Carl Froch’s trainer Robert McCracken believes his charge has what it takes to see off the challenge of unbeaten American Andre Dirrell when they clash in the Super Six World Boxing Classic at the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham on October 17th.
Froch’s WBC world super-middleweight title will also be on the line against Dirrell, a bronze medallist from the 2004 Olympic Games but ex pro McCracken is confident that Froch will maintain his own perfect record against the touted American.
“Dirrell’s the latest hotshot from the States and he’s very good, he’s very talented,” revealed McCracken. “It will be a tough job but Carl’s up to it and I’m sure he’ll still be the Champion at the end of the night. He’s a 100% professional. He’s diligent in everything he does and he’s a formidable fighter – he’s the best super middleweight in the world.”
The October 17th bout will be screened live on pay per view in the UK and Ireland on new satellite channel Primetime (Sky channel 480) as part of a knockout Super Six tournament double header from Nottingham and Berlin.
The tournament officially kicks off in Germany when former marquee middleweight champs Arthur Abraham and Jermain Taylor clash at The O2 World Arena in Berlin before the action moves to Froch’s hometown and the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham . The Dirrell fight will see Froch return to the scene of his thrilling WBC title win over Jean Pascal last December and McCracken believes that home advantage will prove important for Froch.
“Carl’s very level headed and he listens to the right advice. He’ll keep a cool head on the night, there’s going to be 10,000 people there so it’s going to be packed. Dirrell’s very good so he’s going to be pumped up for this, it’s his first chance at the big time so he’ll give it a real go but Carl’s ready and I’m sure he’ll take over as the fight progresses.”
However Showtime expert analyst Steve Farhood has warned Froch and McCracken that Dirrell has all the ingredients to become a major star. “He’s a switch-hitter overflowing with speed, size, natural ability, and potential,” said Farhood. “With Hollywood looks, an illuminating smile, and a magnetic personality, Dirrell has the stuff of a transcendental star. The Super Six is the perfect vehicle to establish him as such.”
About SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division. The field is comprised of world renowned fighters with a staggering combined record of 161-4-1 with 117 knockouts: former IBF middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham of Germany; U.S. Olympic medalist Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell of Flint, Mich.; WBC super middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch of England; WBA 168-pound champion Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler of Denmark; former undisputed 160-pound world champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor of Little Rock, Ark.; and U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre “S.O.G.” Ward of Oakland , Calif.
All bouts in the Super Six World Boxing Classic will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.
