HERNING, Denmark (Feb. 17, 2010) – Mikkel Kessler (42-2, 32 KOs) and World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight champion Carl Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) kicked off an international media tour here Wednesday morning to discuss their upcoming Group Stage 2 bout in the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, April 24, on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, same-day tape delay).
Known as “The Viking Warrior,’’ Denmark’s Kessler will be counting on the support of his home fans when he challenges Froch, of Nottingham, England, for the WBC 168-pound crown in a 12-round match at MCH Herning.
After one round in the Super Six, “King” Carl has two points, while Kessler needs a victory to get on the board.
“Never in my life have I lost a fight in Denmark,” said Kessler, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) super middle titleholder at a packed press conference. “My home fans give me the extra five percent I need to defeat Froch. I will knock him out. It will be the real ‘Viking Warrior’ in the ring.
“A victory is all that matters on April 24.’’
While Kessler can be certain to have a boisterous crowd behind him, Froch also will be supported by thousands of British fans who are expected to travel into the country to support their hero.
“I will be bringing the Froch army of fans,” the undefeated 32-year-old said. “I have been received very well here. Everything has been organized perfectly, so my fans will have a good time in Herning. It will be two proud warriors inside the ring and I will again defend my title in my opponent´s backyard.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland has no doubts that his boxer, Kessler, will take care of business.
“Look, Mikkel, they did not dare to bring their (WBC) belt to this press conference because they are scared of losing it here in Denmark,” said Sauerland at the press conference. “The fight against Froch will be an exciting one. There is so much at stake. Their spectacular boxing styles will make April 24 a night to remember.’’
Sauerland presented Kessler a cardboard picture of Froch and his prediction that he would “decapitate Kessler.’’
“It will get a special place in my gym,” Kessler said. “It will further raise my motivation. Froch can say what he wants. I don´t think he will decapitate me.
“It will be the other way around!’’
Froch´s promoter, Mick Hennessy, believes his fighter has what it takes to win the fight and the tournament.
“Carl will come here with his army of fans and beat Mikkel Kessler,” Hennessy said. “I think this is the most exciting clash of the entire group stages. It should be a real treat for the fans.”
Georg Soerensen, CEO of MCH Herning, is proud to host the biggest fight in Danish history.
“We are thrilled to stage the historic first-ever Super Six fight on Danish soil,” he said. “It is a big honor and we really look forward to April 24.”
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Feb. 22, at billetnet.dk. In Denmark, the fight will be distributed
on pay-per-view on satellite, cable and IP TV-platform by the following operators: Satellite and IP-TV operator Viasat, cable TV- operators YouSee and Stofa, and IP TV operator TDC. To get a hold of a pay-per-view ticket, the customers need to contact the operators. Price per ticket is 499 DKR. The starting time for the fight will be around 22.30 Danish time.
SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SCOREBOARD
Record Fighter Points
1-0 Arthur Abraham 3
1-0 Carl Froch 2
1-0 Andre Ward 2
0-1 Andre Dirrell 0
0-1 Mikkel Kessler 0
For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com
