Showtime super middleweight tournament. ???

[Erik]

Abraham, Froch, Taylor, Kessler in a Showtime Shocker
Posted by: Rick Reeno on 07-03-2009.





A few weeks back, I reported that Showtime was very interested in putting together a super middleweight tournament with the biggest names at the weight. Over the last few days, BoxingScene.com has spoken with numbers high-level sources who are close to the situation and it appears that Showtime is going to move forward with the super middleweight tournament.

The negotiations for this tournament have been very secretive and some of the information I was able to dig up will make Ken Hershman [Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports & Event Programming at Showtime] wonder if I tapped his phone line.

From what I was able to find out, Showtime plans to enter into multi-fight agreements with undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham, WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler, former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, undefeated contender Andre Ward, undefeated contender Andre Dirrell and undefeated WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch.

This will NOT be an elimination style tournament.

Once all of the contracts have been signed and every fighter is officially on board, Showtime plans to match them in a round robin tournament with some form of a point system.

If everything goes as expected, the following fights are being discussed for this tournament.

Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor in October in Germany
Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell in October in the UK.
Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward in November.
Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Dirrell in America in January 2010
Mikkel Kessler vs. Carl Froch in Europe in March 2010
Andre Ward vs. Jermain Taylor in America in April/May 2010
Andre Dirrell vs. Andre Ward in America in September 2010
Arthur Abraham vs. Carl Froch in November 2010, with Mikkel Kessler vs. Jermain Taylor taking place around the same time.

After those bouts takes place and the points are tallied up, there will be semi-finals and a final tournament bout.

As far as Kessler’s legal dispute with Mogens Palle, I’ve heard that some form of an agreement was reached with Palle to allow Kessler to participate. I’ve been told that Palle will not be part of the promotion, but if everything comes together as expected - Dan Goossen, Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella, Sauerland Event and Mick Hennessey will be involved.

Some other points of interest.

1. Abraham would vacate his title and move up to 168.
2. Kelly Pavlik would be left without any significant opponents at 160 or 168. The only options I would see for him is the winner of Lucian Bute vs. Librado Andrade or Paul Williams.
3. You would have to applaud the promoters involved if everything is able to get worked out. The tournament would be a global event with some of the biggest names in America, Germany, UK and Denmark.

[Carlos]

Knowing the frequency that fights tend to get cancelled by, it takes more than good faith to belive that they can pull all of those of within a year.

I wonder how the purses will be settled, and what they will be.

I would be shocked if they managed to get all of those fights done, but would like to see it ofcourse.

[Lefty]

This would be fantastic, IF it was to come off.

[Erik]

I agree, awesome news. Even if only half the fights happen.

[Michael Matos]

Firstly I guess its the leftover stench from the Don King/USBA tournament of a quarter century ago that makes me leery of anything with the tag of tournament attached to it. Secondly the round robin format is literally unworkable. Take for instance Jermain Taylor who has lost 3 out of his last 4 fights, if he loses to Abraham it's going to take a lot of convincing to get him to fight again. Unworkable.

[O-Dogg33]

This might be nearly impossible to pull off it's very ambitious of showtime. I hope they can work most of it out though cause there are lots of great matchups I can't wait to see.

[Ludovico]

Doubtful to say the least.

[WelshDevilRob]

Looks like this is going ahead. I believe there will be a press conference soon.(possibly July 13th at Madsion Square Garden)

Abraham vs Taylor in October looks set and from what I hear Froch is going to fight Andre Dirrell the same night.

Kessler looks like he might be getting out of his promotional deal with Palle - things had been quiet for awhile.

Lucian Bute is not involved because they apparently weren't keen on signing upto so many fights. Now they are moaning cos there not involved.

Hopefully it all falls into shape. Some potentially great fights.

[BIGTIMETIMMY]

Looks like this is going ahead. I believe there will be a press conference soon.(possibly July 13th at Madsion Square Garden)

Abraham vs Taylor in October looks set and from what I hear Froch is going to fight Andre Dirrell the same night.

Kessler looks like he might be getting out of his promotional deal with Palle - things had been quiet for awhile.

Lucian Bute is not involved because they apparently weren't keen on signing upto so many fights. Now they are moaning cos there not involved.

Hopefully it all falls into shape. Some potentially great fights.

Kessler signs to Sauderluand woohoo it looks like its going to go down!!!

[Carlos]

Kessler signs to Sauderluand woohoo it looks like its going to go down!!!

Only minor issue is that he is still under contract - they offered Palle a laughable amount (750.000$) to drop the lawsuits, that undoubtedly will happen now.

Will be interesting to see what happens.

[Erik]

Super Middleweight Tournament Officially Announced
Posted by: Mark Vester on 07-09-2009.

