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®.
WORLD-CLASS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ALLAN GREEN OFFICIALLY JOINS SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
Green To Challenge Andre Ward For WBA World Championship
Saturday, April 24, Live on SHOWTIME®
PHOTOS: The attached images of Allan Green are for EDITORIAL USE ONLY and must credit “HOWARD SCHATZ”.
NEW YORK (Feb. 22, 2010)–-World-ranked contender “Sweetness” Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs), of Tulsa, Okla., has officially been named to replace fellow American Jermain Taylor in the Super Six World Boxing Classic and will take on undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) 168-pound champion Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) in one-half of a tournament doubleheader on Saturday, April 24, on SHOWTIME®, Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®, formally announced today.
Also on Saturday, April 24, undefeated Carl “The Cobra’’ Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) of Nottingham, England, defends his WBC world title against former WBA 168-pound champion Mikkel “Viking Warrior’’ Kessler (42-2, 32 KOs) of Denmark. All the action will be televised on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (Froch vs. Kessler will be shown on same-day delay from MCH Arena, in Herning, Denmark, immediately followed by Ward vs. Green live from the U.S.).
A winner of six consecutive fights, Green will enter the Super Six World Boxing Classic with zero points heading into Group Stage 2—as per tournament rules, a replacement fighter enters the Group Stage competition tied with the last place fighter(s)—and be fighting for his first world title. It marks the first time since Tommy Morrison in 1993 that an Oklahoman has been involved in a world championship fight.
Green is an ultra-confident super middleweight currently ranked No. 3 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 5 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 7 in the World Boxing Association (WBA).
“I always had a feeling I was going to get into the tournament,” said the 6-foot-2-inch, 30-year-old Green, who’s currently training in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “I don’t think I’m a long shot. I’m one of the best super middleweights in the world and the tournament rules allow me to come in and be in the mix with a chance to advance and ultimately win this thing.
“I just don’t see anyone who can beat me. I’ve watched all the fighters over and over. I’ve studied all of them and know I can beat any of them.”
Green is tall and strong with dynamite in both fists. He is spotting points to three rivals, but a knockout victory for a fighter who prides himself on power would put him in the thick of things. Green is coming off a clear-cut 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tarvis Simms on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME Oct. 2, 2009.
Ward will be making the first defense of the WBA belt he won on a convincing, 11th-round technical decision over Kessler in the Super Six World Boxing Classic opener.
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
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®.
Statement from Promoter Lou DiBella on the Career of Jermain Taylor
“I have just been informed though numerous press reports that Jermain Taylor has elected to continue his participation in The Super Six: World Boxing Classic tournament, and will face Andre Ward in April. It is with a heavy heart, but strong conviction, that I will recuse myself and DiBella Entertainment as Jermain’s promoter.
“Jermain’s career has been outstanding, and it has been a pleasure and honor to promote him. His victories against Bernard Hopkins remain the highlights of my career as a promoter. Jermain is not only a great fighter, but a good and decent man with a wonderful family. It is out of genuine concern for him and his family that I am compelled to make this decision.
“I informed him, as I do all my contracted fighters, that my goal was to help his secure financial stability for his family, maximize his potential, and leave our unforgiving sport with his health intact.
“It is my belief that the continuation of Jermain’s career as an active fighter places him at unnecessary risk. While he is undoubtedly capable of prevailing in future bouts, I cannot, in conscience, remain involved given my assessment of such risk.
“I wish Jermain all the best in his future endeavors. All of us at DiBella Entertainment hold Jermain close to our hearts and consider him and his family part of our family. We wish him Godspeed and continued health.” – Lou DiBella
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
JERMAIN TAYLOR RELEASED FROM BERLIN HOSPITAL
(October 19, 2009) On Sunday, October 18, Jermain Taylor was released from the hospital in Berlin, Germany, having been given clearance by a team of Doctors to continue with a planned vacation in Europe. Taylor was admitted as a precautionary measure after suffering from concussion-like symptoms following his fight with Arthur Abraham on Saturday night.
“I want thank all my fans and those concerned and let everyone know I’m doing just fine and feeling good,” said Taylor. “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.”
Abraham-Taylor post-fight notes / Huge TV ratings in Germany and Denmark***
Team Sauerland and King Arthur Abraham were relieved to hear that
Jermain Taylor was able to leave the hospital on Sunday. He departed
Berlin as originally scheduled and is now vacationing in Europe. “We are
relieved to hear that Jermain is feeling better and that he could leave
the hospital on Sunday,” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer
said. “The health is more important than a win or a loss. Jermain is a
great fighter and a great champion.”
