ANDRE DIRRELL vs. ARTHUR ABRAHAM Super Six World Boxing Classic – Group Stage 2 Saturday, March 27, 2010 Conference Call Highlights
NEW YORK (March 4, 2010) — Super Six World Boxing Classic standings leader “King” Arthur Abraham and Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell both took part in a media conference call on Thursday to talk about their Group Stage 2 matchup. The two square off March 27, 2010, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich., live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The Armenian Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) currently leads the Super Six point standings with three points by way of his last-second knockout against American Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor Oct. 17 in Berlin, Germany. The former middleweight bronze medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics from Flint, Mich., Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) dropped a close 12-round decision to Carl Froch for the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship the same night in Nottingham, England.
The event is being promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Sauerland Event.
ARTHUR ABRAHAM
“This is a really big chance for me to be a big star in America. It’s what I’ve been looking for. I really feel that there is so much interest from America and from SHOWTIME and from the journalists in the Super Six. I’m just really happy to be here and this is a great chance for me.”
“I guess it will be a little bit of an advantage for him to fight in front of his home fans, but inside the ring we are all just by ourselves and you have to fight on your own, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
“I never really expect the KO. If you have that kind of attitude you don’t get it and you won’t win. All I’m expecting is a win for myself and that is the most important thing.
“My sparring partners copy Andre Dirrell’s style every day and they run away a lot. So, I’m prepared for that. If you compare Dirrell and (Jermain) Taylor they have different styles. Taylor is more a fighter and more aggressive while Dirrell is more of a technical guy who is very fast.”
On having to move his training camp from California back to Berlin:
“It’s not been a problem at all. It’s all about attitude. We had a very good time training in California. It was sunny. We had a good, hard training camp there. Now, we’re back in Germany and next headed to Detroit, so it shouldn’t be any problem at all. I’ve never really been bothered by the jet lag.
“It would have been nice to fight in Palm Springs because there would have been more Armenian fans than in Detroit, but, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. What’s important is what happens inside the ring.
“The super middleweight division is so much better for me. I can eat more and I can punch harder and I can train harder.
“I’ve watched Andre’s fight against Froch several times now. He’s more of a technical fighter. That is what he does, so you have to be prepared for that. You have to pick your sparring partners to copy his style and that’s what we’ve done. We have a game plan and that’s what you will see once we step into the ring.”
Is there any added pressure fighting with an unbeaten record?
“There’s always pressure when I’m fighting because I always want to win.
“I expect him to be running a lot because that is his tactic. He will be running around. That’s what he likes to do. At times he will come to fight but it’s tough to say right now. We will see.”
ANDRE DIRRELL
“It’s unfortunate I hurt my back, but I’m 90 percent back and still pushing forward and getting everything ready with preparations for my victory over Arthur Abraham.
“Fighting at home is going to be a real confidence booster for me. I call it a do-or-die situation for me. I’m training harder than I ever did and even smarter than I ever did because I always train hard. I’m highly prepared for battle on the 27th.”
How did the back injury occur?
“I was sparring with one of my sparring partners and I turned and when I stepped to the side of him before I turned all the way to face him I took a punch across my body and that’s how I threw my back out.
“I’ve trained with many guys that fight like Arthur Abraham. He has awesome defense, he’s very explosive and has dangerous weapons he brings into the ring.”
On his last fight with Carl Froch:
“It was a championship fight. It was in his hometown. I had a game plan but it unfolded when he started using dirty tactics. But I’ve learned from that. Going into the late rounds my mind was kind of wondering if I could go 12 rounds. By the ninth round I figured 12 would be a cinch. And I finished strong. But as far as the holding went it wasn’t part of the game plan. I wasn’t meant to hold that much, but because of the dirty tactics, he threw me off my game plan. When I got on the inside I clenched a little too much, and so I’m working on that right now. I’m prepared for anything now. When Arthur Abraham steps into the opposite corner as me I’ll be ready to get busy and get this win.
“Winning is everything right now. I already have one loss and I can’t lose again or I’m out of the tournament. So, I’m coming off a loss and looking for that victory. I’m just working hard to get that victory and if the knockout comes it comes.
Is Abraham looking past you?
