LONDON (October 8th ,2009) – Carl Froch’s trainer Robert McCracken believes his charge has what it takes to see off the challenge of unbeaten American Andre Dirrell when they clash in the Super Six World Boxing Classic at the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham on October 17th.
Froch’s WBC World Super Middleweight title will also be on the line against Dirrell, a Bronze medalist from the 2004 Olympic Games but ex pro McCracken is confident that Froch will maintain his own perfect record against the touted American. “Dirrell's the latest hotshot from the States and he's very good, he's very talented,” revealed McCracken. “It will be a tough job but Carl's up to it and I'm sure he'll still be the Champion at the end of the night. He’s a 100% professional. He’s diligent in everything he does and he's a formidable fighter - he's the best super middleweight in the world.”
The October 17th bout will be screened live on pay per view in the UK and Ireland on new satellite channel Primetime (Sky channel 480) as part of a knockout Super Six tournament double header from Nottingham and Berlin. The tournament officially kicks off in Germany when former marquee Middleweight Champs Arthur Abraham and Jermain Taylor clash at The O2 World Arena in Berlin before the action moves to Froch’s hometown and the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham. The Dirrell fight will see Froch return to the scene of his thrilling WBC title win over Jean Pascal last December and McCracken believes that home advantage will prove important for Froch.
“Carl's very level headed and he listens to the right advice. He'll keep a cool head on the night, there's going to be 10,000 people there so it's going to be packed. Dirrell's very good so he's going to be pumped up for this, it's his first chance at the big time so he'll give it a real go but Carl's ready and I'm sure he'll take over as the fight progresses.”
However Showtime expert analyst Steve Farhood has warned Froch and McCracken that Dirrell has all the ingredients to become a major star. “He’s a switch-hitter overflowing with speed, size, natural ability, and potential,” said Farhood. “With Hollywood looks, an illuminating smile, and a magnetic personality, Dirrell has the stuff of a transcendental star. The Super Six is the perfect vehicle to establish him as such.”
To watch the opening night of the Super Six tournament on Primetime (Sky channel 480) call 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland) or see http://www.primetimelive.co.uk. The event is available at a special price of £12.95 until 24 hours before the fight after which it will then increase to £14.95.
Primetime will build up to the event by screening Froch’s previous two world title fights, his twelve round thriller with Jean Pascal to win the WBC title and his sensational final round KO over Jermain Taylor in the U.S. in April. The fights will be broadcast from 7-10pm on Primetime each night leading up to the Super Six tournament double header on October 17th. Primetime will also broadcast FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, a new reality series that will give fight fans unprecedented access into the lives of the Super Six tournament participants.
Tickets for Froch V Dirrell are available from the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham Box Office priced £30, £45, £125 and £400. To purchase tickets call the Box Office on 08444 124 624 or visit http://www.trentfmarena.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 or via http://www.hennessysports.com.
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 http://www.WorldBoxingClassic.com or visit http://www.hennessysports.com/worldboxingclassic.htm.
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 of 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 Primetime
Primetime – Sky Guide 480 is the UK’s newest pay per view sporting and entertainment channel. Primetime brings you exclusive access to the hottest live events from the UK and abroad. Get the top ticket in town zapped straight into your living room through your Sky box for a night of sporting, music, and ‘Golden Ticket’ events. Viewers must register before the event via http://www.primetimelive.co.uk or by calling 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland).
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®.
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