New York, NY– Big time boxing returns this Saturday featuring Showtime’s critically acclaimed “Super Six Super Middleweight” Tournament! As per usual, ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s kicks off the weekend and continues to bring the ruckus. First, let’s take a closer look at the “Super Six” show.
QUEST FOR THE BEST CONTINUES
The tournament trudges forward with it’s sixth installment when WBA super middleweight (168) champion Andre Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) throws hands with dangerous challenger Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs) over 12 rounds or less at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, televised live on Showtime at 10 PM ET.
BREAKDOWN OF SUPER SIX TOURNEY THUS FAR
Competition begins with a round robin phase where each of the six participants will fight three times. Fighters are awarded points based on their performance: three points for a win by knockout or technical knockout, two points for a win on points, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. Four of the top scoring combatants from phase one will continue to the semi-finals while the two 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 results: Arthur Abraham earned three points for his explosive 12th round knockout win over Jermain Taylor. WBC champ Carl Froch was awarded two points for a split decision win against Andre Dirrell. Andre Ward picked up the WBA strap and two points with his one sided slaughter over Mikkel Kessler.
Stage two results: Andre Dirrell was granted a victory and two tournament points against Arthur Abraham by way of disqualification in the 10th round in their encounter. In a “barn burner” type affair, Mikkel Kessler earned a victory via unanimous decision against Carl Froch.
THE CHAMP IS HERE!
As evident in his last two outings, Andre Ward has shown tremendous world-class ring generalship. Before entering the “Super Six”, Ward dominated rugged two-time IBF title challenger Edison Miranda on points. After the drumming of Miranda, Andre went on to capture his first world title in stunning fashion against current WBC belt holder Mikkel Kessler (W UD 12). From his recent efforts of acclaim, decorated amateur champion Andre Ward has garnered mainstream appeal and is currently on the cusp of becoming recognized among the top “pound for pound” elite fighters in the world.
AIN’T NOTHING “GREEN” ABOUT GREEN
Since being floored and out pointed by the always-dangerous gladiator Edison Miranda (L UD 12), Allan green has compiled an impressive six straight wins with five skull-crushing knockouts. At 6’2, Green’s stature, and knockout percentage of almost 70 percent, has imposed its will against most of his foes. Once dubbed as an outcast of the glorified tournament, Allan now looks to capture his first world title on a global stage of relevance.
ESPN HAS BEEN ON FIRE OF LATE
Last weekend’s card highlighted by undefeated David Lemieux’s first round destruction over seasoned veteran Elvin Alaya featured four entertaining and competitive fights, all of which ended by brutal knockout. Prior to that scintillating card, throughout the year, previous scraps on ESPN’s air have been nothing to sleep on. This week’s edition features a 10 round jr. middleweight (154) tilt between unbeaten Russian Sherzod Husanov (14-0-1, 7 KOs) and tough journeymen Jhon Berrio (15-6, 11 KOs). In the opener, former Olympic Silver Medalist Jerson Ravelo (20-4, 12 KOs) takes on thus far perfect pug Maxim Vlasov (17-0, 8 KOs) in a super middleweight 10 rounder. Live televised coverage from the Northern Quest Casino in Washington begins at 10 PM ET on EPSN 2.
John Signorella