Carl Froch: “I´m Hoping Kessler Beats Ward”

Carl FrochWBC Super Middleweight Champ Carl “The Cobra” Froch says he’ll be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Oakland this weekend as the final bout in Group Stage 1 of the Super Six World Boxing Classic takes place between Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler and Andre “S.O.G.” Ward.

Saturday night’s bout which will also see Kessler’s WBA Super Middleweight title on the line is live in the UK and Ireland on Primetime (Sky channel 480) and Froch admits that he’ll be cheering on Kessler for selfish reasons. “I’m looking forward to it because it’s a fight that has major implications for me in the Super Six tournament,” said Froch who opened his own Super Six account with a win over previously undefeated American Andre Dirrell in Nottingham last month.

“I’m hoping that Kessler wins because then he’ll still have the WBA belt. I’m fighting him in my next fight in the Super Six so if he beats Ward then it means that our fight becomes a massive WBC and WBA unification clash and I can get my hands on his belt..”

Although he’s hoping for a Kessler win Froch admits that it’s a difficult fight to call. “Obviously Andre Ward has that terrific amateur pedigree, winning the Gold medal at the Athens Olympics. He’s had some good wins in the pro’s but we will only find out how good he really is when he steps in there with Kessler.

“Ward will also have the benefit of home advantage as well which I’m sure will play it’s part but Kessler is very experienced and has won on the road before so I’m sure he won’t see it as an issue.”

While admitting that it’s a hard fight to call Froch says he’s leaning towards the experience of Kessler to pull off an away victory over Ward. “In a fight like this you generally have to back the experienced and proven fighter,” said Froch. “Kessler has proven time and time again throughout his career that he is a great World Champion and for me Ward is still very much untested at the highest level so I think it could be difficult early on for Kessler but his experience should see him through in the end.”

To watch Kessler V Ward live on Primetime (Sky channel 480) call 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland) or see http://www.primetimelive.co.uk. The event costs just £5.95.

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.