Carl Froch: Will Denis Grachev Prepare Bute for His 2013 Rematch with Froch?

Carl Froch awaits Lucian Bute in a planned rematch in 2013; but first, Bute will take on Denis Grachev (12-0-1 8 KO) on November 3rd in the Bell Centre in Canada.

Grachev is coming off a sensational knockout victory over previously undefeated light heavyweight prospect Ismayl Sillakh (17-1, 14). Grachev will meet Bute at a 170-pound catchweight.

Bute wants to avenge his May knockout loss to Froch that saw his IBF super middleweight world title leave his waist after five years of successfully defending it.

While Grachev is a big puncher, he is considerably less experienced and less skilled than Froch. By having a less dangerous opponent in front of him, he can perhaps work on avoiding shots better.

For all the acclaim the boxing media gives to Bute's slickness, he was hit much too easily by Froch in their fight.

Bute's reluctance to fire back also helped encourage Froch to continue his assault until he was ultimately stopped in Round 5—but only after hurting him.

If Bute can work on his defense and have a better work rate against Grachev, he will have a much greater chance to avenge the lone loss of his career—which came at the hands of Froch.

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