Strong Fall Lineup Of Super Six World Boxing Classic Programming Kicks Off Next Week on SHOWTIME®

New Episode of

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic

Returns Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (Nov. 21, 2011) — Beginning with the return of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, SHOWTIME^® will air a bevy of programming in support of The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic between Andre Ward and Carl Froch. The network will introduce a new boxing program titled Staredown: Ward vs. Froch, premiere the three final installments of FIGHT CAMP 360° and replay the storied tournament’s Semifinal bouts on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

 

Episode 10 of FIGHT CAMP 360° brings viewers back to the tournament’s kickoff photo shoot in 2009 where the six original participants speak to the magnitude of the Super Six and offer some early predictions. Fast forwarding to 2011, the FIGHT CAMP 360° crews reveal the inner workings of fight week for both Semifinal bouts. Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson share their disappointment as their respective Super Six hopes fall short. Ward and Froch, however, relish the opportunity to move forward and discuss the road ahead. 

 

All nine previous episodes, as well as bonus features, of FIGHT CAMP 360° are available for free online at: http://sports.sho.com/#/boxing/fightcamp360/super-six.

 

The FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic camera crews continue to shadow Ward and Froch along their paths to The Final – from this summer’s international press tour to the fighters’ return to training camp and the cut Ward suffered during sparring that forced the postponement of the world championship unification.

 

For two years, FIGHT CAMP 360° has elevated behind-the-scenes sports dramas to a different level. The tireless SHOWTIME crews have revealed the most intimate moments in the lives of these boxers both in and out of the ring. As the stakes couldn’t be higher for Andre, Carl and their respective teams entering The Final, show producers indicate that the final episodes will deliver even more intensity.

 

To maximize viewership for the series and exposure for The Final, SHOWTIME has programmed the upcoming two episodes to immediately follow the Emmy^® Award-winning premium cable staple Inside the NFL. The next edition of FIGHT CAMP 360°, Episode 10, will premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Episode 11 premieres on SHOWTIME on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, just 10 days before The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

 

The series finale—reliving The Final of the Super Six and capturing the tournament’s aftermath – will premiere Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8:15 p.m. ET/PT. For updates from the camps of Ward and Froch, fans can follow @FightCamp360 on Twitter.

 

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside the Super Six World Boxing Classic – EVENING REPLAY SCHEDULE:

 

DATE                                          TIME                                     CHANNEL                                 EPISODE #

Wednesday, Nov. 30                    10 p.m. ET/PT                       SHO (PREMIERE)                     10

Thursday, Dec. 1                          10 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Wednesday, Dec. 14                    11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Friday, Dec. 16                            11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

 

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      10 p.m. ET/PT                       SHO (PREMIERE)                     11

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

Wednesday, Dec. 14                    11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

Friday, Dec. 16                            11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

 

Premiering Saturday, Dec. 3, immediately following Abner Mares-Joseph Agbeko II on SHOWTIME, Staredown: Ward vs. Froch will invite fans to witness an intense conversation between the Super Six finalists. Moderated by Emmy^® Award-winning, hard-hitting sports reporter Jim Gray, the short-form program will reveal the underlying tension between the world’s most talented 168-pounders as they discuss their preparations for The Final, opinions on one another and a host of other topics. In addition to multiple replays on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME, the program will be available on SHOWTIME On Demand from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18.

 

In conjunction with its nightly SHOWTIME Sports^® block at 10 p.m., SHOWTIME EXTREME will replay both Semifinal matchups of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, including Ward’s dominant title defense over early tourney favorite Arthur Abraham and the Atlantic City slugfest between Froch and Glen Johnson.

