British Scene Weekend Recap: Paul Smith Edges Tony Quigley

Dave Oakes recaps this past Friday's British super-middleweight title fight.

Paul Smith claimed the British super-middleweight title on Friday night after an unconvincing split decision victory over Tony Quigley.

It was a scrappy fight in which neither man seemed to settle. Barely anything happened in the first round with both men looking frightened to commit in case they were caught with a counter punch.

Quigley improved in the second round, landing three solid jabs and a nice straight right. Whilst the round was close, Quigley gave the impression he was bossing it due to that fact he was walking forwards whereas Smith seemed too anxious to try and throw anything of any note. Quigley kept switching to the southpaw stance but was having very little success and looked rather uncomfortable in doing so.

The third was yet another close round but it Quigley who was the aggressor and took the round on work-rate alone. A overhand right late in the round from Quigley looked to have hurt Smith but the television replay showed that it was more of a slip or tangle of feet that caused Smith to lose his balance.

Smith finally started throwing punches in the fourth; he landed a nice left hook that seemed to give him the confidence to get involved more. It was still a close round but it was the first round in which Smith showed glimpses of what he’s capable of.

The fight from there on in was a close and scrappy affair with both fighters putting in disjointed performances. Smith was landing the occasional left hook whilst Quigley always tried to respond with a shot of his own. Smith was cut in the fifth round after a clash of heads, it wasn’t a bad cut and with master cutsman Mick Williamson in his corner, the cut was never going to be a problem for Smith.

Round eight was probably the best of a disappointing fight. Smith landed a hurtful left hook to Quigley’s ribs and seemed to be getting the better of the champion until Quigley responded with a big uppercut that had an effect on Smith’s legs. The left hook to the body was the first body shot that Smith had landed in the fight, considering he’s well known for his body punching, it was strange that he wasn’t prepared to throw any early in the fight.

Smith finished the fight the stronger; Quigley was blowing in the final four rounds but gamely fought back whenever Smith was starting to get the better of him. Smith was also feeling the pace in the final two rounds but did enough to edge the rounds.

Despite the MC announcing that it was a majority decision, the scores actually read 116-113, 116-112 in favour of Smith and 116-114 for Quigley making Smith the winner via a split decision. I had the fight a draw (115-115) but a lot of the rounds were very hard to score and the fight could’ve gone either way.

The undercard…

Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew destroyed Jindrich Velecky inside a round. The heavy-handed Bellew landed a left hook a minute in that shook Velecky to his boots, Bellew is a vicious finisher and went to town with a flurry of shots to head and body. Velecky survived the initial onslaught but was floored twenty seconds later by a huge right uppercut.

The ending came in bizarre fashion, Velecky beat the count but when the referee let the action commence, Velecky was staring at his corner rather than at Bellew, who sprinted across the ring and landed two straight rights that convinced the referee to stop the fight.

Bellew correctly described himself as a smashing machine after the fight. He’s quickly gaining a reputation as one of the biggest punchers in British boxing and has a nasty streak in him that will stand him in good stead when he gets to title level. Keep an eye out for him in future.

Michael Jennings went through the motions in an easy points win over Laszlo Komjathi. Jennings was originally due to fight Kell Brook for the British title but Brook pulled out earlier in the week with flu. Jennings dominated the fight from start to finish and never needed to get out of second gear.

Olympic gold medallist James DeGale smashed the brave but limited Ally Morrison to a third round stoppage. DeGale looked sharp and focused as he put together beautiful combinations that hurt Morrison every time they landed. DeGale is improving quickly and is winning over the fans who disgracefully booed him on his pro debut.

Another former amateur star on the bill looked impressive; Frankie Gavin stopped the tough Steve Saville in the second round after a one-sided beat down. Gavin hurt Saville to the body in the first round and then dropped Saville with a body shot in the second. Saville beat the count but the referee correctly waved the fight over.

Jamie Cox remained unbeaten after his opponent, Manoo Salari, retired after the third round. Cox was always in control but is still smothering his boxing and getting involved too much rather than using his skills. He’s possibly the most impatient boxer I’ve ever known, both in the ring and out off it. He needs to settle down and learn how to pace himself if he’s to stand any chance against the likes of Kell Brook, who he unwisely seems very eager to meet.

Stephen Smith, Paul’s brother, took his record to 8-0 with an easy points victory over Gary Reid. Smith has got to be considered one of the hottest prospects in Britain and is one to watch out for in the future.

Liam Smith kept his unbeaten record intact by beating Darren Gethin on points after a lacklustre performance.

Joe Selkirk stopped journeyman Alex Spitko in the fourth round to take his record to 3-0.

Tobias Webb also took his record to 3-0 after a hard fought points win over Pawel Trebinski.

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British Scene Weekend Preview: Tony Quigley vs Paul Smith

Dave Oakes previews Friday's British super-middleweight title fight between Tony Quigley and Paul Smith.

Tony Quigley makes the first defence of his British super-middleweight title on Friday night in an eagerly anticipated all-Scouse clash against Paul Smith at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

The fight has generated a lot of interest on Merseyside and has nearly sold out the 10,600 capacity arena. The fact that there seems to be a bit of needle between the pair has only added to the high profile nature of the build up around the Liverpool area. Personally, I’m unsure as to how much genuine bad blood there is between the two, I get the feeling a lot of it has been done to help the promotion.

I do feel there’s a fierce rivalry between the combatants but not to the level it’s been built up to. The supposed bad blood started when Smith did a radio interview in the build up to Quigley’s fight against another Scouser, Tony Dodson. Smith claimed that that he could knockout both Quigley and Dodson on the same night and went on to describe Quigley as a “never will be”. Quigley responded by beating Dodson to win the title and will now get the chance to prove once and for all who the best super-middleweight in Liverpool is.

Quigley, 13-1 (6KO’s) was exceptional the night he beat Dodson. He started the fight in fine style by dropping his rival in round two; he then had to survive a ferocious comeback from Dodson as the fight wore on before a gargantuan effort from him late on helped him to a 12th round stoppage win.

Quigley showed a bit of everything against Dodson, he boxed well in parts, brawled at other times, took some heavy shots, dug deep when he needed to and showed great finishing instincts. It’s even more impressive when you take into consideration that he took the fight at two weeks notice despite never going beyond six rounds before.

Before the Quigley-Dodson fight, Smith was the much better known boxer. He was a top class amateur and received a lot of attention when he participated in the American show The Contender. Smith left the show after just one fight having sustained two bad cuts in his points victory over David Banks.

Smith, 27-1 (15KO’s), is the more experienced fighter, as well as his victory over Banks, he holds wins over the heavy handed Cello Renda and onetime world title challenger Jonathon Reid.

Smith also had an extensive career as an amateur, boxing all around the world. The high point being when he won the silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, narrowly losing in the final to Jean Pascal, the current WBC light-heavyweight champion.

Despite his amateur experience and high profile, Smith has yet to reach the level that was expected of him when he turned pro. His career has never really got going and I get the feeling that this title shot has come at the perfect time for him.

