BERLIN (September 3, 2009)— photos by Photo Wende – King Arthur Abraham presented his new “fortress” to the German media today as he welcomed dozens of reporters to a packed press conference at the o2 World in Berlin, Germany´s most modern arena. The 29-year-old, who is unbeaten in 30 fights (24 KOs), will take on Jermain Taylor (28-3, 17 KOs) in the opening clash of the hotly-anticipated Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, October 17, on SHOWTIME® (8 p.m. ET/PT). “For me two dreams are coming true at the same time,” King Arthur said. “Participating in the Super Six tournament is very special. It is the best against the best. And I always wanted to fight in front of a sell-out crowd of 12,000 fans at the o2 World in Berlin. I cannot wait to get in the ring with Jermain Taylor. I will not disappoint my fans. October 17 will be a night to remember.”
Six weeks before the start of the tournament, the German press is already debating the outcome of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a competition they have dubbed “The Champions League of Boxing”. “The tournament is a present to the fans,” said Kalle Sauerland.. “Abraham and Taylor are going to open the Super Six in style. I have no doubts that at the end of a memorable night, King Arthur will be leaving the ring as the winner. We could not have staged the first fight at a better venue than the o2 World, Germany´s top event arena.”
King Arthur has been working hard in practice with his coach Ulli Wegner, who certainly fancies his fighter’s chances in the tournament. “This is something special for Arthur,” he said. “He is facing the world’s best fighters. For me, he is the favorite, but I have been reading a lot of stuff about him being smaller and thinner than his opponents. That does not matter inside the ring. Once Arthur has hit them, they will all have problems. Taylor better watch out. He is a great champion and a superb boxer, but Arthur will take care of business against him. The first fight is crucial to win. If Arthur succeeds, he can go a long, long way from there.”
With Jermain Taylor and his promoter Lou DiBella unable to join the press conference, they sent along audio messages to be played for the German press. “I am really looking forward to this fight,” Taylor said. “Arthur is working hard in camp but I am working harder. I am the better boxer so I am not worried to go to his hometown and fight him in front of his fans in Berlin. I will dictate every round.” And DiBella added: “We are making history with this tournament, and on October 17, Jermain Taylor is going to solidify his place as one of the greatest super-middleweights in the world by defeating undefeated middleweight champion Arthur Abraham in his adopted hometown of Berlin in front of a crazy audience that is going to be 100 percent pro Abraham. Jermain is going to defeat their local hero.”
Chris Meyer, General Manager of Sauerland Event, holds a different view. “Jermain Taylor is a great fighter, a living legend. But with the support of a ferocious sell-out crowd, King Arthur is going to notch the first victory in what will be an exciting tournament. We are happy to have two fighters in this glamorous and competitive tournament field. We hope that King Arthur will meet Mikkel Kessler in the final.”
Kessler, who makes a mandatory defence of his WBA Super-Middleweight Title on September 12, at MCH Herning (live on SHOWTIME), is slated to face Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward on November 21. Also on October 17, WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Carl Froch will take on gifted US talent Andre Dirrell in Nottingham.
Abraham-Taylor is promoted by Sauerland Event and DiBella Entertainment. Tickets start at €15 ($22) and will go on sale on Monday. They can be purchased at www.o2world.de. “We expect a sell-out crowd,” said Detlef Kornett, Managing Director of the o2 World. “This will mark the beginning of many big fights with King Arthur at the o2 World.”
The Super Six World Boxing Classic is being presented by SHOWTIME Sports in association with Sauerland Event, Gary Shaw Productions, Hennessy Sports, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions.
For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com