Sixteen years ago, on April 25, 2009, Carl Froch cemented his place in boxing history with a truly dramatic, movie-like knockout victory over Jermain Taylor in Connecticut.
Heading into the final decisive 12th round, `The Cobra` found himself behind on the scorecards, trailing 106-102 on two judges` cards. It appeared almost certain that Taylor would successfully defend his WBC super-middleweight championship. However, Froch unleashed a final, desperate assault, securing a stunning stoppage win with a mere fourteen seconds left on the clock. It was a finish that seemed plucked straight from a Hollywood script.
This bout marked only the second time in Froch`s professional career that he fought in the United States. The undefeated British fighter, holding a 24-0 record, had recently come off a unanimous decision win against Jean Pascal in his hometown of Nottingham. Meanwhile, Taylor, known as `Bad Intentions`, entered the fight with a 28-2-1 record, fresh from a title eliminator victory over Jeff Lacy. Before this, Taylor had famously become the undisputed middleweight champion back in 2005.
The fight began tough for Froch. In the third round, the American landed a knockdown, sending Froch to the canvas for the very first time in his career. Despite surviving the knockdown, the fight devolved into a gruelling war of attrition. Taylor seemed to be edging the exchanges, looking composed as the betting favourite and steadily accumulating rounds. At this point, it felt like a foregone conclusion that the Nottingham hero was destined to lose his world title far from home.
Nevertheless, guided by his renowned trainer Rob McCracken, Froch maintained his composure and focus. As Taylor began to show signs of tiring, Froch still needed something spectacular to turn the tide. Taylor`s path to victory seemed clear: simply survive the final round.
But then, in an instant, the entire dynamic of the fight flipped.
A powerful right hand from Froch connected, visibly stunning Taylor. Sensing his opportunity, `The Cobra` went on the attack. Taylor, desperately trying to recover and survive, attempted to cling to Froch with all his remaining strength, but it was not enough.
A ferocious barrage from Froch sent Taylor tumbling to the canvas. Though he managed to beat the count and get back to his feet, he was clearly hurt and unstable. Froch immediately unleashed another flurry of punches, pinning Taylor against the ropes. Seeing Taylor defenseless, referee Mike Ortega made the decision to stop the contest – with just fourteen seconds remaining in the fight.
It was the ultimate definition of a Hollywood ending.
Speaking after the fight, Froch commented, “What I did in the 12th, that was unbelievable. I showed a little composure. I got up and knocked him out in round 12. What more do you want? Coming into the last round, I was hoping my intuition was right and Jermain was tiring from dealing with my pressure. I came out here to make a statement on American soil, and I believe I made it.”
Jermain Taylor would later go on to win the IBF middleweight title in what would be his final career victory against Sam Soliman. He secured five wins in his last six bouts before retiring from boxing in 2014.
In a distinguished career featuring 24 knockout victories, arguably none were as dramatic or memorable as Carl Froch`s incredible comeback win over Jermain Taylor, a true snatching of victory from the jaws of defeat, sixteen years ago on this day.
Oliver Croft