Quigley has a slight advantage in terms of skill and speed but Smith is definitely the puncher in the fight. Smith can be a skilful boxer himself when he applies himself but at times in the past he’s let his heart rule his head and has ended up brawling more than boxing.

I feel the early rounds will be vital; Smith needs to stamp his authority on the fight as soon as possible and try to hurt Quigley. I think Smith will go to the body early, he’s a noted body puncher and Quigley has shown he’s susceptible to body shots before, particularly in the only defeat on his record against Nathan Cleverly.

I believe Quigley will look to box early on before standing his ground more as the fight goes on. If he can outbox Smith early, and avoid taking the energy sapping body shots, I feel he’ll come through a tricky moment or two to claim a narrow points victory.

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Froch Decisions Dirrell, Abraham Trumps Taylor

Jeff Pryor gives his thoughts on last night's Super Six opening round matches.

Photo © Justin McKie

So, the first night of the Super Six has come and gone and, well... it was a bit of a disappointing night to be honest.

Maybe expectations were too high, but I thought Arthur Abraham's last second KO hid some of the deficiencies of his performance, and his lack of punching clearly isn't and never was, from struggling to make weight. He just doesn't punch much. And even with that extremely low output performance he was huffing and puffing at the end.

I've been a big admirer of his for a long time, but he clearly showed some of his limitations. In retrospect I think Pavlik would have cruised against him at 160. Barring a bolt of lightning connection like that which felled Taylor in the waning moments, I believe Pavlik would have buried Arthur in a sea of one-two combinations and kept him largely at bay with his superior length and output.

Perhaps Abraham can learn something from the straight right that ultimately won him the fight. Those wide sweeping hooks that come from his hip are eye catching, but they seldom are effective. In this case, that bomb straight down the middle was something Jermain hadn't seen all night, and the surprise of it made it so effective. Arthur would be wise to mix those change up piston power shots into his usual repertoire.

He also showed that his body to head combination attack is what can really set him apart if he'd only employ it more often. Ripping shots to the ribs and then bringing a flurry right to the head is something he does with fury and success. He needs to do it until it doesn't work.

But you can't change your stripes... It was a heartbreaker for Taylor who should have been throwing his right hand a lot more, he had a real chance in this one, but I hope he seriously thinks about bowing out of the tournament and retiring. His health has to come first.

For what it's worth, I didn't think the fight was as clear cut in Abraham's favor as the announcing team on Showtime seemed to think it was. Taylor did some good work and much of Abraham's bombastic explosions of offense were wild and slipshod.

The tantalizing nugget remains; if you can stand up to Abraham's punch for twelve rounds and punch at an average, effective, pace you should be able to outpoint him. So far no one's done it. A few more of these talented men will have there chance in the coming months.

On to fight two... Dirrell has some fold in him. All kinds of speed and potential, but he was getting rattled.

I don't blame Froch for the rabbit punching; his hands were free because he wasn't the one holding on. Dirrell was putting himself in positions that presented the back of his head as a prime target. The fact is, how many times did Froch hit Dirrell in the back of the head when he wasn't holding on, or ducking and putting his head down in front of Froch. None. The illegal blows were a direct result of Dirrell's actions.

As a broad example of this principle; if a fighter were to turn his back every time his opponent came near, and the opponent clocked him in the back of the head. Who's at fault?

The instruction to protect yourself at all times is there for a reason and if you are putting yourself in a compromised position, should the other fighter be penalized for it? If this were allowed then why not always keep your back to your man until you whirl around and smack him, then quickly turn your back again.

Holding excessively, turning ones back or bending over in front of an opponent should not be a "Get Out of Jail Free" card or in this case a "You Can't Punch Me Right Now" card.

Another example, and this is one where, in my opinion, Dirrell was even more blatantly at fault, is that when a fighter starts easily going to the mat in a clinch or in some cases, willingly sticks his head under an opponent's arm and goes down unaided as Dirrell did... at what point does that become taking a knee?

Clearly the reason for such a maneuver is to avoid any punishment after committing a tactical error that has put you in a bad position. It's a fine line between accidentally getting your head stuck under an arm, and putting your head there for a little "No mas" break.

The good news for Dirrell is that towards the end of the fight, he showed real fighting spirit. Maybe that was brought on by the point deduction for holding and he felt he couldn't risk anymore, but whatever the reason, he showed he can fight like an honest to God fighter, and not look for protection in the ring.

Regardless of his, at times, lack of willingness to fight, I think Dirrell was able to prove he has the abilities to fight at this level of the sport. His surface level mental fragility, seems tempered by a back-against-the-wall steeliness in him. If he truly starts to believe in himself, watch out.

As for the scoring, I thought it was a close fight. Draw or narrow either way seemed reasonable to me. And I thought the point deduction for excessive holding was appropriate, though maybe not at that particular moment. (BTW I thought the low blow call on Taylor in the earlier fight, could have used a little more simmer time. None of those blows were particularly devastating or apparently intentional. I felt a few of Abraham's were going low too, and no warning was ever delivered.)

So with four of the super six having seen action now, these summations are what I come away with:

1. Abraham's power has held at 168 and his puzzling, though flawed, style will be a tight rope walk for everyone until the final bell.

2. Jermain Taylor has taken a lot of punishment at the hands of some of the sports premiere punchers over the last two years. It may be time to walk away, tournament be damned.

3. Dirrell is fast. Powerful. Dynamic. He doesn't believe it.

4. Froch is a fighter. He will make you not want to be a fighter.


For this spectator the night offered few answers and more questions...

The Super Six is still wide open. Read more!

Super Six Round by Round Coverage: Abraham vs Taylor & Froch vs Dirrell

Welcome to The Boxing Bulletin's round by round blog coverage of the Super Six World Boxing Classic opening night fights.

Showtime's broadcast is set to begin at 8 PM EST, and updates will start as soon as the show starts.

Arthur Abraham 30-0 (168) vs Jermain Taylor 28-3-1 (166 1/4) - This bout is being broadcast on tape delay, and so will our round by round coverage. If you're watching live in Europe, we ask that you please don't post results in the comments section. Thanks.

