Group Stage 2 -- Saturday, April 24, 2010,

On SHOWTIME
(9 p.m. ET/PT, Same-Day Tape Delay) 
From MCH Herning, Denmark

Known as “The Viking Warrior," Denmark's Kessler will be counting on the support of his home fans when he challenges Froch, of Nottingham, England, for the WBC 168-pound crown in a 12-round match at MCH Herning.

After one round in the Super Six, “King” Carl has two points, while Kessler needs a victory to get on the board.

 “Never in my life have I lost a fight in Denmark,” said Kessler, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) super middle titleholder at a packed press conference. “My home fans give me the extra five percent I need to defeat Froch. I will knock him out. It will be the real ‘Viking Warrior’ in the ring.

“A victory is all that matters on April 24.’’

While Kessler can be certain to have a boisterous crowd behind him, Froch also will be supported by thousands of British fans who are expected to travel into the country to support their hero.

“I will be bringing the Froch army of fans,” the undefeated 32-year-old said. “I have been received very well here. Everything has been organized perfectly, so my fans will have a good time in Herning. It will be two proud warriors inside the ring and I will again defend my title in my opponent's backyard.”

Promoter Kalle Sauerland has no doubts that his boxer, Kessler, will take care of business.

“Look, Mikkel, they did not dare to bring their (WBC) belt to this press conference because they are scared of losing it here in Denmark,” said Sauerland at the press conference. “The fight against Froch will be an exciting one. There is so much at stake. Their spectacular boxing styles will make April 24 a night to remember.’’

Sauerland presented Kessler a cardboard picture of Froch and his prediction that he would “decapitate Kessler.’’

 “It will get a special place in my gym,” Kessler said. “It will further raise my motivation. Froch can say what he wants. I don´t think he will decapitate me.

“It will be the other way around!’’

Froch´s promoter, Mick Hennessy, believes his fighter has what it takes to win the fight and the tournament.

“Carl will come here with his army of fans and beat Mikkel Kessler,” Hennessy said. “I think this is the most exciting clash of the entire group stages. It should be a real treat for the fans.”

Record           Fighter                      Points

1-0                   Arthur Abraham          3

1-0                   Carl Froch                  2

1-0                   Andre Ward                2

0-1                   Andre Dirrell               0

0-1                   Mikkel Kessler            0

ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC

The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.