“I’ve heard a few comments in the media where he’s said Dirrell will be easy but hey, who’s to say. He’s says he’s going to go into the ring with a game plan and I believe that. And I’m going to do the same thing.
“This isn’t just big for Detroit or for Flint but for all of Michigan. Detroit is one of the legendary spots in boxing so that’s why I wanted to bring the fight there — to show the Detroit boxing fans that boxing is not dying. It’s coming here and it’s here to stay.
“Like I’ve said before you just can’t stand in front of Arthur Abraham. His power is right there in front of him and he’s got strong hooks. He’s very explosive. I’ve seen the Taylor fight and I saw Jermain stand in front of Arthur. That’s something that you just can’t do.
“The Froch fight put me in great position for where I currently stand mentally and physically. Froch was a tough fight. It was his hometown and for a world title and my first 12-rounder. So all that experience came into one and let’s me know where I stand in this boxing game. Not just in the Super Six but in the boxing game in general. Hopefully I’ll become world champion very soon.”
For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com
SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SCOREBOARD
Record Fighter Points
1-0 Arthur Abraham 3
1-0 Carl Froch 2
1-0 Andre Ward 2
0-1 Andre Dirrell 0
0-1 Mikkel Kessler 0
0-0 Allan Green 0
ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
SHOWTIME SPORTS® PRESENTS EPISODE 4 OF REALITY SERIES “FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic”
Hear From Jermain Taylor On His Withdrawal From the Tournament;
Eavesdrop on the Promoter’s Discussion of Replacement Allan Green;
Catch Arthur Abraham and Andre Dirrell Preparing For Their Next Encounter
Premieres Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2010)—The latest installment of the critically acclaimed reality series from SHOWTIME Sports® — FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic — returns to SHOWTIME® with Episode 4, premiering Monday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.
To view Episode 4 trailer, click here:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid68130949001
Also on this video player for your convenience is the complete Episode #3 which premiered last week.
The 30-minute episode features an emotional interview with Jermain Taylor as he discusses his withdrawal from the tournament. Also, viewers will join the charismatic Super Six promoters as they candidly discuss Taylor’s replacement, the ultra-confident Allan Green.
Viewers will join Arthur Abraham as he departs Germany for the United States in preparation for his Group Stage 2 bout against Andre Dirrell. Along the way, Abraham, the former middleweight titleholder, misplaces his cherished world championship belt and the hunt is on.
Episode 4 also takes viewers to Flint, Mich., and inside the home of young Dirrell as he and his team study Abraham’s fighting style and begin to strategize for the tough challenge ahead of them.
The complete viewing schedule for Episode 4 is below.
On Saturday, March 27, Abraham, the Super Six World Boxing Classic leader will face Dirrell in a 12-round match, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
Group Stage 2 bouts continue with a world championship doubleheader on Saturday, April 24. Undefeated Carl Froch (26-0, 20 KOs), of England, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title against former World Boxing Association (WBA) 168-pound champion Mikkel Kessler (42-2, 32 KOs) of Denmark, and Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland, Calif., who captured Kessler’s WBA belt last November, will risk his crown against Green (29-1, 20 KOs).
The tournament twin-bill will be televised on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT with Froch vs. Kessler airing on same-day delay from MCH Arena, in Herning, Denmark, immediately followed by the live Ward vs. Green bout from Oakland, Calif.
Air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic–
Episode 4:
Saturday, Feb. 27 – 7:30 p.m. SHOWTIME (premiere)
Sunday, Feb. 28 – 2:15 a.m. SHOWTIME 2
Monday, March 1 – 8:30 p.m. SHOWTIME
Monday, March 1 – 10 p.m. SHO 2
Tuesday, March 2 – 10 p.m. SHO 2
Wednesday, March 3 – 10:30 p.m. SHO 2
Thursday, March 4, 1 – 1 a.m. SHOWTIME
Thursday, March 4, 11 p.m. SHO 2
Friday, March 5 – 10 p.m. SHO 2
Friday, March 5 – Midnight SHOWTIME
Friday, March 5 – 4 a.m. SHO 2
Saturday, March 6 – 1:30 p.m. SHOWTIME2
Wednesday, March 17 – 11 p.m. SHO 2
Monday, March 22 – 10 p.m. SHO 2
Tuesday, March 23 – 10:30 p.m. SHO 2
Thursday, March 25 – 11:30 p.m. SHO 2
Friday, March 26 – 5 a.m. SHO2
Wednesday, March 31 – 10:30 p.m. SHO2
Note: all times ET/PT
For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive videos, photography, expert analysis from Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, and much more, please visit www.WorldBoxingClassic.com.
ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
ANDRE DIRRELL SUFFERS TRAINING CAMP INJURY; SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC BOUT WITH ARTHUR ABRAHAM RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 27
LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2010)—Super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell injured his back earlier this week while sparring in Las Vegas, preventing him from training for his upcoming Super Six World Boxing Classic super middleweight showdown with Arthur Abraham. Dirrell’s injury has forced the fight to be rescheduled for Saturday, March 27, to be televised live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
“Andre saw a specialist and he is going to be ready to fight on March 27,” said Gary Shaw, Dirrell’s promoter. “I know Andre is deeply disappointed about rescheduling but he IS determined to resume training for the super middleweight division’s most compelling fight.”
Abraham’s promoter Kalle Sauerland said: “The most important thing is that Andre gets healthy. Arthur is ready to get in the ring with him and win the next three points in the tournament – no matter when and where. We look forward to March 27 and the next spectacular victory of King Arthur.”
Abraham, who has been training in the United States since February 8, said, “Of course I was disappointed when I first heard of the postponement, but I am happy to take on Dirrell on March 27. I want him to be in top shape so that he has no excuses once I am done with him. This is the Super Six World Boxing Classic, the best fighting against the best, so I can understand that he does not want to face me when he is not at 100 percent.
“My training has gone very well thus far,” continued Abraham. “I am in great shape and I will defend my tournament lead against him.”
For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com
ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Abraham-Huck Training Camp Update
Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament point leader King Arthur Abraham and WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck are enjoying Ulli Wegner´s demanding training camp in Palm Springs. It has been one week since they left cold Berlin to shape up for their upcoming fights. King Arthur will take on Andre Dirrell in Palm Springs on March 6 at the Agua Caliente Casino, Resort, Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in greater Palm Springs, live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast), while Captain´ Huck is slated to face Adam Richards in Berlin one week later. “We have accustomed to the different climate and the new time zone,” King Arthur said. “Mr. Wegner has scheduled some tough work-outs. But it feels good to be in California.”
Said coach Ulli Wegner: “We still have a lot of work to do but I am very happy with training camp thus far. Arthur and Marco have tough fights coming up and this camp will be crucial to prepare them for their big tasks. If they continue to work out well, I have no doubts that we will have reason to celebrate on March 6 and also one week later in Berlin.”
ANDRE DIRRELL vs. ARTHUR ABRAHAM Group Stage 2 – Saturday, March 6, 2010 From the Agua Caliente Casino, Resort, Spa In Rancho Mirage, Calif., LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (Jan. 29, 2010) —Tournament point leader “King” Arthur Abraham will kick off Group Stage 2 of the Super Six World Boxing Classic when he faces Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Agua Caliente Casino, Resort, Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in greater Palm Springs, live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The Armenian-born, German sports icon Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) currently leads the Super Six World Boxing Classic point standings with three (3) by way of his final-round knockout victory over American Jermain Taylor on Oct. 17 in Berlin. Dirrell, the former middleweight bronze medalist (2004 Olympic Games) from Flint, Mich., dropped a close, disputed 12-round split decision to defending champion Carl Froch in his Group Stage 1 match for the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship the same night in Nottingham, England.
The event is being promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Sauerland Event. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow/Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m. and are available at The Show box office, online at www.HotWaterCasino.com/TheShow or by calling 1.800.585.3737. Prices are as follows: Floor $180; Loge $140; Mezzanine $85.
“I need two more victories to secure my place in the semifinals and I will start with Dirrell,” said the 29-year-old Abraham, who is training in Zinnowitz (Baltic Sea). “He is a very skilled, yet very awkward fighter. It will be a difficult challenge but together with my coach Ulli Wegner we have developed an idea how to beat him.”
Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) is eagerly awaiting the showdown. “The end of Camelot is near,” he said. “It’s off with ‘King Arthur’s’ head on March 6.”
Said Shaw, “Andre is going to pull the sword out of the stone and stab it straight into King Arthur’s ego.”