Carl Froch 25-0 (167 1/2) vs Andre Dirrell 18-0 (167 1/2)

If you are here early, check out some of our stories on tonight's fights... The Brave & The Bold: The Super Six Shoot-out by Jeff Pryor Andre Dirrell Ready To Show He Belongs With Heavy Hitters by Michael Nelson Carl Froch Is Too Rough And Tough For Andre Dirrell by Lee Payton Can Jermain Taylor Upset Arthur Abraham by Lee Payton Super Six Opening Night Predictions: Froch vs Dirrell & Abraham vs Taylor by The Boxing Bulletin Writers

Refresh this page often as updates will be frequent 5:00 PM EST... Coverage will start in 3 hours. 7:10... We're less than an hour away. Make sure to check back in with us at 8 sharp for the start of our coverage. 7:45... We are 15 minutes away from the start of tonight's action. Just a reminder that the Abraham/Taylor fight is being broadcast by Showtime on tape delay. Please don't post any spoilers in the comments. 8:02... The show's started. First up, Abraham vs Taylor from Berlin and then Froch vs Taylor from Nottingham. Gus Johnson is hosting the show from Nottingham. 8:03... Al Bernstein and Antonio Tarver are with Johnson in Nottingham. 8:04... Right now, Johnson is just going over the first round match-ups along with the tournament format. 8:07... Steve Albert and Steve Farhood will be handling the Berlin commentary. 8:09... Just chatter going on right now. 8:12... Looks like we're ready to go. Michael Buffer... "Let's get this party started..." 8:13... You can sense a real buzz in the arena, as the crowd is clapping as Taylor makes his way in. Good to see the visiting man getting a nice welcome. 8:14... Farhood just mentioned that Taylor had to lose 20 pounds in 20 days before the Froch fight, but has been on weight since arriving in Berlin. Taylor's now in the ring, bouncing up and down. 8:14... Albert just mentioned that Abraham has a very elaborate entrance planned. 8:17... Here comes Abraham being lowered down from a suspended platform to the sounds of a live band playing on a stage at one end of the arena. We've got some smoke and flashing lights happening as well. 8:19... Michael Buffer with the formal introductions. 8:20... The ref is Guadalupe Garcia. 8:21... Abraham is introduced first and leaps in the air as his name is called out. 8:22... Taylor does that thing where he rubs his feet back and forth on the canvas with his glove in the air as he's introduced. 8:22... We're ready to go! 8:26... Round 1 is underway. Taylor circling to his left to start. He flicks out a jab into the guard. Abraham in ring center, as Taylor slowly circles and pumps the jab into the guard. Abraham has his gloves up high as usual as he peers out between hsi guard. Taylor with a swinging left hook that misses. Taylor now fires a hook into the guard. Abraham slowly edges forward, and Taylor sticks a few jabs out. Maybe 1 got through. Abraham now comes forward and fires a right hand that Taylor appears to have blocked. Abraham now tries to jab to the body. Taylor with a couple more jabs into the guard. 1:10 to go. Taylor has his left low as usual, with his right poised. Now he fires a right hand to the body. Abraham misses over the top with a big hook as Taylor ducks underneath. Taylor now with a left/right combo, but those seem to have been picked off. Abraham edges forward, not really letting his hands go though. Taylor now moves right and then left. Abraham is short with a jab. Taylor with a 1-2, not sure if either got through, but he fires a right hand to the body that landed. Taylor with a left that may have got through. There's the bell. Solid round for Taylor. 8:27...We just saw a highlight of Abraham getting through with a right hand. I had initially thought the shot had been blocked, but it got through. 8:31... Abraham edging forward here. Taylor flicking the jab and and slowly moving from left to right. Abraham with the gloves up high, picking off most of these jabs. Now he fires his own jab which is blocked. Taylor with a couple jabs, and then flurries to the body, and one appeared to stray low there. Abraham reacts by backing away and the ref has called time. Replay confirms it was definitely low and Abraham is getting some time to recover. We're back at it. Maybe 30 seconds break there. 1:35 to go in the round. Taylor sticking the jab out. Abraham responds with his own jab that gets through. Now Abraham comes forward and fires a winging right that seemed to catch Taylor around the guard. Taylor flicking a couple more jabs out. A couple more. Now he digs an uppercut on the inside that seemed to land. Taylor with a 1-2. Taylor now tries to dig to the body, and then wings a hook that misses. Abraham with a 1-2 that's short. Taylor the busier of the two fighters. Abraham comes forward with a 1-2, and then fires a left that I think got through. Now Abraham comes forward, fires a 1-2, and Taylor grabbed a hold of him, and Abraham then appeared to land a shot to the back of Taylor's head in the clinch. Taylor got a little turned around in the clinch there, and Abraham whacked him. 8:35... Valuev is in attendance. We just saw a shot of him. Farhood has Taylor winning the first 2. Taylor is sticking out the jab to start the 3rd round, and moving from left to right. Abraham patiently following. Abraham sticks out a jab that's short. Action mostly in the middle of the ring, although Taylor is doing a fair bit of moving, but never getting pinned on the ropes. He's looking fairly comfortable. Taylor with a hook that might have got around Abraham's guard. Abraham with the gloves up catching a jab. Taylor with ac couple more jabs into the guard, but then gets a jab through. Then fires a couple more into the guard. And a couple more. Albert commenting that Taylor's expending energy here. Taylor with a 1-2. The right hand might have got through around the guard. Now Abraham fires a big right hand that misses. Now he fires one that lands clean. Best punch of the fight by either man there. Taylor fires back with a jab. Now Abraham digs to the body with a 1-2. Abraham fires a hard right hand again. Might have got through with that one. Now Abraham comes forward, and Taylor ties him up and Abraham again fires to the back of Taylor's head. Garcia doesn't seem interested though as Taylor complains. 8:35... Garcia just came to Taylor's corner and said he wants a clean fight. Perhaps he should warn Abraham for whacking Taylor behind the head if that's the case. 8:39... Taylor comes charging out of his corner to start round 4, firing off a combo. Not sure though if anything landed though. Albert comments that Taylor appears really ticked off about some of those rabbit shots. Taylor now fires a combo to the body and he's warned by Garcia. That did appear low, but he's got to be calling this from both sides as I didn't notice him saying a word to Abraham earlier. Now Taylor resumes firing the jab into the guard. He fires a right hand in behind a jab that was also blocked. More jabs from Taylor and another right is blocked. Taylor is having a hard time getting through Abraham's guard. Now Abraham edges forward, and almost slipped. Abraham edging forward, firing the jab, but Taylor slips out of trouble before Abraham could fire off a right. Now Abraham comes forward and flurries to the body. Abraham a little more active now. Now Taylor fires an uppercut into the guard, and then fires a body shot. Abraham comes back with some hard body shots. Abraham flicking the jab out. Abraham tries to flurry with about 10 seconds left. Taylor tries to respond. There's the bell, and the fighters touch gloves to acknowledge the fight heating up. 8:40... Abraham's corner telling to trust himself, and they want some action from their fighter. 8:44... Round 5 is underway. Taylor flicking the jab out. Abraham responds with his own jab that lands. Taylor with a jab that gets through. Abraham digs to the body. Now Abraham with a jab. Abraham getting busier. He's landing that jab when he throws it. Taylor short with his own jab. Abraham's guard has come down, he looks a little looser here in the 5th. Now Taylor with a couple jabs and Abraham has the guard back up and catches them both. Taylor then tries to flurry to the body, but Abraham gets in that shell and catches the shots on the elbows. Abraham coming forward, and lands a jab. Now Abraham flurrying to the body. Abraham with a 1-2. Abraham flicks out a jab, that's just short. Farhood comments that this has been by far Abraham's most effective round and it definitely has been. Action in the center of the ring. There's a decent but messy exchange as both fighters let their hands go. Abraham with a jab. Abraham with a jab and a hard right hand. That pushed Taylor back. Taylor now edging ever so closer towards the ropes, and now gets back into the center of the ring. There's another exchange just before the bell. 8:45... Jim Gray is with Carl Froch in Nottingham. He's asking Froch about his comment regarding Dirrell only arriving in England 6 days before the fight. Froch mentions that he feels you need a longer period to get comfortable. 