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LONDON (AFP) –
Carl Froch celebrates after beating Lucian Bute of Romania in their IBF World Super Middleweight Title boxing match in Nottingham, England on May 26, 2012. Froch apologised on Thursday after threatening to “kill” Danish opponent Mikkel Kessler in their IBF super-middleweight bout in London on Saturday, as the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) launched an investigation into the incident.
British boxer Carl Froch apologised on Thursday after threatening to “kill” Danish opponent Mikkel Kessler in their IBF super-middleweight bout in London on Saturday, as the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) launched an investigation into the incident.
Kessler claimed a points victory in the pair’s first fight three years ago, but although they have since become friends, Froch launched a strongly worded verbal attack on his adversary in a pre-fight press briefing.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Froch used an obscenity when he said: “On Saturday night, if I have to, I will kill (him).
“Sorry about the language, but I will kill him. It sounds brutal, it sounds horrible, but this is what it means to me.
“I’m going to leave it in the ring. And when I’m smashing his face in, I am going to go for the kill. I am going to go for the finish.”
However, he took to Twitter to apologise on Thursday, writing: “I’m sorry if my comments yesterday offended anyone. This fight means so much to me & emotions are running high. See you at the weigh-in.”
Despite the Nottingham fighter’s apology, the BBBofC’s general secretary, Robert Smith, said the governing body would investigate the comments.
“Carl’s comments are inappropriate and we are disappointed in them,” he told Britain’s Press Association.
“They are very uncharacteristic from Carl, who is usually a very well-behaved and measured young man.
“We are surprised and disappointed in his comments, however, I have spoken to his management team of Rob McCracken and Eddie Hearn and we are looking into it and will deal with it accordingly.”
