FROCH WEIGHS IN ON KESSLER V WARD

[HS Press]

NOTTINGHAM (November 18th ,2009) – WBC Super Middleweight Champ Carl “The Cobra” Froch says he’ll be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Oakland this weekend as the final bout in Group Stage 1 of the Super Six World Boxing Classic takes place between Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler and Andre “S.O.G.” Ward.

Saturday night’s bout which will also see Kessler’s WBA Super Middleweight title on the line is live in the UK and Ireland on Primetime (Sky channel 480) and Froch admits that he’ll be cheering on Kessler for selfish reasons. “I’m looking forward to it because it’s a fight that has major implications for me in the Super Six tournament,” said Froch who opened his own Super Six account with a win over previously undefeated American Andre Dirrell in Nottingham last month.

“I’m hoping that Kessler wins because then he’ll still have the WBA belt. I’m fighting him in my next fight in the Super Six so if he beats Ward then it means that our fight becomes a massive WBC and WBA unification clash and I can get my hands on his belt.”

Although he’s hoping for a Kessler win Froch admits that it’s a difficult fight to call. “Obviously Andre Ward has that terrific amateur pedigree, winning the Gold medal at the Athens Olympics. He’s had some good wins in the pro’s but we will only find out how good he really is when he steps in there with Kessler.

“Ward will also have the benefit of home advantage as well which I’m sure will play it’s part but Kessler is very experienced and has won on the road before so I’m sure he won’t see it as an issue.”

While admitting that it’s a hard fight to call Froch says he’s leaning towards the experience of Kessler to pull off an away victory over Ward. “In a fight like this you generally have to back the experienced and proven fighter,” said Froch. “Kessler has proven time and time again throughout his career that he is a great World Champion and for me Ward is still very much untested at the highest level so I think it could be difficult early on for Kessler but his experience should see him through in the end.”

To watch Kessler V Ward live 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 costs just £5.95.

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.

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.

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[Tommy Gunn13]

“Obviously Andre Ward has that terrific amateur pedigree, winning the Gold medal at the Athens Olympics
Like Fraudley

easy points win for Kessler maybe late stoppage....

[DG.]

I think a Ward UD is on the cards.

[Tommy Gunn13]

Actually my comment isnt right,Ward can fight unlike fraudley,good boxer but il stick with my choice

[Finch]

Kessler's gonna expose Froch

[Asterix]

Ever since watching Ward beat Miranda I've believed that he will be tricky. He's got great reflexes and is a very skilful boxer. I hate his style, but there's no denying he's effective. Kessler will have to set up his shots well, as Ward is not walking onto anything.

My prediction is Kessler KO 9, but with some tricky moments.

[iwz678]

Ward is a really good fighter but I still expect Kessler to go to his own backyard and get the UD win.

[youngrell]

Froch it doesn't matter who wins this, the overall winner of the tournament will hold both the WBC and WBA surely?

[Cannibal]

Froch it doesn't matter who wins this, the overall winner of the tournament will hold both the WBC and WBA surely?

Shifts more tickets in the short term and gives a promotion angle.

[youngrell]

Froch it doesn't matter who wins this, the overall winner of the tournament will hold both the WBC and WBA surely?

Shifts more tickets in the short term and gives a promotion angle.

I suppose, or maybe Froch just wants to unify a.s.a.p cos he knows he's gonna lose very soon

[states]

Ever since watching Ward beat Miranda I've believed that he will be tricky. He's got great reflexes and is a very skilful boxer. I hate his style, but there's no denying he's effective. Kessler will have to set up his shots well, as Ward is not walking onto anything.

My prediction is Kessler KO 9, but with some tricky moments.

Pretty much my thinking as well. Ward can be dull as dishwater at times, but he knows what he's doing. Kessler's speed, which can sometimes be ignored, or at least underestimated, will be the key factor, I think. He was surprising Calzaghe early doors with that right hand. Joe was able to adapt and take the fight away from Kessler. Is Ward savvy enough to do the same?

I think Kessler has some tricky moments, but his jab keeps Ward wary enough to prevent him launching any really damaging attacks and that arrow-straight right hand of Kessler does enough damage to soften up Ward, before finishing it late on.