This will be Abraham´s second fight in the United States. He previously defeated Edison Miranda by fourth-round KO in June 2008. “I have said it before and I will say it again: It is my goal to become a star in America,” Abraham stated. “That is where boxing legends are made, and I want to become a boxing legend. That is what the Super Six (World Boxing Classic) tournament is all about for me. The victory over Taylor was a good start, but I am not finished yet.”
Abraham is counting on the support of the huge Armenian community in Los Angeles as the fight will be held just 90 miles east in the Palm Springs desert. “A lot of Armenians live in L.A. and I hope they all come and support me against Dirrell. I will put on a great show just like I did against Taylor,” he said.
Abraham’s promoter Kalle Sauerland is thrilled to give the American boxing fans a first-hand look at who he believes is “the most explosive fighter in World Boxing”. He said: “Abraham kicked off the Super Six World Boxing Classic in style. Once again, he showed his incredible punching power. He is undefeated in 31 fights with 25 KOs including 10 successful defenses of his middleweight championship.
“He can’t wait to get his stateside campaign going in the U.S. and he will deliver another spectacular fight against Dirrell. Gary Shaw and his troops better watch out — the Abrahammer is on his way to catch Dirrell. Here come another three points.”
SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SCOREBOARD
Record Fighter Points
1-0 Arthur Abraham 3
1-0 Carl Froch 2
1-0 Andre Ward 2
0-1 Andre Dirrell 0
0-1 Mikkel Kessler 0
For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com
ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
2010 starts with “High Arthur
31 wins in 31 professional fights – that is the impressive record that Arthur Abraham brings with him into the new year. And to ensure the winning streak of the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament leader carries on unabated in the new year, Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer has come up with a fantastic and novel surprise for coach Ulli Wegner’s pupil.
He has seen to it personally that the first high pressure front of the new year – the ‘High Arthur’ – has been named after the Sauerland Team’s boxing champion. “We are firmly counting on Arthur exhilarating his fans again in the new year with his performances. Therefore, we wanted to make him smile with this gesture,” explained Meyer. The Institute for Meteorology at Berlin’s Freie Universität made it possible.
Weather forecasters allocate a name to every high and low pressure front. For several years now, it has been possible to give your own name to one of these weather phenomena, but you have got to be quick because each letter in the alphabet only gets allocated to one high pressure front. “That was a real surprise,” said a proud King Arthur. “It is the first time that I have swept across a country as a high pressure front – that’s a really nice idea!”
Abraham wins German Boxer of the year for fourth straight year
BERLIN (December 15, 2009) – King Arthur Abraham crowned a sensational
year by winning the prestigious German Boxer of the Year Award for a
record fourth straight time. The 29-year-old, who is leading the Super
Six World Boxing Classic tournament following his spectacular KO victory
over Jermain Taylor, received the most votes from the readers of
Germany´s BoxSport Magazine, edging out both Vitali and Wladimir
Klitschko yet again.
King Arthur backs Valuev
King Arthur Abraham believes that Nikolai Valuev will successfully
defend his WBA Heavyweight Title against David Haye. The Russian Giant
takes on the British challenger in Nuremberg on November 7. Fresh off a
mini vacation in Rome following his spectacular Super Six World Boxing
Classic KO victory over Jermain Taylor, King Arthur popped into the
Max-Schmeling-Gym today where Valuev held an open training session for
the press. “I think Nikolai is going to win,” King Arthur said. “For
Haye it will be difficult to come out of cruiserweight and fight a man
that is as tall and heavy as Valuev. I think Haye will tire towards the
end because he has a lot of size to push away. Haye is a good boxer, no
doubt about that, but I believe that Niko will take care of business. He
will control the fight with his long left jab.”
SUPER SIX NEWS & NOTES
A fight recap of Arthur Abraham’s thrilling KO victory over Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch’s split decision win over Andre Dirrell in Group Stage 1 of Saturday’s Super Six World Boxing Classic is now available at the below link.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid32475147001
Jer
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Kessler & Ward Weigh In On Saturday’s Results
Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward were just spectators and fans on Saturday night as their fellow Super Six World Boxing Classic competitors battled in the first stage of the groundbreaking tournament, but the two fighters have plenty of thoughts about the exciting fights.
