Upcoming Super Six fight between Abraham and Froch to have vacant title at stake

August 26, 2010 - 13:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - WBC Super Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler has been forced to pull out of the Super Six World Boxing Classic due to an eye injury. His title defence against Allan Green in Herning, Denmark on September 25 has been cancelled.

“This is the most disappointing moment of my boxing career,” Kessler said. “After defeating Carl Froch, I was on the way to win the tournament, so pulling out now really hurts. The eye problem has bothered me since the beginning of the Super Six in my preparation for the bout against Andre Ward. It also bothered me in the fights against Ward and Froch, and in my training for the fight against Green it has become unbearable. I have consulted leading experts in Denmark and Germany and they have advised me to take a break from boxing so that the problem can heal. I have been assured that it will heal completely and that I will be back in the ring next year. As a fair sportsman, I do not want to delay the Super Six, which is still the best thing that has happened to boxing for a long time. I wish my fellow contestants the best of luck - may the best man win. I will be there to fight the winner in 2011.”

SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President Ken Hershman expresses his disappointment for Kessler but assures the boxing fans around the world that the tournament will go on.

“I commend Mikkel Kessler for his decision,” said Hershman. “He has made a wise choice in light of his doctors’ recommendations and he is showing tremendous respect for his fellow competitors and for the tournament format itself.

“We will publicly address how this turn of events affects the tournament in the coming days. I assure you we will make the best of this scenario. In fact, I have been aware of Mikkel’s situation for a few days and I have a vision for how we can proceed that will enhance the excitement of the tournament. First, I must have some internal discussions but mark my words, the drama of the Super Six will be unrelenting and we will crown a champion in the early part of 2011.”

Chris Meyer, General Manager for Sauerland Event, who promote Kessler said, “Based on what we've been told, it's a "likely scenario" that Kessler will vacate his WBC title - and the upcoming Super Six fight, between Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch, will have the vacant title at stake.”

Abraham-Froch is scheduled to take place on October 2. Andre Dirrell is the number one ranked contender under the WBC, but he is scheduled to face WBA champion Andre Ward in the third stage of the Super Six. Since Dirrell is unavailable, it leaves Froch, who is ranked at number two, and Abraham, who is ranked at number three, to fight for the title, boxingscene.com reported.