8:49... Back to Berlin. Round 6. Abraham with a left hand, and a right hand. Abraham looking determined here. Taylor though responds with a flurry, although Abraham's got those ear muffs on and appears to catch most of it. Abraham edging forward. He fires a jab, that's short, and then the fighters get tied up. Taylor jabs into the gloves. More jabs from Taylor, one might have got through. Abraham tries to flurry, but his shots are blocked as well. Abraham now digs hard to the body. Taylor jabs, and then eats a counter jab. Taylor flicking out the jabs, and then fires a combo downstairs. Abraham reacts saying it's low and Garcia agrees. He's taking a point! Come'on! It's been a chippy fight. Abraham's committed his share on infractions, and now to take a point from Taylor!? Taylor gets back to jabbing as the action resumes. Abraham with a 1-2. Now the ref again cautions Taylor to keep them up. Abraham has the shell defense, and the elbows tucked, and there's not much room to find an opening. Now Abraham backs Taylor up with a jab and a right hand. Taylor trying to jab back. Abraham with a hook that's just short. Taylor misses with a counter. That's followed by a sloppy exchange. There's the bell. Things getting a little frantic. 8:49... They showed a replay. It was low, and Taylor has been warned. But I think a point was still very harsh, given the chippy nature of the bout. Neither man has been totally clean. 8:53... Round 7. Taylor with a jab, and fires a right hand. Abraham with the gloves up, comes forward and sticks a jab. Taylor now short with a jab, and fires a couple into the guard. Taylor now short with a jab. Taylor misses with a right uppercut. Now he does get a jab through. Abraham fires a hook that misses. Taylor jabbing and moving to his left. Abraham with a right into the guard. Taylor with a jab. Abraham with a jab and an overhand right that I think got through. Now Abraham digs with a flurry to the body. Abraham now lowering his hands a bit and slips a Taylor jab as he backs away. Now he's got the gloves up again. Taylor jabbing and gets one through. Albert comments that the jab is the only thing getting through for Taylor and it's not doing any damage. Now Abraham fires to the body. He lands a chopping right as well. Now there's a clinch, and the fighters heads almost came together. Taylor looked tempted to whack Abraham in the back of the head during the clinch but resisted. Now Abraham comes forward with a 1-2. Now he digs to the body and has Taylor backing up. Taylor quickly on the retreat. Taylor tries to jab, but misses as the round ends. 8:53... Taylor's corner is telling him to watch Abrham's right hand. He says he's seeing it. 8:56... Albert comments that things are getting urgent in the Taylor corner. The fight has definitely turned during the last 3 rounds. Taylor though keeps working the jab. He now tries to counter Abraham who lunged in with a right hand, but misses. Taylor comes forward and Abraham slips a right hand. Abraham with the gloves up, comes forward and fires a right hand. Another one, but that missed. Action in the center of the ring. Taylor short with a jab. Abraham short with a right as Taylor backs away. 1:30 to go. Farhood comments that Abraham is inconsistent with his offense and Albert agrees that his attacks are sporadic. Taylor with a nice jab. Another nice jab. Abrham with his gloves down now as he backs away. Now Abraham fires back with a right, although it missed. Taylor tries to respond with his right, but doesn't get through. Now Abraham attacks and backs Taylor up with a flurry to the body. Abraham is fighting in spurts, but they are more effective than Taylor's steady jabs that are mostly blocked. Another round to Abraham says Farhood at the bell. He's got the hometown fighter up by 1 after 8. 8:58... Jim Gray is with Dirrell. Andre admits being a little nervous. He says if Froch thinks he's going to get tired, he's in for a big shock. 9:01... Taylor sticking the jab out to start the 9th. Not really getting through with it. Abraham has the gloves up, catching these. Now Abraham with his hands down low and he avoids a couple shots from Taylor as he backs off. Abraham now blocks a couple shots to the body. Abraham with a big right hand! That staggered Taylor. Taylor is looking a bit unsteady as Abraham chases him. Abraham trying to flurry, but Taylor holds on. Abraham fires a big right, but misses. Taylor seems to have his legs back. Some nervous moments though for 15-20 seconds. Abraham following, but not letting his hands go. Now they tie up. Farhood comments on the inconsistency of Abraham's attack as he felt he could have really tried to pour it on but didn't. Taylor now back to firing the jab. He lands one. Abraham not throwing. Now he's backing off with his hands down. Perhaps a bit winded from the sudden rush of energy. Now Taylor with a jab that's short. 10 seconds to go. Abraham with his left hanging low, backing away as the bell rings. 9:02... It was a short straight right that hurt Taylor. He looked in a fair bit of trouble for a few seconds, but managed to move and hold. 9:05... Round 10. Taylor back to the jab. Abraham with the gloves up, edging forward. Taylor jabbing into the guard. Abraham with a jab into the guard. Farhood comments that Taylor has just not been effective since the 5th round. Abraham misses with a right. Taylor jabbing, and circling. Now they clinch. 2:00 to go. Taylor short with a hook. Abraham short with a jab. Taylor with a jab. Strange that Abraham hasn't really pressed and tried to test Taylor. He might be a bit tired as well. Now he comes forward and flurries to the body. Albert comments that Abraham looks a bit winded. Now Abraham with his guard down. He tries to flurry, but misses as Taylor backs away. Now he attacks with both hands. I think a couple got through, although Taylor had his gloves up. Now Taylor backing away, as Abraham edges forward. Abraham with a right. Now Abraham with a 1-2. Abraham pressing a bit over the last 30 seconds. Now he misses with a couple hooks. 10 seconds to go. Abraham fires a right at the bell, which I think was blocked. 9:10... Round 11. Abraham appears to be in control at the moment, but he's got an issue with his trunks slipping down in the back. His corner has tied them up to avoid a potentially embarrassing mishap. Albert comments that it's been a very difficult second half of the fight for Taylor. Taylor flicking out the jab to start the round. Abraham with the gloves up, patiently stalking. Taylor with a shot that strayed low, but Garcia missed it. Abraham with a jab. Taylor with a jab. Abraham comes forward, firing shots to the body as Taylor backs into the ropes. Abraham tries to flurry, but Taylor gets out of there. Action moves back to the middle of the ring. Abraham now is the one circling, as Taylor pressing. Taylor fires a right hand that lands. Now Taylor jabbing into the guard. Now Abraham with a jab into the guard, and he backs up Taylor. A jab, and a 1-2 from Abraham who backs Taylor into the ropes and flurries to the body. Taylor gets out of there though. Abraham with his left hand hanging low now as he's boxing from the outside. Taylor tries to dig to the body. Now Taylor misses with a right. I think both fighters are looking a little tired here. Abraham fires a 1-2 that backs Taylor off. Abraham edges forward with the jab. Now he fires a right hand that backs Taylor off, and fires another right hand. There's the bell. 9:15... Round 12. Taylor needs something dramatic here. Albert says that he has to know he's behind. Taylor edges forward behind the jab. He fires a right hand, but it's blocked. Abraham with the guard up. Taylor with a jab into the guard. Both Albert and Farhood comment that Taylor is showing no urgency. He's just firing jabs and the occasional right from a distance, but not pressing. He sticks a couple jabs in. Abraham fires a right. Abraham now digs to the body. Every once in awhile, Abraham goes on the offensive, usually with more success than Taylor. Now Abrhaam tries to flurry with some big shots, but caught mostly air. 1:00 to go. Abrhaam lands a left hook. Abraham with a right hand. Abraham turning it up here. He landed a right hand. Now he's circling as Taylor comes forward. Taylor is short with a jab though. 30 seconds to go. Taylor has a right hand blocked. Abraham with his hands down, backs away as Taylor misses a right. Wow! A huge shot by Abraham. Taylor is flat on his back! He's out. He crashed straight backwards towards the canvas. Garcia started to count, but there was no point! This is over. 9:16... Taylor is thankfully up and appears to be okay. Abraham is on the turnbuckle saluting the crowd. There's a shot of Mikkel Kessler clapping with a smile. 