Kessler is eager to begin the tournament and enjoyed what he saw ringside at the o2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, but Ward, who watched the fights from his training camp in Oakland, Calif., admits that he now feels a little added pressure to represent America after his fellow countrymen Taylor and Dirrell lost in Group Stage 1.
“I think that both fights Saturday night in Berlin and Nottingham showed the great potential of the Super Six,” Kessler said. “Both Abraham-Taylor and Froch-Dirrell left no doubt why these guys are a part of the Super Six tournament – they are all great fighters. I am really looking forward to enter the tournament now!
“I enjoyed myself at the o2 World Arena with a brilliant Super Six setup, a great fight and, of course, tactical notes for my future fights against Taylor and Abraham later on in the tournament. For now though, my focus is on the fight against Ward Nov. 21. I have a great feeling about that fight and the tournament in general.”
With Taylor losing by 12th round knockout and Dirrell winding up on the losing end of a split decision, Ward is the sole unbeaten American in the tournament.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to Jermain,’’ Ward said. “I thought he was fighting well through the first half of the fight. Abraham came on late and started to close the show. I think the punch he got hit with was a technical mistake. I think he thought Abraham was coming with a looping right hand, the kind of right hand that Abraham was throwing all night. This time he brought it down the middle and Jermain squeezed his gloves together and closed his eyes so he didn’t see it. Nevertheless, it was a great win for Abraham to start off the tournament and the Super Six and I congratulate him. I’m happy that Jermain is up and doing well and happy he’s doing better.
“I felt like Dirrell definitely won the fight and I felt like he deserved the nod. This fight is definitely going to take Dirrell to another level because he knows he can compete at the highest level. I definitely feel like I’m back in Greece all over again and even though the Americans fought well, unfortunately we were unable to get a victory in the first two fights. I’m definitely inspired to bring America their first victory in the Super Six tournament.’’
Kessler feels the added pressure now that his fellow Europeans have earned points in Group Stage 1.
“Of course I feel the pressure, now that Abraham and Froch have won their fights – but with a 43-fight record – I know all about pressure – you learn to live with it,” Kessler said. “The Ward fight is not different from any other fight at this level. I have my routines, and I know exactly how to deal with pressure. But, of course, a 3-0 European lead would make a statement on the global boxing scene.”
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Scorecards from Froch-Dirrell
Due to the media demand, below is a breakdown of the official scorecards from the Froch-Dirrell fight from the TrentFM Arena in Nottingham, England.
SCORECARDS:
Daniel Van de Wiele (Belgium) Massimo Barrovecchio (Italy) Alejandro Rochin (Mexico)
Froch Dirrell Froch Dirrell Froch Dirrell
9 10 10 9 10 9
10 9 9 10 9 10
9 10 10 9 10 9
10 9 9 10 9 10
10 9 9 10 9 10
10 9 10 9 10 9
10 9 10 9 10 9
10 9 10 9 10 9
10 9 9 10 9 10
9 10 9 10 9 10
9 10 10 9 9 10
9 10 10 9 9 10
TOTAL: 115-112 115-112 113-114
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FIGHT CAMP 360° Update
SHOWTIME Sports and NFL Films are entranced in the camps of Kessler and Ward as they prepare episode two of the critically acclaimed new reality show FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic. A release date for episode two of the show, which gives fight fans unprecedented access into the lives of the participants in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, will be announced soon.
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Ken Hershman “Thrilled” With Start of Super Six
As reported by Lem Satterfield at FanHouse on Monday, Ken Hershman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, is thrilled with the success of the first two fights of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Below are two select quotes from Hershman regarding the start of Group Stage 1. For the complete interview, you can visit: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/showtime-exec-thrilled-after-early-bouts/
Hershman said that the two fights showed that “there are no easy fights in this tournament,” and, “You’re at risk at any moment in any of these fights.”
“The launch was great. The production was great. Carl Froch sold more tickets than he had ever sold with over 10,000 people in Nottingham, and Arthur Abraham sold out his arena with over 14,000 people,” said Hershman. “These events have been spectacular, so we’re really, really thrilled with how things are going so far.”
