Win or bust for Froch

Carl Froch says the unthinkable outcome of defeat to Lucian Bute on May 26 is driving him on ahead of their Nottingham showdown.

Froch has no bigger incentive than to bounce back from only his second professional defeat to American superstar and WBA champion Andre Ward in December last year than to win in front of his own fans at the Capital FM Arena at the end of the month. 'The Cobra' says he is determined to reward his army of followers for their faith during the recent Super Six series and is desperate to stop the southpaw's run of 30 straight victories. "I have to beat Lucian on May 26 - losing in front of my own fans is just something I cannot contemplate," said Froch. "They have travelled thousands of miles to watch me during the Super Six, and now they have a massive world title fight on their doorstep as a thank you - but it has to be a party and the only way it will be is if I keep the title here." The 34-year-old, who responded to his only other defeat to Mikkel Kessler with victories over Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson, added: "There's nothing like the Capital FM Arena when it is full. I was there on Monday night when it was empty and cold, and I just thought that in two weeks' time this will be packed and the roof is going to come off."