LONDON (October 8th ,2009) – 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 medalist 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.”
Super Six World Boxing Classic – Glover looking to end Nottingham Champs title reign
LONDON (October 8th, 2009) – Unbeaten American Andre Dirrell won’t be the only man heading into the lions den at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham on October 17th. Dirrell will be looking to rip the WBC World Super Middleweight title from Carl Froch in their Super Six World Boxing Classic encounter while on the undercard Essex battler Tom Glover will be out to dethrone another Nottingham Champ in the form of English Welterweight title holder, Adnan Amar.
While the eyes of the boxing World will be on Froch’s showdown with Dirrell for Glover and Amar it will also be a huge night in their respective careers. Reigning title holder Amar will be looking to put a frustrating year and a half of inactivity behind him while Glover will be looking to bounce back from his Commonwealth title defeat to John O’Donnell last month.
On that occasion a brave but outgunned Glover was rescued by the referee while still on his feet in the sixth round after O’Donnell had broken his nose in the second round with a vicious uppercut. However Glover is adamant that the setback has only made him more determined to succeed against Amar. “Let’s be honest at the start of the year very few people would have predicted I’d go on to fight the Commonwealth champ,” said Glover who has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in his career. Just over 12 months ago the 28-year-old bricklayer was considered to be a journeyman pro but high profile wins over leading contenders such as Jon Thaxton and Nadeem Siddique have seen his stock rise considerably.
“Obviously I was disappointed at the result against O’Donnell but it hasn’t discouraged me in the least, if anything it’s just made me hungrier for success,” revealed the Maldon native. “It was a fantastic experience to headline a live TV card and box such a great champion and I want more of that. I’ve no excuses, O’Donnell’s an excellent fighter. I knew going into the fight that it was a hard task but the broken nose made it impossible and he did what he had to do in there.”
Glover doesn’t believe the nose injury will be a factor when he steps into the ring to face Amar. “I took a week off from the gym after the fight and obviously I didn’t spar for a bit because I was wary of my nose but I’ve had the all clear from the doctor so I’m raring to go again. This was too good an opportunity to turn down for me. It’s a chance to get my hands on the English title belt and I wasn’t going to let one defeat ruin what’s already been a great year for me.”
Amar is a product of the famous Ingle Gym in Sheffield but having already upset Amar’s gym mates Jon Thaxton and Nadeem Siddique earlier in the year Glover is confident of making it a hat trick of wins.
“I’ve faced the speed and skill of O’Donnell and the power of Thaxton and I’m very familiar with the Ingle style now so I can’t see what Amar can bring to the ring that will faze me. We were due to meet back in March and he actually got injured after we had weighed in but I feel I’m in an even better position to beat him now.
“I’ve won three of four since then and the wins have come against good lads like Thaxton, Siddique and Chas Symonds. I’ve had plenty of competitive action while he’s been inactive for nearly 18 months now and I think I can use that to my advantage.”
Glover says he’s thrilled to be on the undercard of the Super Six tournament showdown between Froch and Dirrell. “It’s a honour to fight on such a big event and I’m sure it’s going to be a great night. It will certainly be the biggest crowd I’ve ever fought in front of. I know it’s Amar’s home town but I’m used to fighting away and I’m well used to being the underdog so that won’t bother me. I’m confident that I can cope with anything he brings to the ring and I believe I’ll be leaving it with the English title belt strapped around my waist.”
New satellite channel Primetime (Sky channel 480) will broadcast the opening night of the Super Six tournament event live on pay per view in the UK and Ireland with a knockout double header from Nottingham and Berlin.
While Froch will be looking to ruin Dirrell’s perfect record in Nottingham Arthur Abraham will also be on home soil in at The O2 World Arena in Berlin as he opens his Super Six tournament campaign in a clash of former World Middleweight Champions with American Jermain Taylor.
Primetime will build up to the event by screening Froch’s previous two world title fights, his twelve round thriller with Jean Pascal to win the WBC title and his sensational final round KO over Jermain Taylor in the U.S. in April. The fights will be broadcast from 7-10pm on Primetime each night leading up to the Super Six tournament double header on October 17th. Primetime will also broadcast FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, a new reality series that will give fight fans unprecedented access into the lives of the Super Six tournament participants.
To watch the opening night of the Super Six tournament call 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland) or see http://www.primetimelive.co.uk. The event is available at a special price of £12.95 until 24 hours before the fight when it will increase to £14.95.
Tickets for Froch V Dirrell are available from the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham Box Office priced £30, £45, £125 and £400. To purchase tickets call the Box Office on 08444 124 624 or visit www.trentfmarena.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 or via www.hennessysports.com.
For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive videos, photography, expert analysis from Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, and much more please visit www.WorldBoxingClassic.com or visit http://www.hennessysports.com/worldboxingclassic.htm.