Froch Seeking Public Recognition on His Big Night

With Joe Calzaghe publicly saying he is ready to turn his back on the super-middleweight division to continue his career as a light-heavyweight, Nottingham's Carl Froch has the opportunity to prove his readiness to move up to the elite level when he defends his British title against the former WBC world champion, Robin Reid, at the Nottingham Arena on Friday night.

The 30-year-old Froch has repeatedly demanded an all-British showdown with Calzaghe and has even said he would move up to light-heavyweight to face the Welshman, but he is becoming reconciled to the probability that the fight will never happen. Instead, he could be heading for a contest for the vacant title against the Dane, Mikkel Kessler, whom Calzaghe defeated in a unification clash last week.

"I don't think Joe wants me, for whatever reason, or the fight would have happened by now," said Froch. "Perhaps he thought he would not benefit financially as much as elsewhere, or perhaps he thinks I punch too hard for him. If he steps up to light-heavyweight, it is a good get-out clause, which is a shame because a fight between Calzaghe and me would have been one that the British public wanted.

"I'd happily fight Kessler for the title if I got the chance, but the edge has been taken off it a little because Joe beat him. But I'm not looking past Robin Reid. I am the No1 ranked challenger for the world title, but he deserves credit and respect and brings a lot to the table. He's looking forward to coming along and making an upset."

Reid, now 36, lost a split decision to Calzaghe in a WBO world title fight in 1999 and the Manchester-based fighter still resents the fact he was never given a rematch. Many thought he had done enough to have taken Calzaghe's crown, including Froch, who was among Reid's supporters.

"I was still an amateur and an England international when he was in his prime. But I remember watching nearly every one of Robin's fights when he was at his peak. I was cheering him on against Calzaghe and was really gutted when he didn't get the decision. I thought he won because he kept hitting him with right hands and showed a lot of durability and toughness," said Froch.

For Reid, despite the fact he registered an eight-round victory over Contender star, Jesse Brinkley, earlier this year, Friday's fight probably represents a last opportunity for him to get back into world contention. His relative inactivity - he has fought only once in more than two years - will count against him and his best years are surely behind him.

Froch believes he would have had the boxing ability to have beaten a prime Reid and that victory tonight will set him on course for a world title. "I'm on the fringe of breaking into the mainstream," he said. "My name doesn't often get mentioned. There is Joe and Ricky Hatton - who fights [Floyd] Mayweather next month. And there is Amir Khan, whose achievements have been blown up out of all proportion. It would be nice to be up there with them."

A knee injury requiring surgery has hampered the British champion's progress this year, but he is undefeated in 21 contests and has genuine power that has brought him 17 wins inside the distance. Reid is also a strong puncher, particularly with hooks, and he will be hoping that he still has the speed and power in his 46th paid contest to exploit what he sees as Froch's faults.

It is an interesting match and Froch may be in for an awkward night if Reid has rediscovered his old timing that was certainly not evident in his last outing. More likely is that the bigger Froch will use his reach advantage to soften up Reid for a stoppage around the ninth round.