And King Arthur Abraham added: “I was very sorry when I heard about him
spending the night in hospital. I want to defeat my opponents in the
ring but I do not want to harm them. The health is the most important
thing and I am very happy that Jermain is doing fine. It was an honour
to fight him.” Abraham will now start a brief vacation himself. “I hope
I get some time off from coach Ulli Wegner. Now that I know that Jermain
is okay, I can start to celebrate my success – but only for a couple of
days before I begin my preparation for Dirrell.”
The opening Super Six clash drew huge TV ratings in Germany. Public
free-to-air TV giant ARD recorded a peak market share of almost 40
percent on late Saturday evening. “That is phenomenal,” Kalle Sauerland
said. “It shows how great the fan interest in the Super Six World Boxing
Classic is. We could not have hoped for a better start.” In Denmark, the
fight drew a peak commercial market share of 37,4 percent on TV2. A
sell-out crowd over 14.200 fans watched the clash at the famed o2 World
in Berlin.
All reigning Sauerland world champions were ringside on Saturday night –
WBA Heavyweight Champion Nikolai Valuev, WBO Cruiserweight Champion
Marco Huck, IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester and WBA
Super-Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler, whose November 21 clash with
Andre Ward will wrap up the first group stage of the Super Six World
Boxing Classic. “It was a great fight and a great victory for Arthur,”
Kessler said. “He really landed a powerful punch. The atmosphere in the
o2 World was fantastic. Now I look forward to getting into the ring on
November 21.”
Abraham stops Taylor in twelve
Arthur Abraham opened up the Super Six boxing classic with a thudding one punch knockout over former Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in the final round at the O2 Arena in Berlin.
Taylor has some success early as he jabbed and moved and that was combined with Abraham’s customary slow start and Taylor built a minuscule lead in the first quarter of the fight.
Taylor was deducted a point in round six for a low blow. Abraham started getting through with quick combinations that started to slow down Taylor’s work rate. Abraham rocked Taylor in round nine with a short clipping right hand that had Taylor in trouble and holding on for the remained of the round. With a secure lead in hand, it seemed that Abraham would cruise to the decision victory until he cracked Taylor with a perfect right to the chin that sent Taylor down to the canvas with his right arm held stiff in the air. The fight was immediately stopped at 2:54 of the final round.
Abraham, of Berlin, Germany gaines three points for the tournament for the knockout is now 31-0 with twenty-five knockouts. Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas is now 28-4-1.
Abraham, Taylor make weight
OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
ABRAHAM: 168 lbs. (76.2 kg)
TAYLOR: 166 ¼ lbs. (75.4 kg)
Jermain Taylor – Arthur Abraham–Anatomy of a fight
BERLIN, (October, 15) – Two of the strongest middleweight champions ever will clash on Saturday, October 17th in the opening bout of SHOWTIME’S Super Six World Boxing Classic, when Jermain Taylor (28-3-1,17 KO’s) and Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KO’s) meet at the o2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany. The Anatomy Of A Fight, known historically as The Tale Of The Tape, shows the physical differences between the fighters. Only one will prevail when Taylor pits his greater height, reach, and natural athleticism against Abraham’s durability and strength. But there is one thing that the “The Anatomy of a Fight” cannot measure — the size of each man’s heart and his will to win. That’s where this fight will be decided.
SHOWTIME Sports Super Six World Boxing Classic (Group Stage 1) will air Live on SHOWTIME® at 8pm ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell airs LIVE immediately following Jermain Taylor vs. Arthur Abraham. Televised in High Definition and Standard Definition.
The Taylor-Abraham fight is the start of the historic inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic round-robin six fighter tournament, featuring the class of the Super Middleweight division from home and abroad. Five of the world’s top boxing promoters have collaborated with SHOWTIME Sports to facilitate this epic tournament. Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, Mick Hennessy of Hennessy Sports, Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions LLC and Wilfried and Kalle Sauerland of Sauerland Event will promote the tournament which begins October 17th and runs through spring 2011.
Tickets for Taylor vs. Abraham are now on sale by calling (01803/206070) or visit http://www.o2world.de/ – (Euro - €15, €29, €39, €60, €80, €150, €250, €1000) / From USA (01149-1803/206070) / $22, $42, $56, $86, $115, $215, $350, $1,434).
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.
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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. 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®.
