Froch, who Ward defeated in the 2011 Super-Six finale, has been hoping to secure a massive fight at the boxing capital of the world for his entire career and is consistently linked to facing Julio Cesar Chavez in the summer.
Saturday’s ruling that Froch must open talks with the ‘super’ champion and secure a fight within 120 days has now given the Nottingham fighter something else to chew on as he eyes a couple of huge events before retirement.
In the past, Froch had suggested that a return with Ward may produce similar results to when the American won a wide decision back in the Showtime tournament. However, ‘The Cobra’ will risk dropping the second of his titles unless he seals a deal with the ‘S.O.G’ before long.
The IBF title Froch possessed from his punishing win over Lucian Bute has already been vacated this year for the three-time world title-holder to avoid facing James DeGale in a mandatory bout in the UK, so failure to comply and duke it out with Ward again would result in the loss of another strap.
Whether titles actually mean that much to Froch in his career’s twilight is highly doubtful, and Chavez Jr remains the frontrunner. Still, there are certain to be many onlookers that would say Ward’s lack of activity lately could make any rematch a closer affair – at least on paper.
Since his defeat to Ward, which remains the only reverse Froch has not avenged, the 37-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence on the world scene and is riding high on the pound-for-pound rankings lists after racking up five straight wins and four stoppages in unifying the 168lb belts.
Mikkel Kessler, the only other man to hold a victory against Froch, was out-pointed in a London return in May 2013, a fight that effectively ended the Danes career.
This renewed confidence should give Froch the incentive to at least attempt to retire, having beaten every fighter throughout his career. Still, only time will tell if the hardened Briton will take on the task against a man widely regarded as the best in the division.
A real chance of emulating compatriot Lennox Lewis looms large for Froch who can overturn his two defeats and bow out with the ultimate glory of overcoming every challenge laid down to him throughout his time in the sport. The question is…’Will he take it?’
The question is…’Will he take it?’
