British superstar Carl Froch is set to retire from boxing, he revealed in an exclusive interview with Boxing News Online. The 37-year-old Froch says that his decision could come as early as August or September.
“I think August, September would be a good time and that could almost be a cut-off time for me,” said Froch. “If something doesn’t happen by then, I’ll seriously consider calling it a day. If I lost a decision against someone I really should be beating, it’d be awful to have to keep boxing to try to prove something.”
In March, Froch revealed to BBC Sport that he was pondering an acting career as an investment to secure the money he has earned throughout his stellar boxing career.
“I’ve got an interest in properties. It’s a great way to secure your money when you’re earning it. It gives you longevity, and it’s almost a pension for you when you’ve finished in your sport,” Froch said. “I’m doing different things. I’m working for Sky [Sky Sports] as a pundit for boxing; I’m making my film debut. I don’t think you’re listening to the next Robert De Niro. I’m probably going to be chucking someone in the River Thames after I beat them up,” he added.
Froch also reflected on his time away from the sport, adding that promoter Eddie Hearn is not bothered either way – if he decides to fight on, or if he retires – and he is keeping himself in great shape in case he decides to fight once more.
“I’ve got a great team around me; there’s no pressure off [trainer] Robert McCracken. Eddie Hearn’s not bothered either way – if I fight on if I retire – so I’ll sit back and see what opens up,” Froch said. “I’m keeping myself in great shape. My elbows and arms have never felt so good; a lot of boxers get dodgy elbows, and mine played up in training for the potential Chavez fight in March, which I obviously pulled out of because of injury to my right elbow.
“If I do decide to fight again, it’ll be interesting to see how I respond in camp, training-wise. I could feel unbelievably fantastic physically or like, ‘Bloody hell, this I hard work.’ I think the rest has probably done me more good than harm.”
Froch also revealed that he and his girlfriend Rachael are expecting their third child together.
“She’s five months pregnant now, due in September. I’m gutted,” an excited Froch said. “We have a boy, Rocco, and a girl, Natalia, so this time we’re going to have a surprise, there’s not many things in life you can have surprises with.”
Given that Froch vacated his IBF super-middleweight belt to bypass a potential fight with fellow countryman James DeGale, I think the curtain is set to drop on Froch’s career. His record stands at 33-2, with 24 knockouts. As a boxer, dedication to your craft is key. We all saw what time out of the ring did to Peter Quillin’s chances of reclaiming his WBO middleweight title. Froch’s legacy is going to stay intact no matter what he decides to do.
