Thousands of fans gathered today at Copenhagen´s famous Tivoli Gardens to give the Super Six World Boxing Classic fighters a warm welcome. Just 20 hours after the opening press conference at the Madison Square Garden, the international PR tour stopped in Denmark to present the ground-breaking tournament to the European public and the media. Former Danish international goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Danish TV star Camilla Ottesen hosted the public presentation, which featured spectacular walk-ins as well as interviews. After an extensive autograph session, the protagonists and their promoters held a press conference in one of Tivoli´s renowned restaurants..
“I am thrilled to take part in this tournament,” Danish national hero Mikkel Kessler said. “The tournament is a great opportunity to test my myself as a world champion and confirm my status as the best fighter at super-middleweight.”
His new stablemate King Arthur Abraham was equally delighted to take on the best fighters in the world. “For me it is great to make spectacular fights right after moving up to a new weight class,” he said. “It will be tough, but I love tough challenges. This spectacular tournament will answer the one question everybody has been asking – who is the best fighter in this division? I have no doubts it will be me.”
King Arthur kicks off the tournament with a hotly-anticipated showdown with former world champion Jermain Taylor. WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Kessler takes on Andre Ward in his opening match, with WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Carl Froch coming face-to-face with Andre Dirrell. On Wednesday, the PR Tour will hit Berlin where the fighters will be presented at the Hotel Adlon right next to the Brandenburger Tor (11:00).
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
July 14, 2009 – Mexico City.
From WBC President José Sulaimán:
On behalf of all the members of the World Boxing Council, representing 164 countries in the world, I would like to express our deepest congratulations to Showtime, to all the promoters involved, and to the six great fighters that will participate in the historic super middleweight championship tournament.
The WBC extends its full official authorization to the tournament and will absolutely cooperate and actively participate in any matter that may need our collaboration.
I am personally very proud to see that under the leadership of Showtime, some of the most important promoters of the world will work together in what promises to be a very interesting series of fights involving the best fighters in the division. The WBC has been very closely associated with most of them, and we are certain that the ultimate winner will be a hero to the world .
Carl Froch – current WBC super middleweight world champion.
Jermain Taylor – former WBC middleweight champion and current WBC No. 3 contender.
Mikkel Kessler – former WBC super middleweight world champion and current WBA world champion.
Andre Ward – current WBC No. 1 contender.
Andre Dirrell – current WBC No. 2 contender.
Arthur Abraham – undefeated, and a hero in Europe moving up from middleweight.
To my dear promoters and friends, Gary Shaw, Lou Di Bella, Mick Hennessy, Dan Goossen, and Wilfred Sauerland, and to the managers of all the fighters, please accept my congratulations for making this happen. Boxing needs to stand up and make great events like this, which can only be accomplished with unity, reciprocity, and hard work.
Congratulations to all, and I kindly ask you to accept my warmest and sincere regards.