Carl Froch is sitting pretty now. Not only is he drawing 80,000 fans to see him fight in the UK, but there seems to be no immediate stop on the money train. He didn't exactly look great in either Groves fight... in both cases, coming from a slow start to score a KO win. the first time, he was coming off a very bad start, and got a very suspect win. This time, it was a mildly slow start, and he got an emphatic win. So, he gets to put Groves behind him, and now his mandatory is another British 168lber, James De Gale. With division kingpin Andre Ward frozen by legal problems, Froch has become the man at 168lbs. This in spite of the fact that virtually no one wants to see him face Ward again.
It reminds me of Kostya Tszyu's situation about a decade ago. After unifying the division, and leaving no doubt, Tszyu was idle for 22 months with injuries. During that time, former victim Sharmba Mitchell scored several impressive wins. he did so, to the point where people forget what a bad match he was for Tszyu. Not only did Tszyu beat Mitchell again, he did so in even more dominant fashion. That would be my prediction if Froch and ward ever got in the ring again, but with Ward's lack of power, and Hearn's corrupt British officials, anything is possible. Either way, Froch is making money hand over fist to be the number 2 guy in a division. Pretty impressive. Only Manny Pacquiao's situation correlates.
Nonito Donaire also found a way to win at Featherweight, and can say he is a 4 (or 5) division champion. However, no longer enjoying his height and reach advantages, as he did at lower weights, has changed things. He is losing rounds now... something that was unheard of when he was at 118 or below. he has maintained his iron chin, and devastating power, and he will need it. He is staring down thee barrel at unifications with Nicholas Walters or Evgeny Gradovich. Both men may not be favored over Donaire, but they would not be prohibitive underdogs. Walters looks downright dangerous, in fact. Nonito is a future hall of famer, but as was said during his telecast, his later career may be the most exciting, because he is much more vulnerable.
Vic Darchinyan on the other hand, was always exciting. He owes us nothing more. He has been vulnerable, and suffered losses, ever since his first stoppage loss to Donaire. He has accomplished much since then, especially at 115, so I am not saying he should have quit long ago. However, he is 38 years old... ancient for his division, and has been fighting at the highest level for 10 straight years. After two straight devastating knockout losses (something we never say before) it is time for him to walk away, especially when he is admitting having a stupid game plan PRIOR to a fight even happening.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