9:17... That was a one shot deal there, and looked scary for a moment as Taylor was flat on his back. Credit to Abraham for going over to check on Taylor before he started celebrating too wildly. The replay just showed that it was a short right hand on the button that followed a wild left hook. 9:18... Taylor is walking around the ring. He's okay, which is good to see. He went down VERY hard. 9:20... Albert mentions that Taylor is not eliminated - it's a round robin format - not single elimination, and that he'll be fighting Andre Ward next. You have to ask if that's a good idea? After 2 straight KO's? Granted the fights have been set, but Taylor's team and the tournament organizers I think need to consider whether that's in his best interests. 9:20... The official time was 2:54 of round 12. Now we're off to Nottingham. 9:26... Back to Berlin for an interview with Abraham. "Taylor is a good fighter, maybe I'm better." He says with a smile. "I was going for the KO, but I knew I was ahead on points." I should mention this is with the help of an interpreter. Farhood asks if going for a KO was on his mind since KO winners get an extra point. "No, only win is very important." How does he see the Froch/Dirrell fight? "My full focus has been on Taylor, and I haven't seen a single fight of Dirrell." To close, Arthur says he's looking forward to coming to America. 9:27... Now we're back to Nottingham with Johnson, Bernstein and Tarver. 9:30... After some chatter from those guys, we're back to Berlin. Farhood is with Taylor outside his dressing room. "I'm a little hurt, but that comes along with the territory. I trained hard and gave it all I had, but didn't get the victory." Where did you think you were in the fight going into the 12th asks Farhood? "I don't even remember... he just caught me. I thought I was in the best shape of my life... This is boxing, you've got expect the worst sometimes, this is a hard sport." 9:31... Back to Nottingham. Bernstein tells us the scores were 107-101, 106-102 and 105-103 for Abraham going into the 12th. 9:37... Just chatter going on right now. 9:38... Looks like we're getting underway. Jimmy Lennon Jr. with the intros and Andre Dirrell is making his way in. 9:39... Dirrell looks very relaxed as he heads to the ring. He waves to the crowd before he steps through the ropes. He's holding a US flag in each glove. 9:40... Here comes Froch to the sounds of, "We will rock you." He looks calm as well, but a little more intense than Dirrell. 9:41... Froch acknowledges the crowd before stepping through the ropes. He's got a black rope, with the hood still on and looks an intimidating figure. 9:43... Jimmy Lennon Jr. with the introductions. 9:44... The ref is Hector Afu. 9:45... "Live from Nottingham England, it's Showtime!" 9:46... Not the warmest reception for Dirrell. Some scattered boos. 9:47... The crowd is buzzing as Froch is introduced. 9:48... The fighters receiving their final instructions in the center of the ring. 9:48... Dirrell's in green and Froch in black. 9:48... We're underway. 9:52... Bernstein mentions the ring is 20*20 as will all the rings in the Super Six tournament. Both fighters very cautious to start, sizing each other up in the middle of the ring, with neither really taking the initiative. Now they both fire jabs from a distance. According to Johnson, Dirrell plans on fighting out of the orthodox stance for most of the bout. Very cagey stuff to start. Neither committing here. Now Froch comes forward with a wild left hook that misses badly. Dirrell flicking out a couple jabs that are short. Dirrell edging forward here, and he's talking to Froch. 1:00 to go. Taver comments on the difference in hand speed between the two fighters being very apparent early. Now Dirrell switches to southpaw. Froch comes forward and misses with a right as Dirrell dances away. 20 seconds left. Froch jabs to the body. 10 seconds to go. Dirrell with a jab. Froch is short with a jab. There's the bell. 9:55... Froch flicking out the jab here to start round 2. Both men still keeping their distance. Dirrell with a jab. Froch trying to edge forward, but not committing to the attack yet. Dirrell again flicks out a jab. Froch edges forward with the jab. Dirrell is short with a jab. 1:30 to go. Dirrell with a jab to the body. Froch tries to fire back with a right, but Dirrell backs away quickly. Dirrell now with a right hand to the body. Froch short with a right to the body, and is short with a jab. 1:00 to go. Froch edging forward with his left low, and fires a really wild right that misses badly. Now he chases Dirrell to the other side of the ring. Froch short with a couple jabs. 30 seconds left. Froch is having a problem getting close says Johnson. Dirrell with a sharp jab. 15 seconds left. Froch edges forward, but not throwing and Dirrell slips away. 9:58... Froch edging forward, as Dirrell moving to his left, and now to his right. Dirrell now boxing out of the southpaw stance. Froch edging forward, flicks the jab out but not landing it. Now he tries to chase Dirrell who slides away to his left. Froch moving forward, but Dirrell fires a jab, and a left to the body that's short. Froch showing respect for Dirrell's countering ability, as he's not just rushing in hard. 1:30 to go. Froch now edges forward, and misses. Dirrell misses with a counter. Froch is stalking, Dirrell is using the whole ring, and Froch is having a very hard time getting close enough. Dirrell hasn't really landed too much himself, but the occasional jab is finding the mark. Froch gtting closeer, and eats a counter, but then charges forward and Dirrell escapes to the other side of the ring at full speed. Froch fires a right hand, that is short. Dirrell really using a lot of movement here. Froch with a jab, that may have got through. Dirrell with a jab at the bell. 9:59... We just saw a replay of Froch chasing Dirrell accross the ring and getting a right hand in. 10:02...Dirrell fighting out of the southpaw stance here to start the 4th. He fires a straight left to the body that's short. Now he fires a left that may have got through. He's now edging forward a bit. Action now in the middle of the ring. A lot of feinting going on. Nice combo from Dirrell as Froch came forward. Now Dirrell with a sharp jab. Forch comes forward and Dirrell escapes to his left. Bernstein comments that it's important for Froch to go to the body. Johnson comments that there may be some blood coming from Dirrell's upper lift. Froch is short with a jab. Dirrell on the move to his left, now to his right. Froch misses with a right. Froch is chasing Dirrell as Dirrell going from one side of the ring to the other. Dirrell then stops and tries to fire a right that misses as Froch backs off. Froch trying to get closer. He fires a right hand as Dirrell backs into the corner and Dirrell ties him up. Action moves back to the middle of the ring. 10:05... Not thrilling stuff so far. Dirrell has landed the more effective shots, but he's doing a hell of a lot of running. Now Dirrell is back to righty to start this round, and he lands a right hand. Forch edging forward, but not fully committing to the attack as he's respecting Dirrell's speed on the counter. 2:00 to go. Dirrell fighting southpaw again. Forch feints with a right, but doesn't throw it, and Dirrell fires back with a right, and then they get tangled and Froch throws Dirrell down. Froch is given a warning which he acknowledges and the action resumes. 1:30 to. Dirrell comes forward and lands a right. Froch having a hell of a hard time getting close. Everytime he gets into range, Dirrell gets out of there quick. 55 seconds left. Froch is short with a jab. Dirrell short with his own jab. Dirrell with a right, then they clinch and Froch with a right hand in the clinch. Dirrell charges forward and they get tied up. The action has been fairly awkward at times here. Froch tries to mix it up, but Dirrell again gets out of there. 10:09... Action in the middle of the ring to start the 6th. Dirrell boxing out of the southpaw stance. Froch throwing the jab, an then lunges forward with a wild 1-2 that misses. Then Dirrell slips to the canvas. No knockdown there, and the ref wipes his gloves and they are back at it and there's a clinch. Dirrell now edging forward, and Froch tries to counter, and ends up getting Dirrell in a head lock. Some sloppy stuff here. Now Froch edges forward, is short with a jab, and Dirrell misses a counter and they clinch. Froch charges forward, and lands a decent left hand. Dirrell I think was bothered by that and he grabbed Froch. Froch responded by banging Dirrell in the clinch, and the ref tells them to keep it clean. Now Dirrell fires a hard 1-2. Froch keeps coming. Dirrell on his toes, going left, then right. Now Froch tries to attack and Dirrell locks up Froch's arm. More messy stuff. "Froch wants to get it a little ugly in there." - Bernstein. Now Froch presses forward and misses with a right as Dirrell slips away. Now Dirrell tries to grab Froch and Froch backs away and Dirrell slips to the canvas. Dirrell's winning this here, but his style is not a pleasing one. A lot o moving with some holding to go with it. 10:12... Froch misses with a jab, and Dirrell lands a coutner. Action in the middle of the ring as round 7 is underway. Froch edges forward. Dirrell sticks the jab and backs off. Froch trying to attack, but Dirrell slips away and they clinch. Dirrell with a jab. "A lot of close rounds." - Bernstein. Al has it 58-56 for Dirrell. Now Froch edges forward, backs Dirrell into a counter, but misses and Dirrell gets out of there. Now Froch lands a right, and Dirrell grabs a hold of him immediately. Now Dirrell grabs Froch again on the inside. The ref now warns Dirrell for all the holding. I'm not enjoying Dirrell's style at all tonight. Now he grabs Froch again. 