Northern California Notebook
By Mario Ortega Jr.
Ward, Green Talk up Title Fight
On June 19th at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Andre Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title for the first time against longtime contender Allan Green as part of Group Stage 2 of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Ward and Green, a replacement in the Showtime-televised tournament for the departed Jermain Taylor, discussed their upcoming fight at a press conference held in Oakland on May 10th.
Green (29-1, 20 KOs) of Tulsa, Oklahoma decided against making the cross country trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he is training to Oakland for the presser, but appeared on screen via a live stream. The normally self-aggrandizing Green was a bit more subdued than was expected, but he still exuded confidence in regards to the June bout. “Andre Ward is a good young fighter. Very skilled, very talented and I do respect his skills. But against a fighter like myself, he is going to have to bring a lot more to the table than he did against Mikkel Kessler,” said Green referring to Ward’s title-winning effort. “I did admire what he did to Kessler; no disrespect there, but at the same time, come June 19th I will be WBA Super Middleweight Champion.”
Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland refused to talk down Green in anyway, and if anything built up the Tulsa native. “In my opinion, Allan Green is a beast,” said Ward. “That’s what I am preparing for. That’s what I am eating, sleeping and drinking. I’m getting ready to fight a monster, that’s how I am looking at it.”
Fighting in Oakland for the third time in a row, which accounts for all of the fights he has had in his hometown, Ward sounded eager to get back in front of his supportive fan base. “We have a date, June 19th. When you have a date and you got a dancing partner, there not much else that needs to be said. We have that, and I look forward to putting on another tremendous performance for the fans and, believe it or not, I am going for three points in this fight,” said Ward in reference to the points a knockout victory would earn him in the tournament.
Ward’s reserved, but well stated trainer Virgil Hunter was a bit more tongue-in-cheek in his assessment of the June 19th fight. “We understand what we have to do,” claimed Hunter. “It didn’t take much to go back to the drawing board because, basically, you are getting ready to fight a guy that specializes in knocking out people that have been knocked out before several times. So you have to ask yourself that when you are making your preparation. How do you prepare for a guy that specializes in knocking out people who have been knocked out? So it gets pretty simple after that.”
Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and DiBella Entertainment, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.
Schlienz Out; Nave Lines up New Opponent for Friday
Paul Nave, three fights into his return to boxing, was tabbed to rematch journeyman Daniel Schlienz this Friday, June 4th at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael, California. Nave defeated Schlienz by decision back in November, and had hoped to improve upon that outing by taking the rematch in more decisive fashion. However, Schlienz was ruled out after suffering a stoppage defeat last month, which left Nave and his matchmakers looking for a new opponent to fill the slot.
Two weeks and three days before the fight, Nave received a phone call from Assistant Chief Athletic Inspector Che Guevara informing him that his opponent would not be approved by the California State Athletic Commission. Nave was especially frustrated with the ruling coming so close to fight date, and because he disagreed with the commission’s decision.
“Their job is whether, in their eyes, the fight is safe or not,” said Nave (18-8-2, 7 KOs) of San Anselmo, California. “Is it a mismatch or a blow out, or is it safe. I already fought the guy. There was no knockdowns and it went all six rounds. He is not suspended and I had a competitive fight with him, it was no blow out.”
At the time of our interview, local journeyman Dario Castillo (5-10-1) of Pittsburg, California was tabbed to replace Schlienz in the main event. Should Castillo be the guy, Nave will have some adjustments to make. “He is left handed I hear now, and I have probably not fought a left hander in twenty years and now I will be fighting a left handed kid,” said Nave about the southpaw Castillo. “My preparation is going pretty good, but it is just frustrating that I am not sure who I am fighting now.”
Nave is not only preparing for a fight, in which his company Liberty Boxing Enterprises is the promoter, but he is the co-producer and subject of the reality television series Paul Nave: Goin’ The Distance which airs on Sunday nights on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. The series has followed his family life and documented all the preparation it takes to promote and get ready for a fight. For many, this would be an impossible workload and balancing act. “It is a lot of work, and it is not easy,” admits Nave.
In the co-feature Friday night, Jaime Rodriguez (5-6-3, 2 KOs) of Reno, Nevada will fight Jose Alfredo Lugo (9-13-1, 5 KOs) of Richmond, California by way of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico in a six-round lightweight rematch. They originally met in a highly entertaining bout on the November undercard, with Rodriguez taking a contested six-round unanimous decision.
All-action super bantamweight Jonathan Alcantara (4-1-1) of Novato, California will take on Danny Pantoja (0-3-2) of Fairfield, California in a four-round bout. Alcantara is coming in off of an upset unanimous decision over former amateur standout David Clark on April 1st. Pantoja, who has been matched quite tough in his career, comes in off a decision loss to former National Golden Gloves Champion Efrain Esquivas on April 23rd.
Ending an eight-year layoff, Ulyses Caballero (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Pablo, California will take on former amateur standout Jason Montgomery (1-0-1) of San Leandro, California in a four-round light middleweight fight.
Also slated for the card is debuting Herman Bacho of Santa Rosa, California who will take on John Dunham (0-5-1) of Stockton, California in a four-round welterweight fight.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Liberty Boxing Enterprises, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.
Julaton Takes on Villalobos June 30th
Looking to rebound from a decision loss to Lisa Brown in March, Ana Julaton will return to the site of that recent defeat, the Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, Canada to take on Maria Elena Villalobos on June 30th. Their fight, for the vacant WBO Super Bantamweight title, will be shown live nationwide in Canada on TSN.
