Carl Froch has publicly challenged Anthony Joshua for a personal meeting after revealing a series of contentious WhatsApp messages exchanged between them. The feud comes years after the two, who once trained together under coach Rob McCracken, have seen their relationship deteriorate.
The spat has been simmering since Joshua parted ways with McCracken three years ago. Last week, Froch took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share some of the messages between them. In these exchanges, Froch confronted Joshua about allegedly calling him a derogatory name in an interview. Joshua responded, expressing his dislike for Froch. ‘The Cobra’ subsequently posted the messages on X and YouTube, along with a video in which Joshua was seen flaunting a series of £20 notes.
Froch has continued to escalate the situation by revealing that Joshua has recently sent and then deleted several messages. He described Joshua’s behavior as “pathetic” and “childish,” criticizing the boxer for his actions.
“I’ve only shared 10 percent of the messages,” Froch told BestOnlinePokerSites, according to talkSPORT. “It’s really just childish, like plastic gangsters. It’s pathetic and ridiculous, and I think even he’ll cringe at it. I shared it because I don’t think I should have to endure this abuse, being called names like that. I’ve kept 90 percent of what he said private. He messaged me again overnight and deleted four of the messages.”
Froch has not only criticized Joshua’s online behavior but has also challenged him to a face-to-face meeting, accusing him of avoiding direct communication. “I’ve been subjected to a lot of abuse, but I’m open to meeting up and dealing with it like men,” Froch continued. “Sending me abusive messages and then deleting them, and not picking up the phone when I call, isn’t how you resolve issues. If he continues like this, I’ll expose him for what he is.”
Joshua is set to return to the ring on September 21, when he will face Daniel Dubois for the newly vacated IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium.