Carl Froch, the outsider for his IBF world super-middleweight title challenge against Lucian Bute, admits he has “a lot to prove” in the fight.
The Cobra is bidding to bounce back from his second career defeat to become a three-time world champion.
He lost his WBC super-middleweight belt to classy American Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six tournament in New Jersey before Christmas to incur only his second professional loss.
Yet the 34-year-old has been granted an instant shot at redemption when he challenges Bute on home turf at Nottingham's Trent FM Arena.
Froch is a best-priced 15/8 with
Paddy Power to win the fight, with Bute 4/9 and the draw 25/1.
For Canada-based Romanian southpaw Bute it is a chance to prove himself in a rare appearance away from home.
For Froch, whose only other defeat was by Mikkel Kessler in Denmark in 2010, it is the chance to exorcise some of the ghosts from December's defeat by Ward and underline his world title pedigree.
“It was a very bad night for me against Ward and I've a lot to prove now,” he said. “This is the comeback from the bitter disappointment on that night in Atlantic City.
“I've been on the road now for three years, fighting away from home. Nothing has been comfortable or easy, but there is a really good feel about this fight with it being in Nottingham.
“I've a fantastic fanbase, as proved by the fact the arena will be sold out.
“With the career I've had, over the last three years I've been through every emotion. I've been through highs and lows. I know what it's like to taste defeat and it's not nice.”
Froch (28-2, 20KO wins) added: “I've come back from a very close, dubious decision against Mikkel Kessler to put on a career-best performance against Arthur Abraham.
“It wasn't my night against Andre Ward in Atlantic City and I lost a very close fight against a top fighter. I'll put it right against Lucian Bute.
“He is coming to Nottingham - my city, my hometown, my fortress - anyone who is anyone will be there shouting and cheering for me and that will give me such a lift.”
Quebec-based Bute said: “I'm excited. Two months ago I was here for the press conference and then I went to Florida for my training camp for seven weeks. It was a good training camp despite a little technical problem (a foot infection).
“I'm very happy, I've worked very hard for this fight. I know it's not an easy fight for me but I came here to win. I'm a winner.”
