BREAKDOWN OF “SUPER SIX” FORMAT
New York, NY– The “Super Six” competition on Showtime begins with a round robin phase where each of the six participants will fight three times. Fighters are awarded points based on their performance: 3 points for a win by knockout or technical knockout, 2 points for a win on points, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss. Four of the top scoring combatants from phase one will continue to the semi-finals and the 2 lowest scorers are omitted. The highest ranked scorer will compete against the forth ranked while the second ranked will battle against the third ranked. The winners of the semi-finals proceed to the final showdown. Stage One’s results: Arthur Abraham has earned 3 points for his explosive 12th round knockout win over Jermain Taylor while WBC champ Carl Froch was awarded 2 points for a decision win against Andre Dirrell.
WARD-KESSLER MOST ANTICIPATED BOUT IN TOURNAMENT THUS FAR
Mikkel Kessler of Denmark (42-1, 32 KOs) and Oakland California’s Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) will box a scheduled 12 rounds or less for Kessler’s WBA super middleweight (168 lbs) championship in the phase one finale of stage one at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Showtime will televise live on Saturday night.
GROUND TO PROVE
Mikkel Kessler was undefeated and had won 39 straight fights, 29 by knockout prior to facing “pound for pound” top ranked Joe Calzaghe. Going into the bout against Calzaghe, most experts favored the heavy-handed boxing tactician Kessler to dethrone the undefeated super middleweight kingpin. However it was not to be, as the slick boxer Calzaghe would out box a listless and flat version of Kessler on that night. Since being disappointed in the biggest fight of his career, Kessler has only fought three times over two years (3-0, 3 KOs), but managed to capture the WBA super middleweight belt during that span.
PROVING GROUND
Decorated amateur champion Andre Ward looks to not only capture his first professional title, but also deliver a stunning performance garnering him mainstream appeal to the boxing masses. Against his foes as a pro, Ward has shown tremendous ring generalship, and most recently dominated the rugged two time IBF title challenger Edison Miranda on points. Trying to exceed the expectations of the experts, Ward now finds himself in a similar position that his counterpart Kessler was in when he went up against Calzaghe.
POWER HOUSE OF ENERGY
Although both fighters are vastly different in approach to their craft, statistically and stylistically they match up well and should make for a very engaging affair. Kessler and Ward are always firing away while showing poised boxing ability and concentrated aggression, hence why this is the most anticipated bout in the tournament thus far.
John Signorella