1:00 to go. Froch comes forward, and Dirrell misses with a counter and ties Froch up who whacks Dirrell in the clinch. More holding from Dirrell. If this keeps up, the ref would be well within his rights to take a point. The ref is again warning Dirrell. Froch whacks Dirrell in the clinch and Dirrell doesn't like it. He had a word for the ref there. Froch then attacked and was caught with a hard left hook. Good shot there from Dirrell. 10:13... We just a replay of a couple of shots Froch landed on the inside. 10:16... Round 8. Al has it 1 point fight for Dirrell. Action in the middle of the ring. Dirrell with a decent counter over Froch's jab. Dirrell sticking the jab. Froch coming forward, Dirrell backing up and now moving to his left. He tries to jump in with a right, but is short. Now Dirrell again tries to jump in, but he slips to the canvas. Dirrell with a good right hand counter that catches Froch on the way in. Froch took it well and comes forward. Dirrell ties him up though. Froch trying to work in the clinch. Again Dirrell ties him up. Froch is getting rough in those clinches. Now Dirrell again holding and Froch trying to fight out of it. Nice to see the ref letting him do that. Dirrell with a solid counter right again. Froch though keeps coming and lands a hard left hand. That got Dirrell's attendion. Now Dirrell tries to hold on. Froch backs him. Dirrell grabs a hold of him. Yet another clinch. 10 seconds to go. Froch presses forward and gets tied up again. Messy stuff. 10:19... Round 9. Scorecards should be interesting. Direll with a couple of jabs to open the round. He's boxing righty at the moment. Froch edging forward. Froch is short with a jab. Dirrell backing away. Direll now with a jab, and then gets out of there. Froch charges forward as Dirrell backs away. Froch with a jab. Froch misses with a hook. Froch edging forward. Dirrell moving to his left. Tarver comments that Dirrell has a knot by his right eye and it might matter later on. Nice counter left from Dirrell as Froch was coming in. Now Dirrell switches southpaw. Froch tries to attack, and they clinch. Froch comes forward and lands with a hook, while Dirrell lands with a counter and grins. Froch comes forward and tries to rough Dirrell up as they clinch. Froch edges forward and Dirrell ducks down and Froch nails him, an the ref warns Froch for hitting behind the head. He was guilty of it there. Now they clinch again. 20 seconds left. Froch comes forward and tries to bang the body as Dirrell backs along the ropes. Froch again tries to dig downstairs, and they mix it up along the ropes. Al though that was a good round for Froch, while Johnson thought it was a good round for Dirrell. 10:23... Dirrell with a couple jabs to start the 10th. Dirrell with a counter right. Dirrell in the southpaw stance. Froch comes forward and presses Dirrell in the counter, only to get tied up. Froch keeps coming. He misses wildly with a right and gets tied up again. 2:00 to go. Froch coming forward, but Dirrell lands a counter and ties him up. Dirrell with a left hand. Froch with a jab. Froch presses forward, and they get tied up in the corner. Froch with a jab, and a right hand in the clinch. Froch now bangs the body with a right hand, and Dirrell ties him up along the ropes and walks him into the corner. Now Dirrell is going to lose a point for holding. Al's not a fan of the deduction, pointing out that both men have been breaking the rules. Froch pressing forward. Dirrell slips away to his left, but eats a right hand. Froch now misses with a big right, and eats a big counter left hand. That caught Froch flush. Now Dirrell goes after Froch, but is wild in doing so. Froch now resumes the chase, and Dirrell gets back to moving. 10 seconds left. Froch attacks, and got hurt by a counter left. Froch looked in a bit of trouble as Dirrel went after him, but Froch fires back before the bell. 10:24... Froch's corner isn't pleased. "You're walking in with your hands down!" 10:24... It was a counter right from Dirrell that landed hard near the end of the 10th. 10:27... Al points out that this is first time Dirrell has seen the 11th round. Dirrell is fighting southpaw again. Froch comes forward and tries to bang the body. He presses Dirrell in the corner, but Dirrell makes him miss and fires back with a counter. Froch follows as Dirrell escapes. Now Dirrell lands a hard left hand! That caught Froch flush, and Dirrell goes after him. Now Froch with a hard right hand! Dirrell ties him up immediately. Some decent shots getting exchanged here in the 11th. Froch with a left hand misses over the top with a right. Now Froch bangs the body. Now FRoch with a jab and chases Dirrell accross the ring. Froch trying to flurry, but Dirrell rolling with these shots on the ropes. Now Froch smacks him with a short right in the clinch. Fronch with a nice combo. 30 seconds left. Dirrell with a nice counter. Now they clinch again. Dirrell misses with a right. Now Froch comes back with a right hand just before the bell. 10:28... Round 12 coming up. 10:28... "Back him up." - Froch's corner. 10:31... Froch coming forward here in the 12th, but Dirrell lands a counter. Now Froch tries to flurry, but can't land. Dirrell gets out of there. Now Dirrell firs a hard right, that's blocked. Now they clinch again. Dirrell with a left hand counter. Froch coming forward. Dirrell moving to his right. Dirrell jumps in with a combo. Froch witha right hand uppercut. Now they clinch. Dirrell walks Froch into the ropes in the clinch. 1:30 to go. Froch with a jab. FRoch just misses with a right hand, and Dirrell escapes to his right. 1:10 to go. They exchange jabs. Dirrell comes forard with a 1-2, and they clinch. Froch trying to come back, but Dirrell again fires back. Froch presses Direll into the corner and tries to flurry. Now Dirrell ties him up. 30 seconds to go. Froch again backs Dirrell into the corner and tries to Flurry. Dirrell though comes back with his own flurry. 10 seconds left. Froch trying to close strong. Dirrell back pedals and Froch chases. Froch tries to flurry along the ropes, and there's the bell. This one is going to the cards. 10:32... I think Dirrell's got this one. His tactics weren't pleasing, but he landed the cleaner shots. 10:33... Here's Jimmy Lennon with the decision. It's a split one. 114-113 for Dirrell. 115-112 for Froch. The fighters are seated on one knee together in the middle of the ring awaiting the final card. 115-112 for the winner... Carl Froch. 10:34... Great sportsmanship from both men there. 10:36... Jim Gray is with Dirrell. Dirrell feels like he earned the decision, but isn't too angry. He's not pleased though about the point deduction. 10:37... Gray asks Dirrell if he felt he had a chance to win the decision in Nottingham. "Of course I did, or I wouldn't have come out here." 10:38... Very classy from Dirrell. He says he'll be back in the gym working harder, and takes nothing away from Froch. 10:39... Gus and Al are chatting now, as they wait for Gray to get a hold of Froch. 10:40... Press row had it 115-113, 115-114 for Froch and 114-114. Al likes the 114-114 card. 10:41... Froch is now with Gray. He feels he won the fight. He says that Dirrell just didn't want to stand and fight and though very negatively. "What am I supposed to do if he's not going to stand and fight?" 10:42... Gray asks Froch what he thinks of Dirrell calling it a hometown decision. "That's nonsense." You know, that's not fair at all from Gray. Dirrell was very respectful in the interview and accepted the result, and Gray really had to bring any complaints out of him. To then tell Froch that Dirrell's full of complaints is bull-shit. 10:43... Gray asks Froch about Kessler... "I'm looking forward to it... he'll stand and trade with him and that's what the fans want to see." 10:44... That's it for our coverage of the Super Six Opening Night. Hope you enjoyed it and make sure you come back and check out our future round by round blogs. 10:45... One final note. Jermain Taylor was taken to hospital for observations as he suffered a concussion. Sounds like it's strictly precautionary.

