Carl Froch, the WBC super middleweight champion, hopes Mikkel Kessler will prevail against Andre Ward in Oakland, California on Saturday when the pair meet in their first bout of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.
“Viking Warrior” Kessler’s WBA title will be on the line against the undefeated American in the final bout of group stage one of the tournament. And Froch maintained he would be cheering on the Dane 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.”
Despite wanting Kessler to win, the Nottingham fighter admits the fight will be difficult to call between the world champion and the rising star of the division.
“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 its 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.”
When pressed to pick a winner, Froch leaned towards the more experienced Kessler pulling off an away victory.
“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.
