by Chris Milton
It seems as though everyone’s favourite Nordic Warrior has been seriously injured while in training for his upcoming bout with Allan Green. It appears that Kessler has sustained an eye injury so serious he has been advised to take nine months complete rest.
Kessler released a statement today in which he states the injury has been niggling away since he started his preparation for the Andre Ward bout. However, it seems that during the preparation for his bout with Alan Green, Kessler just could not go on with the injury.
“This is the most disappointing moment of my boxing career, After defeating Carl Froch, I was on the way to win the tournament, so pulling out now really hurts. The eye problem has bothered me since the beginning of the Super Six in my preparation for the bout against Andre Ward. It also bothered me in the fights against Ward and Froch, and in my training for the fight against Green it has become unbearable”
The Injury to Kessler seems so serious that Boxing Scene is reporting that Kessler is going to vacate the WBC title and become Emeritus champion (YAY another champion!) leaving Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham to fight for the vacant belt.
The Showtime Super Six tournament has already been beset by numerous setbacks with regards to venues and injuries. Now Showtime has to deal with its second withdrawal from the tournament.
Ken Hershmann has issued the following
“We will publicly address how this turn of events affects the tournament in the coming days. I assure you we will make the best of this scenario. In fact, I have been aware of Mikkel’s situation for a few days and I have a vision for how we can proceed that will enhance the excitement of the tournament. First, I must have some internal discussions but mark my words, the drama of the Super Six will be unrelenting and we will crown a champion in the early part of 2011.”
Are these just empty promises from Hershmann? What exactly can he do to save the super 6? Including another fighter is just not an option in this writers opinion. We are in the third stage of the super 6 and it could be labelled career suicide for any additional fighter to join the tournament knowing that unless they receive Kessler’s points total, something I am sure Carl Froch and Andre Dirrell would object to at this late stage, realistically they have no chance of progressing in the tournament.
There are several threads popping up on boxing forums suggesting that Kelly Pavlik could replace Kessler. Pavlik’s inclusion would bring in some much needed positive publicity, but without Kessler’s points and rounds total as I have already stated it would be suicide for Pavlik. Knowing Pavliks handlers it could very well happen.
Pavlik or any fighter who enters the tournament at this late stage with 2 points and a very winnable fight against Alan Green casts a shadow over the whole event, in my opinion. How could any fighter enter this type of tournament and potentially win the whole thing?
I feel sorry for Ken Hershmann, he envisaged a wonderful tournament and has consistently been kicked in the backside by those involved. Andre Ward and Andre Dirrel still do not have a venue and there is zero chance of that fight going ahead in September. The Froch-Abraham venue is still not signed leading to several fans wondering if the tournament can be salvaged at all after this latest setback.
I for one hope that Showtime continues with the tournament before they start the bantamweight version; they must learn from the mistakes of this tournament.
Kessler has stated he wants to take on the Super Six champion in his comeback bout. One wonders if there will even be a Super Six champion in nine months time.
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