the job in hand?

CF: Of course it is. Everybody's different. I know Calzaghe prefers to stay at home and do his training there but with me I have got quite a lot of friends and a very close family. I've got a girlfriend as well so if I'm at home whilst I train hard and take no short cuts I feel the home comforts tend to make you soft. It's just the little things. Over here I'm being pushed all the time. The runs are harder and I am running with fit lads and lighter lads like Darren Barker and John O'Donnell. It's so intense and my mind is on the fight 24 hours a day. Seriously I'm falling asleep throwing jabs! I have a day off and I'm struggling to walk. I can feel my thighs, my calves, my shoulders. But I know it's going to be worth it.

I mean it's four or five weeks but it really does focus you and tune you up for a fight of this size. Knowing the work I have put in come fight night it's going to be a case of me not being able to wait to get into the ring instead of being a bit nervous or apprehensive. And let's be honest it doesn't get any bigger than this. The WBC title is the best title in boxing and I just can't wait to get in there.

ITV: Have you started your sparring for Pascal yet and who are the men you have brought in for that?

CF: We've got some tremendous sparring over here. We have a Cuban lad who is a top, top amateur. I'll tell you what I have never seen the like of his speed. He is 21-years-old and what a talented young man he is. He's had 250 amateur fights. I think he's only lost about one or two. He should have gone to the Olympics but you can imagine the politics over there. Super fast, he has given me all sorts of awkward angles and plenty to think about which is what I need. I couldn't ask for better sparring and he has taken me to that next level. You know I don't just want to be going through the motions for a fight like this, pushing people around. He's not bothered about who I am, doesn't care that I'm fighting for a world title. He's just doing his thing. He does his bit of show-boating and gets a bit lairy but I like that. We've also got Barker and O'Donnell to sharpen me up and there might be one or two others coming over so it's been perfect in that respect.

ITV: It's a huge fight for you Carl and while I know you are always confident you'll be more aware than most about the threat Pascal poses. How highly do you rate him and how do you see the fight playing out?

CF: Listen he is no pushover this Pascal. He's a fast, young elusive fighter. The guy is quick. He is sharp. He can box, he can move and I know I am going to have my hands full. But I'm ready to unleash hell. I know I'll catch up with him and get him out of there. I'm not even worried about that. On the night I'll be in the best possible shape and I'm confident it will all go my way.