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Super Six Opening Night Predictions: Froch vs Dirrell & Abraham vs Taylor

Showtime's Super Six tournament gets underway tonight with two big opening round fights.

Leading off from Berlin's O2 World Arena will be Arthur Abraham against Jermain Taylor (tape delayed), followed by a trip to Nottingham's Trent FM Arena for the match-up between Carl Froch and Andre Dirrell.

Make sure to check out our round by round coverage of both fights, starting at 8 PM EST.

Let's get to our writer's picks...

Carl Froch vs Andre Dirrell & Arthur Abraham vs Jermain Taylor

Froch/Dirrell - I view Dirrell as the weakest fighter in the Super Six tournament and don’t believe he’ll record a win in the competition. He’s got good footwork, flashy combinations and has quick hands, but he doesn’t seem to carry serious power, has a big question mark over his chin and has no experience of fighting at this level. I think Froch will start slowly before settling into his usual methodical rhythm. Dirrell might be hard to hit clean early on but I think as soon as Froch starts to land, he’ll hurt Dirrell and stop him. I think Froch will win by stoppage sometime in the final four rounds. Abraham/Taylor - I feel the fight between Jermain Taylor and Arthur Abraham will be a much closer affair than the Froch-Dirrell fight but will take on a similar pattern. I think Taylor will do well in the first six rounds before his stamina problem resurfaces and allows Abraham back into the fight. I can see Taylor being ahead on the scorecards before getting stopped late on. It’ll be interesting how Abraham fights at super- middleweight, although it’s worth noting that he demolished Edison Miranda up at super-middle in their rematch of June last year. If that fight is anything to go by, Abraham might be a much bigger puncher at the higher weight, which spells danger for Taylor. - Dave Oakes

Froch/Dirrell - Completely agree with Dave's first paragraph. I also view Dirrell as the weakest fighter of the bunch. He has some physical tools... and that's about it. Chin's too high, defense is amateurish and so is his delivery. I think he has to come out of nowhere with a huge KO shot to defeat Froch. Given the youngster's lack of one punch knockouts, and the man from Nottingham's chin, that seems like more than a bit of a stretch. I'll take Froch to rough him up on his way to a clear decision. Dirrell is going to be introduced to a whole new level of fighting, as well as pain. Abraham/Taylor - Many people are going to disagree with me on this, but I think this is Taylor's fight to lose. I really believe he has an advantage in physical stature as well as the style to force Abraham out of his game a little bit. If Jermain can maintain a safe distance most of the night, he'll keep his opponent's hands pasted to his face with jabs and long rights that don't need to land clean. As long as he keeps Arthur busy on defense, he'll be able to fight at his pace. I think the key to beat Abraham is to stay at long range. He wants to counter aggression with his bombs, but if you don't give him anything he'll be content to just block the incoming. Many think that his lack of aggression in the recent past is because of the toll making 160 had on his body, and I think there is something to that, but I also believe he is just a patient and careful fighter. Arthur can end the fight at any moment with his cannon ball fists, but I'm going to go with my gut and say this fight lasts 12 rounds. It's going to be hard for Taylor to get a decision in Germany, and that crowd will probably bring out some doubt in him, so I'll go with Abraham to up the pressure just enough to get a close decision. - Lee Payton Check out Lee's Previews for both of tonight's fights: Can Jermain Taylor Upset Arthur Abraham? & Carl Froch Is Too Rough And Tough for Andre Dirrell