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Taylor Released from the Hospital
In case you didn’t see the press release from DiBella Entertainment and the Jermain Taylor camp, the former undisputed middleweight champion was released from the hospital in Berlin on Monday following a precautionary visit after suffering from concussion-like symptoms following his fight with Arthur Abraham on Saturday night. Taylor has been given clearance by a team of doctors to continue with a planned vacation in Europe.
“I want thank all my fans and those concerned and let everyone know I’m doing just fine and feeling good,” Taylor said. “I want to congratulate Arthur Abraham on his victory and wish him well in the tournament. Right now my plans are to relax and enjoy my vacation in Europe with my wife, Erica.”
Team Taylor is equally thankful for the outpouring of support shown by fans around the globe, and promises their number one goal is making sure their charge is fit and healthy.
“All of us at DiBella Entertainment are grateful that Jermain is feeling better after fighting his heart out on Saturday night,” said Lou DiBella, promoter of Taylor. “Jermain showed his warrior spirit after working tirelessly to approach the fight in the finest shape of his career. Happily, with the doctor’s blessing, he has been released from the Hospital and is presently relaxing in Europe. This is the best news we could’ve received.”
For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive videos, photography, expert analysis from Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, and much more please visit www.WorldBoxingClassic.com.
About SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division. The field is comprised world renowned fighters with a staggering combined record of 161-4-1 with 117 knockouts: former IBF middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham of Germany; U.S. Olympic medalist Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell of Flint, Mich.; WBC super middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch of England; WBA 168-pound champion Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler of Denmark; former undisputed 160-pound world champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor of Little Rock, Ark.; and U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre “S.O.G.” Ward of Oakland, Calif.
All bouts in the Super Six World Boxing Classic will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
JESSE BRINKLEY SPEAKS ON THE SUPER SIX RESULTS
RENO, NV ( October 20, 2009) World rated super middleweight Jesse Brinkley watched with interest this past weekend as the Super Six World Boxing Classic got underway with Arthur Abraham scoring a twelfth round knockout of Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch taking a split decision over Andre Dirrell.
Said Brinkley, “I congratulate Abraham and Froch on their victories, but their bouts clearly showed the limitations of the tournaments. Neither of the fights on Saturday were scorchers. With all the buildup I would have expected to see much more action.”
Brinkley, sporting a record of 34-5-0 (22KO’s), is currently world ranked # 5 by the IBF and #7 by the WBC. Riding an eight bout winning streak, this year he owns a twelve round decision win over cross-town rival Joey Gilbert and a ten round decision over Mike Paschall, both of which took place in front of thousands of his hometown fans.
Continued Brinkley, “Jermain has been in some terrific bouts throughout his career but I don’t think he was truthfully ready for Abraham. When he fought Froch earlier this year, he was knocked out pretty hard and to get in the ring against Abraham, he looked more than a little gun-shy.
As far as Dirrell, there was nothing on his record to suggest he could fight at a world class level and his matchup against Froch showed exactly that. His only other bout this year was against Derrick Findley, which hardly gets you prepared to fight Froch. Honestly, Dirrell looked scared for most of the fight with all his movement.”
Amidst internet reports that if Jermain Taylor would not continue and Allan Green would be added to the mix or have to face Edison Miranda in a boxoff, Brinkley was perplexed.
“I watched Allan Green’s last fight against Tarvis Simms, it was all I could do to keep from falling asleep. Miranda at one point was a beast, but against Andre Ward he lost every round. Neither Green or Miranda will be able to compete against Froch, Abraham or Kessler.”
Brinkley concluded by proposing to Showtime’s Ken Hershman an interesting idea. “Obviously, if Jermain can’t continue in the tournament I’d be very interested in taking his place. If he needs a boxoff, we can do a three way tournament in one night between Green, Miranda and myself. How about that for some excitement?”
Reno, Nevada based “Let’s Get It On” Promotions was founded in 2000 by legendary boxing referee Mills Lane. In early 2005 he was joined by sons Terry and Tommy in the operations of the company. Along with super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, “Let’s Get It On” Promotions also promotes lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev, sensational lightweight prospect Bayan Jargal, super middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales and highly regarded brothers Tyler and Derek Hinkey. They have consistently promoted world class boxing events on a national basis.
Further information on “Let’s Get It On” Promotions can be viewed at www.letsgetitonboxing.com
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