Showtime has officially informed BoxingScene.com that a press conference is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at New York's Madison Square Garden to officially announce the super middleweight tournament. Showtime has advised us that all six fighters will attend, including Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell and Andre Ward. All of the promoters involved, Sauerland Event, Lou DiBella, Gary Shaw, Mick Henessey and Dan Goossen are scheduled to attend.

The tournament is scheduled to officially kick off in October with Froch facing Dirrell and Abraham facing Taylor.

[Rebel]

This is pretty exciting. There are a ton of exciting matchups at 168.

[Carlos]

There will be a press conference/autograph signing in Copenhagen on tuesday afternoon with: Kessler, Froch, Abraham, Direll, Taylor and Ward attending - sadly i'll be tied up at work, rushing to take my girlfriend to a Babyface concert (whoever the hell that is, but i gather i dont really want to know:lol:)

[Rebel]

There will be a press conference/autograph signing in Copenhagen on tuesday afternoon with: Kessler, Froch, Abraham, Direll, Taylor and Ward attending - sadly i'll be tied up at work, rushing to take my girlfriend to a Babyface concert (whoever the hell that is, but i gather i dont really want to know:lol:)

eyLoKT_8fD0

Lucky you. :lol:

[Carlos]

That video is not available in Denmark, but i looked him up earlier - Just shoot me now and get it over with:lol:

[O-Dogg33]

I gotta go with Kessler in this tourny even though I can't even remember the last time I saw him fight. And the order of the matchups could have a significant effect on who advances. If Taylor takes a good beating in his first fight I have to favor Ward to beat him in the next fight but if they were to fight first I think Taylor could decision him.

My predictions:

1- Jermain Taylor- Arthur Abraham (Germany)Abraham KO

2- Andre Ward- Mikkel Kessler (US) Kessler UD

3- Andre Dirrell- Carl Froch (UK) Froch KO

4- Abraham- Dirrell Abraham KO

5- Kessler-Froch Kessler UD

6- Ward- Taylor Ward SD

7- Dirrell-Ward Ward UD

8- Abraham-Froch Abraham UD

9- Kessler-Taylor Kessler KO

[Carlos]

http://www.knock-out.dk/images/stories/IMG_1638%20%283%29.jpg

Abraham looks pretty small - according to the guy who took the picture, they were all wearing the same type of shoes.

[Rebel]

Watch Dirrell and Ward shock everyone as they go all the way. :24:

[TyrantT316]

Taylor looks huge in THAT picture

Abraham is just short, but he's solid

[Valdosta]

Dirrell wouldn't shock me if he went all the way. People will start pulling out of this tournament after they lose and have injuries.

[O-Dogg33]

Taylor always has that confused look on his face.

[Xplosive]

I dont think Taylor will recover from the Froch loss, and I now think we've seen the best of JT. I like Abraham to stop Taylor late.

Its very possible we could see Dirrell upset Froch. Dirrell is very fast, and talented.. he just has to put it all together. But I question his chin, so Froch might very well stop him.

Kessler is the best fighter of all these guys, and figures to win the tournament. But of course, upsets are always possible. I'd be SHOCKED if Ward beat him though. Andre Ward sucks. Kessler will beat the shit outta him!

[Rebel]

Don't you count out Oakland. Too Short in da house! :rock:

[Xplosive]

Taylor always has that confused look on his face.

Taylor was never the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[Xplosive]

Don't you count out Oakland. Too Short in da house! :rock:

If Ward beat Kessler it'd be the upset of the year. I really dont see Ward as anything more than a homeless man's RJ. In fact, even homeless man's is a stretch.

I consider Jean Pascal a better fighter than Ward.

[O-Dogg33]

If Ward beat Kessler it'd be the upset of the year. I really dont see Ward as anything more than a homeless man's RJ. In fact, even homeless man's is a stretch.

I consider Jean Pascal a better fighter than Ward.

If I had to rank them:

1. Kessler
2. Abraham
3. Froch
4. Ward
5. Dirrell
6. Taylor

But 4-6 aren't that far off from each other.

[Valentino]

If Ward beat Kessler it'd be the upset of the year. I really dont see Ward as anything more than a homeless man's RJ. In fact, even homeless man's is a stretch.

I consider Jean Pascal a better fighter than Ward.

He obviously has a LOT MORE BALLS than RJJ. I doubt RJJ would have agreed to such a tournament or anything that could potentially exposed him.

[Xplosive]

He obviously has a LOT MORE BALLS than RJJ. I doubt RJJ would have agreed to such a tournament or anything that could potentially exposed him.


LOL please. By the time Roy was Ward's age his resume was FAR superior. Dont even compare the two. A young Roy was electrifying to watch, whilst Ward is boring as hell and holds like a bitch whenever a guy gets close to him. Ward goes the distance and stinks out the joint vs the same competion that a young Roy used to blow out. A shot Edison Miranda would not have seen past 3 rounds with a young Roy.

I dunno what personal grudge you have against Roy, but it really clouds your judgement BADLY, and makes you say stupid things.

