Carl Froch hung up the gloves at the perfect time – a rare feat in the sport of boxing.
Former super middleweight world champion come Hall Of Famer Froch called time on his career after his second victory over George Groves. Early stoppage controversy in their first meeting warranted a rematch, and ‘The Cobra’ would leave no doubt with a sensational knockout in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
It capped off a career of 33 wins from 35 fights, losing only to Mikkel Kessler – which he later avenged – and Andre Ward. Both defeats came over the distance and, though knocked down on occasion, Froch is proud of the fact that he was never stopped.
When fighters do suffer KO losses, particularly in emphatic fashion, the 48-year-old is often heard recommending retirement. That is certainly the case with two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Froch has called for ‘AJ’ to retire since his brutal defeat to Daniel Dubois last August, and continued to do so in one of his latest YouTube videos.
“I think [AJ] should retire. I think he’s done what he needs to do. He’s made his [money].”
Joshua’s defeat to Dubois at Wembley came inside five rounds and after multiple knockdowns. It set the Finchley fighter’s plans to become a three-time belt holder in the heavyweight division massively off course, and he has not competed since.
However, following minor surgery, the big-punching Brit is now back in training and preparing for a return in early 2026. Promoter Eddie Hearn has made no secret of the fact that the fight will be a build up to something bigger, with the long-awaited clash against Tyson Fury high priority and reportedly making progress.
