NEW YORK (May 24, 2011) – Looking to regain his status as one of the premier super middleweights in the world, former World Boxing Council/World Boxing Association (WBC/WBA) 168-pound champion Mikkel “The Viking Warrior’’ Kessler will return to the ring for the first time in 14 months when he faces Mehdi Bouadla on Saturday, June 4, on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, same-day delay) at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The 12-rounder between Kessler (43-2, 32 KOs), of Denmark, and Bouadla (23-3, 11 KOs), of France, will be shown before the LIVE Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinal on SHOWTIME (delayed on the West Coast) between defending WBC titlist Carl Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) and former world champion Glen Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) of Miami, Fla., at Adrian Philipps Ballroom of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
The Super Six announce team of Gus Johnson, Al Bernstein and Antonio Tarver will call the Kessler-Bouadla match from Atlantic City. Steve Farhood will serve as ringside reporter from Denmark.
For Kessler, it will be his first start since a potentially career-ending eye injury forced him to withdraw from the Super Six shortly after he won an exciting 12-round unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Froch on April 24, 2010. A victory puts Kessler, 32, back in the thick of things in the talent-rich 168-pound division. Kessler’s only defeats came against future Hall of Famer, Joe Calzaghe, in November 2007, and to Andre Ward in Group Stage 1 of the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Nov. 21, 2009.
The 29-year-old Bouadla has won 11 in a row dating to February 2008. The No. 5-ranked super middle in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and 10th-rated contender in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Bouadla earned a decision over Pavels Lotahs in his most recent start last Jan. 29. Bouadla was slated to challenge defending champion Sebastian Sylvester last Jan. 22 for the IBF middleweight championship, but the fight was postponed after Sylvester suffered a viral infection.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http:// sports.sho.com.
Ali Adams Drafts In ‘Big’ John McDermott To Prepare For June 4th Fight
Chelsea based Iraqi Heavyweight Ali Adams has called in the big guns, in the form of Southern Area Heavyweight Champion ‘Big’ John McDermott, to help him prepare for his upcoming fight, against a yet to be named opponent, at the Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’ double title headed super show, at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Adams, the World’s only Arab Heavyweight professional boxer, turned to his friend John McDermott for sparring to ensure he is fully prepared for whoever he faces on June 4th. Adams has been firm in stating that he intends to not just win, but win big time, as he is dedicating the fight to his Father who recently past away.
Those in attendance at the TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, during their first sparring session, were treated to some top notch boxing.
Right from the first bell both Adams and McDermott started trading hard, as the rounds went on both raised their game to a higher level. The quality of the boxing on display brought all training at the gym to a halt, as every single fighter present downed gloves to watch. As the final bell rang their work ethic and undoubted skill was rewarded with a standing ovation.
Following the sparring session a slightly breathless, yet elated, Adams said, “John McDermott, I always have special spar with John. He’s a very good fighter, I thank him big time for coming sparring and helping me. He’s a really good come forward fighter. He gives me a lot of pressure and stuff so it’s really good for my next fight.
I don’t know who I’m fighting yet, but I’m knocking the kid out. No matter who he is I’m knocking him out first, second round, because this fight is for my Father.
My father just passed away, I just came back from Iraq. I was in in Iraq for five weeks and I came back three weeks ago.
Soon as I came back Johnny (Eames) talked to me about being reserve in Prizefighter and I accepted it. Then I trained.
I started training from three weeks ago and I’ve got two weeks to the fight, so I’ll be super fit, not just fit, super fit. No boxing I’m going out there just to knock the kid out, proper fighting you know, real boxing. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it, I can’t wait.”
Ali Adams, against a yet to be named opponent, will feature on the undercard of Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’, double title headlined event will take place at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Co-headlining the show are International Masters Lightweight Champion Ryan ‘Mr Attitude’ Barrett, who will be defending his crown for the first time against former Kenyan Super Featherweight Champion Geoffrey ‘The Tiger’ Munika, and former Super Middleweight supremo Toks Owoh, who was originally due to face Tony Conquest for the British Masters Cruiserweight title until Tony damaged his hand in training.
The massive 16 bout card also features Adam’s TKO Boxing Gym team mate Beckton based Dutch Cruiserweight sensation Mitchell Balker, who gets a stern test against Welsh hardman Hari Miles.
Further Team TKO fighters on the card include Carshalton Welterweight Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor, who faces former WBF Intercontinental title challenger James Todd, as well as Thamesmead Light Middleweight Nathan Weise, Plumstead’s Sam Standing and Islington Welterweight Brett O’Callaghan, all against yet to be named opponents.
Amongst the established stars taking part on 4th June are Luton’s Michael ‘The Real Chunky’ Devine, who takes on Trowbridge’s ‘Dirty’ Dan Carr in a four round Lightweight contest, the sensational Woolwich based Albanian Super Middleweight Eder Kurti, Brentwood Middleweight Kris Agyei-Dua and Minster Kent’s popular Light Heavyweight Dan ‘Woody’ Woodgate.
Making their professional debuts at the ‘Search & Destroy’ event are Lightweight Billy Lavelle, who is sure to be tested hard by the experienced Sid Razak, former unbeaten unlicensed fighter Mark ‘Pee Wee’ Adams, who will face Louis Byrne. As well as Lightweight Marcin Marczak and Middleweights William Cayzer and Diego Burton, who face yet to be named opponents.
Tickets, priced £35 (Standard seated) and £50 (Ringside) for the Search and Destroy event are available on-line now at www.tkoboxoffice.com, in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or from any boxer appearing on the show. For further information call: 07960 850645
Yassine El Maachi – Watch Me , I’m Going To Be So Good In Prizefighter
For the past year or so International Masters Light Middleweight Champion Yassine El Maachi has stated his dream is to compete in the top rated Matchroom Sports promoted Prizefighter series.
El Maachi, and his promoter Steve Goodwin, believe the tournament format would be the perfect platform to showcase El Maachi, and his sensational all action fighting style, as he strives to break into the lucrative World Championship circuit.
It now seems that El Maachi gets his wish, as he was recently named as one of the eight contestants for the Sky Sports televised Prizefighter – Welterweights II, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Tuesday 7th June 2011.
El Maachi, who is currently ranked #46 in the World, joins a star studded line up that includes former World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Welterweight Champion Junior Witter, former IBO World Light Welterweight Champion Colin Lynes, former British Welterweight Champion Kevin McIntyre, former Southern Area Light Welterweight Champion and WBF International title challenger Peter McDonagh, former International Masters Welterweight Challenger Nathan Graham as well as unbeaten young prospects John Wayne Hibbert and Bobby Gladman.
Earlier today El Maachi spoke briefly of his upcoming appearance on Prizefighter – Welterweights II, “I would love to get Junior Witter the first fight, Colin Lynes the second fight then the third fight would be nice and easy for me. That’s my plan, me and my trainer Don Charles and Kevin Murray, that’s what we are trying to do.
Hopefully if it goes like this I would love to but it doesn’t matter which way the draw goes I’m ready for it. I’m coming there with two hands, two legs and like a Tiger, or more like a Cheetah as I’m so fast, good things, oh God watch me, I’m going to be so good in the Prizefighter.”
Prizefighter – Welterweights II, featuring Yassine El Maachi, Colin Lynes, Junior Witter, Kevin McIntyre, John Wayne Hibbert, Bobby Gladman, Nathan Graham and Peter McDonagh, takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on Tuesday 7th June 2011.
Tickets, priced £35 (Unreserved), £60 (Ringside), and £100 (VIP) are available now at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or call 07960 850645