21.03.08 ITV presents The Cobra

Undefeated Carl Froch takes centre stage on ITV on May 10 when he fights Russian Denis Inkin in a WBC world super-middleweight title eliminator in his home town of Nottingham. We went one-on-one with 'The Cobra' to get his thoughts on the big fight, and much more.

ITV: Your WBC world-title eliminator with Denis Inkin is being screened live on ITV. Does it give you an extra buzz knowing the fight will be going out to such a huge terrestrial audience?

CF: Yes it does, along with a bit of extra pressure. Luckily I thrive on pressure so expect an explosive 'Cobra'.

ITV: In just a few fights on terrestrial TV, Joe Calzaghe's profile and popularity went through the roof and the same can be said of Amir Khan. Are you hoping for something similar given your TV-friendly KO style?

CF: My first 12 or 13 fights were on terrestrial TV and it gave my profile a massive boost. The viewing public will continue to support me, I'm sure, as my style is very exciting.

ITV: What are your memories of watching the big fights on ITV as a kid?

CF: Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn. Everyone who's anyone watched!

ITV: Inkin is something of an unknown quantity over here but I'm sure you know all about him. Do you see this as being potentially your toughest assignment?

CF: Styles make fights and looking at his last two fights I personally feel Inkin is made for me. It will be tough as he has never been defeated in the pro ring, but I've beaten other very tough men with bad hand injuries. I beat Henry Porras in the eighth after breaking my hand in round two, and Brian Magee in round 11 after breaking my hand in just the second round. It doesn't get much tougher than that, I hope!

ITV: You are an established pro now with 22 fights. Who has been the toughest man you have faced to this point?

CF: Charles Adamu (in 2004), although I made hard work of it due to my inexperience.

ITV: You and Inkin were both quality amateurs. Did your paths ever cross in the amateur game or have you ever sparred before now?

CF: Inkin holds a points win over me in the amateurs, although I had him down in the last round. You can view the fight on YouTube.

ITV: Talking of sparring, who have you been working with for this fight?

CF: Darren Barker and Andrew Lowe.

ITV: We saw you last time out do a job on Robin Reid. How pleasing was that win given the problems you had with your knee in the months leading up to that fight?

CF: It was great to get the knee sorted and get the first fight back out of the way. Reid was a fine champion and a gentleman outside the boxing ring.

ITV: I know you had mobility problems before the operation, but that all seems sorted now. That must give you extra confidence in training?

CF: It's nice to be able to run without limping, and not stress about the knee, especially when doing track work and sprinting. My Sunday night five-a-side is on hold for now, though!

ITV: You have home advantage for the Inkin fight and I know you are fiercely proud of your Nottingham roots. How much does it mean to you to fight in the city?

CF: It's such a big deal for me to fight in my home town. I've got amazing support and I'm so relaxed and confident it has to be an advantage. Not to mention I can be out of my house, get the job done and be back home within a couple of hours!

ITV: Provided this one goes well how soon do you reckon it will be before you are challenging for a world title? Have you been given any sort of timescale?

CF: When I beat Inkin I hope to be fighting for the title within three months. Boxing can be frustrating as there can be too long to wait between bouts.

ITV: With Calzaghe now moving up to light-heavyweight do you reckon the opportunity to fight him may have gone?

CF: No, I spoke to Calzaghe last week and he said if the money was right he would not avoid me. So if he stands by what he said, it's possible.

ITV: I know you respect him as a fighter but in years to come, despite all he has achieved, do you still feel his legacy may be tainted by not fighting you when you have repeatedly challenged him?

CF: In a word, yes.

ITV: Your football team Nottingham Forest are doing okay as well this season. Would a perfect 2008 for you involve you doing the business in a world-title fight and Forest getting promotion?

CF: You know it! I can keep my end secure but Forest are in the hands of Colin Calderwood, though he is an excellent manager. Let's hope they can dominate under his guidance as I do under the boxing mastermind Robert McCracken.

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