Carl Froch Video: Watch Boxer Dispute Muhammad Ali's Legendary Status

Believe it or not, I understand where Carl Froch is coming from in his statement about Muhammad Ali. Before you group me in the sacrilegious and disrespectful abyss many have cast Froch into, let me clarify as Gossen Tutor Boxing allowed Froch to do in this candid interview.

I am not a fan of every fighter or athlete I consider great. It may be because of their style, their disposition, or other factors. Some aspect of their being does not endear them to me.

For example, I am not a Tim Duncan fan. Is he the greatest power forward in NBA history, and one of the greatest players, period? Absolutely, without a question, and anyone that disputes that, I question their knowledge and understanding of the game. Still, I wouldn't pay to see him play.

He gets it done in a way that is like watching paint dry. With a flurry of 15-foot jumpers off the glass, drop steps, fundamentally sound two-handed rebounds and two-handed chest passes. All this, with limited, if any emotion.

That doesn't scream excitement to me.

Froch was essentially saying the same thing about Ali. His distaste for Ali seemed to be based on a lack of appreciation for Ali's in-ring style, and out-of-ring persona. He referenced Ali's treatment of "Smokey" Joe Frazier.....yeah, someone needs to pull Carl's coat tail and tell him the late Frazier's nickname was "Smokin'." Still, I got his point.

Froch seemed to reference plenty of African-American fighters, so his diss of Ali wouldn't be attributed to racism. That may seem unnecessary, but things have a way of going that direction when cultural icons like Ali are attacked.

While Froch is entitled to his opinion, I certainly do not agree with his ridiculous sentiment. Froch can't be referencing a lack of skill, as he completely disrespects the rope a dope. I would also encourage Froch to watch other fights besides the "Rumble In The Jungle" vs. George Foreman.

In fact, turn on some Cassius Clay footage and watch him dismantle Sonny Liston and Ernie Terrell—not to mention various other fights. Also, before Froch belittles the Ali persona, consider this: The interview you criticize him in is partially possible because of the voice Ali's brashness provided fighters.

The press conferences, trash talk, etc. were the pre-cursor to pay-per-view and the huge paydays today's fighters benefit from.

So I acknowledge Froch's opinion, and his entitlement to it. As well, I also recognize his potentially great fight tonight against Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six, Super Middleweight tournament on Showtime. Still, I vehemently disagree with Froch.

Just as he is no fan of Ali, I am not a fan of his. We're all entitled.