[TyrantT316]

in terms of overall talent, toughness and experience...I think Kessler is the best of the bunch...decent speed, decent pop, decent chin, fundamentals, etc...

but Calzaghe did expose some weaknesses in his ability to adjust and keep up with Zaghe's pace...

but I'd still favor Kessler...however no pick is set in stone...this really is a "pick 'em" tournament due to the talent, youth, experience, power, size, etc involved

[TyrantT316]

Boxing should put together maybe one or two tournaments a year featuring top 10 fighters from the chosen weight class...like Boxing's version of the "Masters/Majors" (Tennis, Golf, etc)

or a system similar to UFC where they sometimes have like 1-3 main events on one "UFC #" PPV card

[Valentino]

LOL please. By the time Roy was Ward's age his resume was FAR superior. Dont even compare the two. A young Roy was electrifying to watch, whilst Ward is boring as hell and holds like a bitch whenever a guy gets close to him. Ward goes the distance and stinks out the joint vs the same competion that a young Roy used to blow out. A shot Edison Miranda would not have seen past 3 rounds with a young Roy.

I dunno what personal grudge you have against Roy, but it really clouds your judgement BADLY, and makes you say stupid things.


I won't disagree when comparing both at their respective ages.

But Ward getting into this tournament shows he has a lot of balls.

[Victor]

WOW! This is really happening. Very good news. Unfortunately I don't have Showtime, so I'll be depending on the sopcast links Carlos ;)

[Xplosive]

I won't disagree when comparing both at their respective ages.

But Ward getting into this tournament shows he has a lot of balls.

I never said Ward LACKED balls(although he has been brought along slow). But I dont see any reason why you would say he posses MORE balls than Roy. Jones came up fighting much tougher guys, and Roy also fought in a far more exciting style.

I was simply saying that QUALITY wise Ward is a homeless man's Jones. Which is correct.

Furthermore, if the idea of a supermiddle tournament was presented in 95, and Roy turned it down.. maybe THEN you could call Roy a pussy. But none of the other supermiddle's of the 90's were in a rush to fight one another. But Roy fought and shutout the BEST supermiddle of the whole bunch.

[mikE]

But Roy fought and shutout the BEST supermiddle of the whole bunch.

Oh, that guy who had the masterful performance against the limited, loss-machine? The guy who lost his next fight? The guy who got the gift against the scrub from the upper east coast as a mid?

Or did you mean Benn, Liles, Eubank, Collins, or new kid Calz? Because I don't remember Jones fighting any of them...

[frank]

i look forward the froch - kessler

[Valentino]

Oh, that guy who had the masterful performance against the limited, loss-machine? The guy who lost his next fight? The guy who got the gift against the scrub from the upper east coast as a mid?

Or did you mean Benn, Liles, Eubank, Collins, or new kid Calz? Because I don't remember Jones fighting any of them...

Pssst...psssst...you musta forgot.

[Rebel]

i look forward the froch - kessler
That one should be a dandy. You gotta favor Kessler though because he's got all around better skills but Froch is one tough SOB so he'll be live.

[Rebel]

If Ward beat Kessler it'd be the upset of the year. I really dont see Ward as anything more than a homeless man's RJ. In fact, even homeless man's is a stretch.

I consider Jean Pascal a better fighter than Ward.
The last time I checked Pascal isn't in this tournament, Ward is. We should commend him for finally stepping up. He could've just stayed away and kept facing mediocre opposition while being criticized. Instead he's putting his undefeated record on the line against the best 168 has to offer right now. The time has come to see exactly how he stacks up. It's going to be fun watching.

[Rebel]

Boxing should put together maybe one or two tournaments a year featuring top 10 fighters from the chosen weight class...like Boxing's version of the "Masters/Majors" (Tennis, Golf, etc)

or a system similar to UFC where they sometimes have like 1-3 main events on one "UFC #" PPV card
Yes, that would be a real treat for boxing fanatics.

[Rebel]

Oh, that guy who had the masterful performance against the limited, loss-machine? The guy who lost his next fight? The guy who got the gift against the scrub from the upper east coast as a mid?

Or did you mean Benn, Liles, Eubank, Collins, or new kid Calz? Because I don't remember Jones fighting any of them...
He's got a point X. :haha:

[Black Gatti]

Watch Dirrell and Ward shock everyone as they go all the way. :24:

Wow, first time I remember agreeing w/ you.

[Rebel]

Wow, first time I remember agreeing w/ you.
I wasn't predicting they'd win it. I was just saying that it would be funny if one or both of them surprise everyone. Actually I do expect them to show they're better than most people think.

[Dark Destroyer]

My money is on Kessler to become undisputed champion. He has a great chin and is the best technically out of the bunch.

[Lefty]

i look forward the froch - kessler

Same here, that's the best match up. should be an entertaining fight, although I still think Kesler will win.

Atlast the Super middle division is getting highlighted.