 

SHO EXTREME – SUPER SIX SEMIFINAL REPLAY SCHEDULE:

DATE                                          TIME                                     FIGHT                         

Thursday, Dec. 15                        10 p.m. ET/PT                        Ward vs. Abraham        

Thursday, Dec. 15                        11 p.m. ET/PT                        Froch vs. Johnson       

Saturday, Dec. 17                        2 p.m. ET/PT                          Ward vs. Abraham        

Saturday, Dec. 17                        3 p.m. ET/PT                          Froch vs. Johnson       

 

###

World Boxing Classic Super Six- The Final Update

ANDRE WARD'S TRAINING CAMP INJURY FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF SUPER SIX WORLD

BOXING CLASSIC FINAL VS. CARL FROCH

Originally Scheduled For Oct. 29, Organizers Actively Pursuing New Date

NEW YORK (Sept. 23, 2011) - Andre Ward, the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion and Super Six finalist, sustained a cut above his right eye during a sparring session on Thursday, Sept. 22. As a result, the Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament Final and world title unification fight with fellow Finalist and WBC World Champion Carl Froch has been postponed. The announcement was made jointly today by Ward's promoter, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, Froch's promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, and Ken Hershman of SHOWTIME Sports®.

The Final was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29 in Atlantic City, NJ. The promoters and Hershman are working together to identify a new date for the significant matchup.

The SHOWTIME Sports documentary film crew FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic was filming for the next episodes of the acclaimed series at the time of the incident at Ward's gym in Oakland, Calif. The camera crew joined Ward on an impromptu flight from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, where Ward received seven stitches from leading plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Wallace to close the cut. Ward was informed by Wallace that he would be unable to fight as scheduled on October 29 and that he will remove the stitches next Thursday, Sept. 29. The next episode of FIGHT CAMP 360° is scheduled for Oct. 8, 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

Ward said: "I'm extremely disappointed about this cut. We used every precaution, including headgear with a face bar and it was just a fluke situation. My sparring partner and I were involved in an exchange inside and the next thing I knew, I was bleeding. That is the most frustrating thing about this-I don't have an explanation for how it happened.

"This is very frustrating for my camp and I, and I knew that if the shoe was on the other foot and Froch suffered an injury, I would be extremely disappointed.

"We were in full camp and counting down the days until October 29. At this point, I'm looking forward to healing up and getting a new date to finish what I started and become the Super Six Champion."

Ward continued, "I'd like to express my apologies to SHOWTIME, the fans and the Froch camp, but this is part of boxing. Ward and Froch will still get it on but, unfortunately, the date just has to be pushed back."

"This is absurd and unprofessional. Ward needs to get his act together," said Froch shortly after hearing the news. "Of course, you've got to take the medical advice seriously, but for a cut to put you out of a fight a full five weeks before the event is ludicrous. If it were two weeks out from the fight, maybe I'd understand. But he's got 35 days to deal with it. To me, he's showing his weakness. Nothing changes for me. I'll be ready if and when he shows up."

"Not much you can say," said Goossen. "Andre was cut, he got stitched up, and he'll be back as soon as possible."

"Injuries in boxing are inevitable at this, the highest level of competition," said Hershman, the man behind the groundbreaking tournament. "As we've done since this tournament's inception, we'll forge ahead. We are seeking available dates at this time and hope to have an announcement shortly. Rest assured, we will deliver this dramatic final tournament bout, one that is surely the biggest fight in this division's history."

Said Hearn, "Obviously it is frustrating. Carl's camp has gone perfectly and we were ready to unify the titles on October 29. Carl is in the shape of his life but he is a true professional and will take this in his stride and be ready for victory on a date given in 2011."

Super Six Super Middleweight Semifinals Update

THE SEMIFINALS CONTINUE!
WBC CHAMPION CARL FROCH DEFENDS

AGAINST FORMER WORLD TITLIST GLEN JOHNSON

 

LIVE on SHOWTIME^® Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

From Adrian Philipps Ballroom of Atlantic City 's Boardwalk Hall

 

NEW YORK (April 8, 2011) – An opportunity to compete for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup will be on the line when Carl “The Cobra” Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title against former world champion Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) of Miami, Fla., in the last Semifinal of the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, June 4, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Adrian Philipps Ballroom of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.

 

The Froch-Johnson winner will advance to the Final against the victor of the May 14 Semifinal between World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland , Calif. , and former world champion Arthur Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs), of Berlin , Germany , by way of Armenia . Ward-Abraham will be shown live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

 

Froch and Johnson are seeded Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering the Super Six Semifinals. Ward is seeded No. 1, Abraham No. 4.

 

In his last start on Nov. 27, 2010, the 33-year-old Froch, of Nottingham , England , manufactured perhaps a career-best performance, recapturing the then-vacant WBC 168-pound crown with a one-sided 12-round decision over Abraham in the final Group Stage 3 bout from Helsinki , Finland . There were no knockdowns but Froch dominated en route to tallying up the lopsided scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109.

