Carl Froch column: At least Haye-Audley is a domestic rumble
IT looks like my amateur pal and WBA heavyweight champion David Haye is set to square off against Olympic gold medalist Audley Harrison this November.
I know both guys and, while different in their approach, they are both good people.
But it seems a war of words have been exchanged between the pair on twitter, which signals a scrap is looming as the testosterone starts pumping.
While many are calling for David to back up his mouth against the Klitshko brothers, I think given the fact they are both already slated to fight others, it makes for an interesting domestic rumble if nothing else.
If this was any other weight class, it would be considered a mismatch or undeserving event. But the heavies always capture the public's imagination. Boxing needs as much exposure as possible, so from that angle it's worth making.
Audley would naturally be the underdog and has blown hot and cold since turning professional.
That's in stark contrast to David who has unified the cruiserweight division and is now a belt holder at heavyweight.
Audley's a big heavyweight who can punch, but has often failed to pull the trigger.
Haye may not be the biggest heavyweight but can hit with the best of them and is fast for the weight class.
Many will say Audley is bigger, but Haye has already beaten the biggest heavyweight in history, so that's really irrelevant.
Audley has long promised everyone he has the ability to be world champion. Well it's time, after many years to come good on that promise.
Whatever happens, the title will remain in the UK. But I get the feeling along with everyone else, that it will be Haye's mantle piece it's sitting on afterwards.
Elsewhere, it looks like Amir Khan will be fighting an opponent from his own division. There was talk of faded lightweight Joel Casamayor, Erik Morales and most recently Juan Manuel Marquez fighting Khan at 140.
While Marquez is a respected veteran with ability, he had no business at welter or even light-welter. He is small even for a lightweight, whereas Khan is a decent size for his weight.
But the Mexican has opted to fight fellow lightweight Michael Katsidis, who blew away our Kevin Mitchell the other month.
With talk of WBO champ Tim Bradley doing the right thing and fighting WBC and IBF champ Devon Alexander, it looks like Khan's last choice and mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana is the only fight left.
Maidana is crude and lacks finesse. But he is tough stuff and can punch, with almost all his wins coming by KO.
Khan's game has improved since his first-round demolition defeat to another crude, but hard-hitting opponent.
I think he's matured as a fighter and will box his way to a decision. But it will be interesting to see if Maidana connects.
Finally, I just want to wish my good friend and fellow Nottingham warrior, Jason Booth, good luck as he prepares for a hard night's work on September 11
Booth takes on Steve Molitor for his IBF super bantamweight title at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
Jason has got it all to do so I want to wish him all the best. I know you will give it your all and do Nottingham proud.














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