The “O.G.” “Super Six” line up
ANDRE WARD READY FOR TRUE ROYALTY
New York, NY– Finally! The conclusion of Showtime’s ground breaking “Super Six World Boxing Classic” takes place in just a few short days. First, let’s take a look at how we got here.
A BREAKDOWN OF THE SUPER SIX TOURNEY
Competition began in late 2009 with a round robin phase where each of the six participants fought three times. Fighters were 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 continued to the semi-finals while the two lowest scorers were omitted. The highest ranked scorer competed against the forth ranked while the second ranked battled the third ranked. The winners of the semi-finals proceed to the final showdown that will commerce on Saturday. Listed below is a look at what has transpired thus far in this ground breaking one of kind tournament!
Tons of pain suffered by those who fought in the “Super Six”
Stage one results: Arthur Abraham earned three points for his explosive 12th round knockout win over Jermain Taylor. *A concussion sustained to Taylor from the bout against Abraham forced him to withdraw from the competition; alternate Allan Green took his place. 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 unanimous decision 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. *Also the recipient of a concussion, Dirrell was forced to withdraw from the tournament, alternate Sakio Bika took his place. In a “barn burner” type affair, Mikkel Kessler earned a victory via unanimous decision and two points against Carl Froch. *Kessler withdrew from the tourney due to significant eye injuries sustained from recent battles, alternate Glen Johnson took his place. Andre Ward retained his WBA title and was awarded two points with a win against Allan Green over 12 lopsided rounds.
Stage three results: Glen Johnson pulverized Allan Green in emphatic fashion by way of eighth round knockout earning Johnson three tournament points. In a lopsided 12 round nod win; Carl Froch picked up the vacant WBC and two points against a very listless version of Arthur Abraham.
Semi final results: Andre Ward dazzlingly out pointed another limited version of Arthur Abraham and advances to the final. Carl Froch set the stage for the finale by out hustling a game Glen Johnson over 12 hard fought frames.
BOARDWALK EMPIRE
Stakes are high and fists will fly in a unification bout to typify the tournament when champion Andre “Son of God” Ward (24-0, 13 KOs) throws hands with WBC belt holder Carl “Cobra” Froch (28-1, 20 KOs) over 12 or less rounds of pound at the legendary Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Saturday at 9 PM ET on Showtime.
Ward, (right)
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 former WBC belt holder Mikkel Kessler (W UD 12) and followed up with commanding performances resulting in victory against Allan Green (W UD 12) and former “Contender” TV series winner Sakio Biko (W UD 12). In his last showing, Ward dismantled former titleholder and one-dimensional bully Arthur Abraham (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 elite “pound for pound” fighters in the world.
Froch, (right)
FROCH IS NO JOKE FOLKS
In his break out performance against Jermain Taylor, Froch showed tremendous heart and resolve as he recovered from two knockdowns in the second round leading him to a dramatic 12th round knockout win. After the victory over the once highly decorated champ Taylor; Froch entered the “Super Six” with much swagger. However in his tourney debut, Froch would turn in a somewhat lackluster performance against a nonthreatening version of Andre Dirrell. Carl then went on to duke it out and fall short of victory in an all out war against Mikkel Kessler (L UD 12). Froch then regrouped, and in his next bout standing opposite of Arthur Abraham, Carl’s hybrid of strength and courage that he showcased in previous triumphs surfaced to earn a unanimous nod by the judges. In his last effort, Froch bested seasoned former champion and veteran of the game, Glen Johnson via 12 round verdict.
PREDICTION? PAIN…
Despite the albatross that plagued this tournament with injuries causing delays and line up changes, Ward and Froch are without a doubt the two best and most deserving warriors to be in this historic finale. Albeit very different pugilists stylistically, both fighters have a style that can successfully compete against any fighter at 168 and cause them fits, so it will be very intriguing to see which discipline prevails. Either way it goes, expect to see a highly entertaining match up of boxer/puncher type fierce world-class athletes battling at the highest level of the sport.
Note: I’ll be covering this bout ringside along with photographer Mike Liddle. Stay tuned for live video interviews, photos, and a post fight write up. In addition, I’ll be a guest on this on this Sunday’s special addition of “Ring Talk” radio hosted by the “undisputed radio king of the airwaves”, Mr. Pedro Fernandez!
John Signorella