 

Froch is 2-1 in the Super Six. In addition to dismantling Abraham, he won a split decision over Andre Dirrell in Group Stage 1 and lost a tight decision – along with the WBC title – to Mikkel  Kessler in back-and-forth Fight of the Year candidate in Group Stage 2.

 

The Jamaican-born Johnson, a tournament replacement for the injured Mikkel Kessler, advanced with an eighth-round knockout over Allan Green in a Group Stage 3 fight on Nov. 6, 2010, in Las Vegas .

 

Johnson, 42, a former world light heavyweight champion who was making his first start at 168 pounds in 10 years, was ahead by three points on one of the scorecards and behind by one on the others when a left hook to the body followed by an overhand right to the side of head finished Green at 0:36 in the eighth.

 

Following Group Stage 3, Froch called Johnson an “old wise fox” and said he expected nothing less than a strong performance from a “great” fighter like Johnson.

 

"Glen Johnson is a blue-collar fighter who always gives his best and is a gentleman outside of the ring,” said Froch. “He commands respect and I give him respect.”

 

And the respect is mutual. Johnson offered, “The guy is a two-time champion. You do it once then you can say maybe it’s a little luck but to do it twice you know he deserved it. I have tremendous respect for Carl Froch.”

 

But the kind words will cease when the bell rings for what should be a fiercely contested 12-round affair. Johnson said of Froch, “I know he has a few weaknesses and I have every intention of exploiting those. I really feel like I’m the favorite right now. I just have to take it one fight at a time.”

 

Froch added, "I don't just plan on beating him, but I plan on halting him in style. Our styles gel very well for a competitive battle for as long as it lasts and I'm looking forward to it. I have a date in the final of the Super Six and I won't be overlooking Johnson in any shape or form – which will spell bad news for Glen.

"It will be another win for the Cobra, maybe by stoppage as I plan on making another big statement for the SHOWTIME fans." 

 

Both fighters hold the tournament in high regard and covet the value of emerging victorious. Froch opined, “I could win this tournament and retire – that’s what it means. I can win this and say, ‘You know what? I’ve done it. I don’t need to fight anymore.’ I wouldn’t do that – I’ve got a couple of years left in me and there’s some big fights out there for me – but that’s how big this tournament is.”

 

Johnson recalled, “I know when this [tournament] was first put together I remember thinking to myself, ‘Man, I wish I was a super middleweight.’ But I’m in right now and I’m here to win the entire tournament. I believe I’m in it for a reason and that’s to win it.”

 

“Glen Johnson and Carl Froch are two of the most fan friendly fighters in boxing, said promoter Lou DiBella. “Both are proven winners who have earned fans the ole fashioned way, by entertaining fans fight after fight. Glen is known as ‘The Road Warrior’ because he isn’t afraid to go to someone else’s turf for a big fight, and Carl’s biggest wins have come outside the UK . Everyone knows that both men will leave it all in the ring in Atlantic City for the right to advance to the Super Six final.”

 

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Carl Froch.

Andre Ward- Arthur Abraham Super Six Press Con Quotes & Photos

LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2011) – Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinalists Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham participated in a press conference on Tuesday at Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, Calif., to formally announce their May 14 showdown at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME®.

Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against the European superstar and former world champion to kick off the Semifinals of the groundbreaking tournament. Abraham, who is in the middle of training for the fight, was not able to attend the press conference from his home base in Berlin , Germany and joined via video conference.

The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Finals against the winner of the Carl Froch-Glen Johnson Semifinals showdown. The winner earns instant bragging rights as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.

The talented Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Mikkel Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.

Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs ) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.

Also participating in the press conference was a noticeably slimmed-down Chris Arreola. The heavyweight world contender and popular Southern California slugger will try to stay on track for another opportunity of a world championship when he takes on Nagy Aguilera in a non-televised undercard bout.

The event is co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and Sauerland Event and sponsored by Corona .

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 30, and will be available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets, starting on March 30, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-234-8425.


What the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say on Tuesday:

DAN GOOSSEN:

“The Home Depot Center is a great, great venue for boxing. When that place is packed it’s rocking. Tickets go on sale tomorrow and it’s going to be a great event."

