American boxer Allan Green has been officially named to replace Jermian Taylor in the Super Six World Boxing Classic and will be straight in at the deep end with a world title shot against Andre Ward in his first outing in the competition.

Green, 29-1 (20 KOs), will challenge Ward for the WBA super middleweight title on April 24 in the US in a world title double header which also sees Carl Froch put his WBC title on the line against Mikkel Kessler in Denmark.

With Taylor exiting the tournament without any points on the board, Green will be starting in the same position. The Oklahoman, who is ranked number three in the world by the WBO, is coming off the back of six consecutive wins and is confident he can make his mark on the tournament, even going on to win it.

“I always had a feeling I was going to get into the tournament,” said the 6-foot-2-inch, 30-year-old Green, who finds himself with an immediate shot at a world title.

“I don’t think I’m a long shot. I’m one of the best super middleweights in the world and the tournament rules allow me to come in and be in the mix with a chance to advance and ultimately win this thing.

“I just don’t see anyone who can beat me. I’ve watched all the fighters over and over. I’ve studied all of them and know I can beat any of them.”

Green is tall and strong with dynamite in both fists. He is spotting points to three rivals, but a knockout victory for a fighter who prides himself on power would put him in the thick of things. Green is coming off a clear-cut 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tarvis Simms.

Ward will be making the first defence of the WBA belt he won on a convincing, 11th-round technical decision over Kessler in the Super Six opener.