Carl Froch has received a backlash from his fellow professionals following his recent comments regarding James DeGale.
Following a stellar ten-year career, DeGale bowed out gracefully on the back of an entertaining loss to Chris Eubank Jr.
Instead of solely applauding DeGale’s achievements in claiming Olympic gold, British, European and two world titles, Froch appeared on talkSPORT with Jim White, and couldn’t resist laying into ‘Chunky’ after some initial praise.
“He was a great fighter and he was an IBF champion. Won the world title,” Froch told White. “He made history, he was the first guy to ever win a gold medal and then go on to win a world title.
“So you’ve gotta have massive respect for him. But we’re talking about the top level of the elite. Was he the best of the best? He wasn’t.
“He was mixing it with the best, but he got found wanting right at the top.
“If we’d have met in my career, I’d have been too strong for him. I’d have backed him up onto the ropes, he’d have sat there with his guard up. I’d have absolutely smashed him to bits.
“Chris Eubank Jr (who won a decision over DeGale in his final fight) lost to Groves. So on paper, you know, James DeGale don’t really belong in the same ring as me, let’s be honest.
“But yeah, he had a few things to say. He sucked his teeth at me and tried to have a little bit of a go at me at the Badou Jack (fight week) after the weigh in.
“But I straightened him out. I let him realize who he was arguing with. He actually doesn’t want to roll around on the cobbles with me, let me tell you.
“I told him to concentrate on Badou Jack because he can fight. Something he found out the next day because he got his teeth knocked out,” ‘The Cobra’ added.
REACTION
Upon witnessing Froch’s rant, which comes on the back of similar dismissal of George Groves upon his retirement, the Nottingham man’s motives were questioned.
British legend Michael Watson said: “Best of luck @jamesdegale1 and don’t respond to the silly negative quotes from so-called fellow boxers. Some think they are Cobra’s but they are just ????’s.”
Irish star Michael Conlan labelled Froch, ‘a real-life parody of himself’, whilst current UK contender Isaac Chamberlain wasn’t happy with Froch at all.
“I happen to know for a fact that @Carl_Froch agreed to fight @jamesdegale1 at the 02 Arena in January 2015 – but then pulled out. So by his own doing, we’ll never know who would have smashed who.
“Anyone who p***es on someone’s legacy at a special moment like this ain’t worth ????.”
