Mikkel Kessler Forced Out of Showtime’s Super Six Tournament

Added on Aug 26, 2010 by Brian Blake in

Boxing

It was announced yesterday that current WBC and former WBA Super Middleweight title holder, Mikkel Kessler, of Denmark, was forced to withdraw from Showtime’s Super Six World Boxing Classic due to a long-standing eye injury. Kessler (43-2, 32 KOs) was slated to make his initial title defense in his homeland against American Allan Green in the latest stage of the tournament.

“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.”

The unprecedented six man tournament had already faced a few hurdles prior to Kessler’s decision to leave the tournament. Former Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor decided to withdraw his name from the tournament following his devastating knockout loss to Arthur Abraham in the opening round. Promoter Lou DiBella then brought in Taylor’s stablemate, Allan Green, to replace him. Green would go on to lose his initial bout against WBA king Andre Ward over the course of 12 lopsided rounds.

Speaking of Andre Ward, his next bout is set for September 25 against Andre Dirrell, but with no venue being named as of yet the certainty of the bout taking place on it’s proposed date is left in doubt.

Despite negotiation snags and fighter withdrawals, promoters and Showtime network execs expect the tournament to go on as planned.

“I commend Mikkel Kessler for his decision,” said Showtime Sports Executive Vice President Ken 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.”

Dr. Gerhard Lang examined Kessler’s eye and determined that the muscles in the eye would require nine months of rest with no sparring in order to fully heal.

Promoter Kalle Sauerland said Kessler did “absolutely the right thing.” He stated: “You can recover from losing in the ring but you cannot recover from losing your health. There is nothing that is of bigger importance than the boxer ́s health. As much as we regret to see Mikkel pulling out, he was left with no other choice. He should take all the time in the world to recover. He can take comfort in the fact that he looked reborn in his last bout. Once he is recovered, he will continue where he left off. The Viking Warrior will be back.”

With Kessler no longer in the tournament, Allan Green is once again left without a dance partner.

“First and foremost, I want to wish Mikkel Kessler a speedy recovery,” stated Green’s promoter, Lou DiBella. “Eye injuries are very serious, and I hope Mikkel does everything necessary to heal up and continue his career at the appropriate time.

“Obviously, all of Team Green is bitterly disappointed about not getting the opportunity to travel to Denmark for this great challenge. It is hard not to feel for Allan Green; this is the third training camp in the last year that he has had interrupted for various reasons beyond his control. In the coming days we will sit down with Ken Hershman to discuss Allan’s future. We trust that Showtime will provide Allan with the opportunity to showcase his skills in a meaningful fight versus a world class opponent in the very near future.”