CARL: I'LL NOT FLEA BIG TEST

Daily Star Kevin Francis30th September, 2009

CARL Froch is nicknamed 'The Cobra' - but after his recent exploits he should change that to 'The Exterminator'.

The fighter, 32, has been donning protective gear to help clear up a flea-ridden house in his home city of Nottingham.

Froch, who defends his WBC super-middleweight title against Andre Dirrell in Nottingham on October 17, buys properties, which he restores and rents out.

He said: "The person in this particular property disappeared and left it in a right old state - and with plenty of bills owing.

"I trusted him and got bitten - literally. Myself and my brothers Lee and Wayne had to put on these white paper suits and clear the place. It was quite a job, believe me."

Froch's pals call him Rigsby, after the landlord from the 1970s comedy series Rising Damp. But he insists his landlord duties have not taken his focus away from the Dirrell fight.

He said: "Far from it. In fact, it has all helped me keep on the move between gym sessions. And although this most recent one was awkward, I really enjoy the work."

Froch was in the gym again yesterday ahead of his bout with Dirrell, the first fight of a 'Super Six Boxing Classic' series of contests.

The series will see Froch, Dirrell and four other fighters battle it out to become the world's top middleweight.

As well as Froch against Dirrell, the first group stage will see Jermain Taylor face Arthur Abraham, while Mikkel Kessler will put his WBA belt on the line against Andre Ward.

Froch said: "I am going to be the last man standing ."