“To me, no matter how the Super Six has progressed I think it’s a tremendous concept for boxing. I think everyone learned how tough it is to make great fights amongst the world’s best fighters."

“It sometimes takes years and years to put together a fight that people want to see. It has taken some time but it has been worth it. No fighter has escaped without a tough fight. We have the Semifinals kicking off on May 14 and the Finals later this year."

“No matter the time period we still have the Finals right around the corner. The winner will be a star."

“Last time I saw Chris like this was five years ago. When everything is said and done, I don’t think there is a better heavyweight out there when he’s doing the things he needs to do."

“I always thought the fight with Chris was more outside the ring than inside the ring. You have to be dedicated and willing to push yourself. I wanted everyone to see Chris with their own eyes, not to tell you in a press release. This is the new Chris Arreola.”

ANDRE WARD:

“I’m fired up as always. I’m not buying into people saying that Abraham is not the same. I know Arthur and his team are preparing for a storybook ending but it won’t be at my expense. I’m ready to defend my title."

“It’s the same story every time – people doubting me and asking if I’m ready. I think people forget that I have a family to feed. I need to win just as badly as anyone else. I have two more fights before I’m the best super middleweight in the world and I plan on winning both of them. It’s as simple as that."

“In my preparation I’m probably giving him more respect than he deserves. My job is to put him away from the opening bell. My job is to make him feel the same way he felt right after the Carl Froch fight as soon as possible."

“On May 14 we have 12 rounds to get to know each other. That’s what I’m looking forward to."

“I want to be the last man standing. I always knew it was in me to succeed. I didn’t come this far for no reason."

“I had to grow up real fast in this tournament or I was going to go home early. And I didn’t want to go home early."

“It’s great to be on the same card as Chris. He has the heart of a champion.”

ARTHUR ABRAHAM:

“I’m looking forward to May 14 and having a great fight. I am feeling OK. I was a little sick but I just started training again and I should be fine."

“We are getting ready for a good fight. The tune up fight didn’t give me as much as I wanted but it was OK. It was good to get back in the ring and get that feeling."

“You’ll be surprised on May 14. It’s not my style to make big predictions. I want to show you inside the ring."

“I know he is the favorite but that motivates me even more. Over history many favorites have crashed down."

“I don’t want to speak about what went wrong in the past. I want to focus on Andre. I will use my heart, my fists, my body and my hands to defeat Andre."

“I feel confident in my trainer – I’m happy with him. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t still be training with him."

“I look forward to coming over to the U.S. I will give 120 percent. Together, with the Armenian fans, I will win the title and reach the finals."

“The Armenian fans will motivate me. That makes this fight more special for me. I will not disappoint them."

“We will win on May 14 and then we’ll win the final."

“I’m looking forward to coming back to America . But I’m mostly looking forward to returning to Germany with a victory and putting on a great fight.”


VIRGIL HUNTER (Ward’s trainer):

“We’re in full-tilt now in camp. We have a great game plan. More than anything, we want to make sure we make a statement and give you something to write about."

“I’d like to say that Arthur is scared to come here and face Andre face-to-face, but it’s a long trip over here. I understand.”


CHRIS ARREOLA:

“I do look a little bit better. The main thing with being 30 years old is you only have a little window of opportunity and it’s time for me to do it. I let everyone down when I showed a lack of dedication to the sport and I look forward to showing myself again."

“The main thing is after my last fight I didn’t go back to living like I used to. I’m a family man now. I’m good and just living the life."

“I can train at home without all the distractions. I’m more focused and dedicated."

“The turning point was around December. I realize that 2010 and 2009 were terrible. It was my fault. Now it’s about what I want and what I’m supposed to do to win. No more games."

“I’m 20 or 30 pounds ahead of the game, so I’m not worried about weight anymore.”



HENRY RAMIREZ (Arreola’s trainer):

“Obviously, you can see that Chris is at a lower weight. The biggest fight with Chris has been outside of the ring. The maturity is finally catching up with the physical ability. The sky is the limit for Chris and the best is yet to come.”

******

For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive photos, fight highlights and interviews, plus to view all episodes of the acclaimed documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at www.WorldBoxingClassic.com