Julaton (6-2-1, 1 KO) of Daly City, California is not only returning to the Casino Rama, but the June bout will mark the return of Freddie Roach to her corner. Julaton had been trained by either Nonito Donaire Sr. or Rick Noble before her past three fights. At a recent press conference Julaton sounded excited to return to Rama and rejoin Roach. “I am hoping to provide amazing boxing,” said Julaton. “I feel that is what the fans want. On June 30th that is what I provide, especially with Freddie back in the corner. He is the first guy I started out with for my first six professional fights. Just to be reunited with him. The chemistry is not only there, it is a lot stronger.”
Villalobos (6-3, 3 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico is coming off of a failed attempt at the WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Marcela Acuna in Argentina in April. In that fight Villalobos went the full ten round distance, but lost a unanimous decision to perhaps the top fighter in the division.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Orion Sports Management, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.
Two Strong Showings at 2010 National Golden Gloves
Northern California was represented by two boxers at the 2010 National Golden Gloves in Little Rock, Arkansas last month. Eros Correa, a 108-pounder out of San Jose, California, and Eric Altamirano, a 132-pounder out of Concord, California, both advanced to the quarterfinals at the national tournament.
Correa, who fights out of the San Jose PAL Sports Center, notched a decision victory over David Carlton of Cincinnati, Ohio in the preliminary round. In the quarterfinals, Correa was defeated by Santos Vasquez of Sun Valley, Nevada by decision.
Altamirano, who trains at the Community Youth Center in Concord, scored two victories en route to the quarterfinals. In his first bout, Altamirano scored a decision win over Ryan Martin of Knoxville, Tennessee. The following day Altamirano scored a first round stoppage of Christopher Singleton of Gonzales, Louisiana. In the quarterfinals, Altamirano lost a decision to Duran Caferro of Helena, Montana.
Photo by Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions
Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.
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
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
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.”
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
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
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
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.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
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.”
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
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)
MAMMA Online News- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010Yesterday I talked about why this October’s Bellator is different from other shows going on down here in Philly. Today I’m going to talk about the challenge in promoting this show. As we mentioned yesterday, Eddie Alvarez will fight in Philly for the first time in October against Roger Huerta. This fight could mark the [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? August 31, 2010I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the quality of fight cards in the Philly/Atlantic City game recently and for some reason I’ve had an impossible time expressing in words my thoughts. Some of that is because the path of least resistance in that sort of post would stomp on toes of promoters [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- Its Official: Alvarez vs Huerta Goes Down in Philly August 30, 2010After weeks of speculation, MMA Junkie has confirmed that Bellator 33 will happen in Philadelphia. The hot mustard on that awesome sandwich is the main event: Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez faces internet sensation, and notorious football hater Roger Huerta in a three round non-title fight. Expect some familiar faces on the undercard. Bellator has traditio […]Paul Miles
- “Rematch” is the Word of the Day for December Locked in the Cage August 28, 2010I spoke with Fran Evans of Locked in the Cage, and he confirmed for me that Bo Coleman and Brian Jackson will get a do-over from their aborted main event from August 21st. This time the dance is at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on December 3rd for Locked in the Cage 6. Fran [...] Related posts:Unusual End to Good Night of Fights for Locked in t […]Paul Miles
- Brendan Barrett & Randy Smith Cold War About to Go Nuclear August 28, 2010For months the war of words between IFL and ROC veteran Brendan Barrett and Randy Smith finally has a venue to be turned physical. Lou Neglia and Brendan both confirmed yesterday that Barrett/Smith will finally go down at Ring of Combat 32 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The first volley of this battle [...] Related posts:Another Interview with Brendan […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010
- ESPN News
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010Zab Judah has not fought on HBO in more than two years, but that could change if plans in the works are finalized. […]Dan Rafael
- Juan Manuel Marquez has deal to fight Michael Katsidis September 2, 2010Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has agreed to fight Michael Katsidis at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Nov. 27. […]Associated Press
- Manny Pacquiao: Antonio Margarito knew what was in hand wraps September 2, 2010Manny Pacquiao says he wants a representative observing Antonio Margarito's hand wraps before their meeting in Texas. […]Associated Press
- Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators September 2, 2010Disgraced former welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators on Thursday, paving the way for him to meet pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao for a vacant junior middleweight belt. […]Dan Rafael
- Backpack of Bob Arum's son John Arum found by search party September 2, 2010Searchers in the rugged North Cascades have found a backpack belonging to the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, but they are still looking for the missing climber. […]ESPN.com news services
- Manny Pacquiao on a Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout: 'He needs me' September 1, 2010Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history. […]Associated Press
- Fana regains IBF junior lightweight title September 1, 2010Mzonke Fana has earned an impressive unanimous decision over Cassius Baloyi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a matchup of South Africans. […]Associated Press
- Bernard Hopkins to fight light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal on Dec. 18 September 1, 2010Bernard Hopkins is slated to meet newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Dec. 18 in Quebec City, both sides told ESPN.com on Tuesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Antonio Tarver ready for heavyweight debut against Nagy Aguilera August 30, 2010Antonio Tarver will make his heavyweight debut Oct. 15 against Nagy Aguilera in a scheduled 10-rounder either in Memphis or Southern California. […]Dan Rafael
- Fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez rescheduled for Nov. 6 August 30, 2010The postponed fight between featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Lopez and former two-division champion Rafael Marquez has been rescheduled. […]Dan Rafael
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010
