Carl Froch has said that he was not satisfied with victory in the Super Six World Boxing Classic after what he called a “dud fight” against Andre Dirrell. Froch won a split decision after a contest that failed to ignite.

The WBC super-middleweight world champion from Nottingham was happy to get a win but felt his opponent’s tactics meant there was no real show for spectators. Froch had taken a points decision over Jean Pascal last December in what many had said was a contender for fight of the year but, against the wiliness of Dirrell, the British boxer did not shine.

“I'm a little bit dissatisfied but I can only beat what's in front of me," he told the BBC.

"We never really stood and had a trade and got going with anything."

Froch was rarely tested during the 12 rounds and, though Direll slipped to the canvas more than once, the Michigan fighter was never in danger being knocked out and used his feet to stay out of danger throughout.

"A win's a win, he can't expect to come to Nottingham and beat me by running and holding and complaining,” Froch added.

"Andre Dirrell is very fast, very skilful, very slick; if you couple that together with negativity, which is what he brought tonight, you're going to get a bit of a dud fight."

Froch countered the American’s quick hands by trying to get close but the fight was largely a cat and mouse affair and there was still some uncertainty as to the outcome before the split decision gave Froch the win. Dirrell was deducted a point for holding in the tenth and, although the point did not affect the outcome, the Michigan boxer was mystified by the decision and felt he should have won.

"I thought I held him off enough, boxed him enough to get a decision," he said.

"We know where we're at, but I'm going to hold my head with pride... I still don't know why (the referee) took the point from me.

"I'm still clueless on the point for leaning on him. He'd been holding me, hitting me in the back of the head the whole time, bringing me down on one knee. He'd been rough the whole fight."