Froch/Dirrell - I think Andre Dirrell is being a little underrated here. True he's completely untested at this level, but he's got a ton of natural ability - quick feet, quick hands and some good pop. I'd rate him #4 of the 6 fighters - just a little ahead of Ward (I've got Taylor 6th). I'm picking Froch to grind out the win, but I think he'll be pushed in a similar manner to the Pascal fight - and this one might even be a bit tougher. Abraham/Taylor - I think Taylor can outwork Abraham early, but 12 rounds is a long time. Taylor always seems to be in very good condition - but he still gets tired. I think it's a tension issue. He just never seems relaxed and comfy in the ring, and I think against a crunching puncher like Abraham, those nervous issues aren't going to dissapear. I like Taylor to get out to an early lead - and then 1 of 2 things will happen. Abraham will land a sudden fight changing punch to turn things around, or Taylor will start to slowly fade and Abraham will steadily gain the advantage. Either way, I think Abraham takes it. - Andrew Fruman

Froch/Dirrell - I agree with the notion that Dirrell, at this point is near the bottom of the pack and probably has the most to prove, however he also has the most upside. I think someone gets embarrassed in Dirrell-Froch... meaning someone gets knocked out. Froch looked very slow against Taylor earlier this year, and Dirrell is faster than Taylor in my opinion. Dirrell has major firepower when he lets his hands go, and he could rise to the top of the tournament if he reaches the potential he may have. However, I think Froch is so determined and so willful that he will break Dirrell by the fights end. I look for Dirrell's speed to be flashy and effective early, Froch to plod after him and ultimately put Dirrell in all out retreat mode. If the ending is as explosive as I think it will be, whoever wins this will suddenly be a tournament favorite. I like Froch by stoppage, but wouldn't be surprised if he went through major strife to do it. To me, Froch is the dark horse to take the whole thing. Abraham/Taylor - As for the Taylor-Abraham bout, I agree with Lee that this is Jermain's to lose... the problem for him is that when a fight is his to lose, he usually loses it. Still, of all the match-up's for Taylor this one seems to provide him with the most advantages, as he will be the faster, busier man. If he can find the right pace, he may force Abraham into mounting an all out onslaught for a late KO win. To me it's a 50-50 fight. I'll go with the mild upset and say Jermain puts it together against an Abraham who gets a little too defensive in the face of Jermain's quick combos. Abraham let's him off the hook enough during the fight for Taylor to take it slow and survive the twelve on the way to a close points victory. - Jeff Pryor Check out Jeff's Super Six Preview: The Brave & The Bold: The Super Six Shoot-out

Abraham/Taylor - Taylor’s going to lose. I don’t see where he has any advantages in the fight. HBO has manufactured this jab of his and his combinations aren’t that quick. They are quite loopy, and will give Abraham plenty of chances to find spots to counter. I think the main reason Abraham doesn’t throw that many punches has to do with the trouble he's been having to make 160. He's been draining himself badly to make weight, and that's not the case this time. He looked like a wrecking machine at the weigh-in, and the decimation will begin right from the opening bell. Froch/Dirrell - I'm leaning towards Froch by stoppage. For all Dirrell's athletic advantages, this is a very big jump in competition and my gut tells me he'll fold under the kind of pressure Froch will bring. Of course my gut has been wrong before, and I wouldn't be shocked to see Dirrell take it. - Mark Lyons

Froch/Dirrell - I agree with Andy on both fights, except I'm on the fence concerning Dirrell-Froch. I think Dirrell's power is a bit underrated, and if Froch gets too reckless, he's gonna get hurt. I expect drama regardless of the winner. Force me to make a pick and I'll say Dirrell survives a late rally to eek out a decision. Abraham/Taylor - I think Abraham-Taylor will play out like Froch-Taylor. Abe loses the first six rounds before coming back to KO Taylor in ten. - Michael Nelson Check out Michael's Froch/Dirrell Preview: Andre Dirrell Ready To Show He Belongs With The Heavy Hitters

Abraham/Taylor - I think Taylor pulls the upset. He's bigger, faster has better overall boxing skills and has fought the better opposition. If Taylor runs out of gas again, Abraham will have a real puncher's chance, but otherwise I see this being a decision win for Taylor. Froch/Dirrell - Froch hits harder and has fought better opposition yet I can't see him being able to deal with a fighter as athletic and fast as Dirrell. It's pretty much the same thing as Taylor vs Abraham... if Dirrell gets tired, he'll get caught and finished, but otherwise he'll win by UD. - Ivan Montiel

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Andre Dirrell Ready To Show He Belongs With The Heavy Hitters

Michael Nelson takes a look at Andre Dirrell's chances of pulling the upset in tomorrow night's Showtime Super Six Opener.

Along with Jermain Taylor vs Arthur Abraham, the Froch vs Dirrelll bout will be shown in the UK live on PPV. Click here for more info.

Having been fed largely overmatched opposition thus far in his career, Andre 'The Matrix' Dirrell is taking the largest leap of the six combatants in Showtime's groundbreaking tournament. The 27 year old from Flint, Michigan will be immediately thrown into the lion's den, travelling to Nottingham to take on rugged WBC champion Carl Froch.

Is he ready for the big cats?

His skeptics present a legitimate case. The 6'2 switch hitter has relied on his athleticism and speed to handle guys he generally towers over. He makes several mistakes - pulling straight back, leaving his hands low, and leaping in with single shots - that could cost him dearly against a skilled opponent his size. Such technical deficiencies mixed with a chin that seems less than granite means he has a smaller margin of error than Froch, and can be a recipe for disaster tomorrow night.

In fact, Froch backers need only to look at Andre's 7th fight, a tough scrap against tall journeyman Alfonso Rocha, for evidence of what their man might do. After telegraphing a left hand out of the southpaw stance, Dirrell got caught with a well-timed counter right that immediately lifted him off his feet. He was fortunate that it happened at the very end of the third round because he was in pretty bad shape.

To his credit, he shook off the cobwebs in between rounds and resumed controlling the fight to win a lopsided decision.

Then there was his infamous bout against fellow prospect Curtis Stevens in June 2007. In his sole HBO appearance, Dirrell used his superior foot speed to get in an occasional potshot against a plodding Stevens and gain the favor of the judges. It was one of the worst fights of the decade - perhaps the worst shown on HBO. Pundits and fans dubbed the name Andre Gazelle and wrote him off as more suspect than prospect.

So why does he have a good chance of going to Nottingham and upsetting the more experienced hometown fighter?

To put it simply, he learned from his awful 2007 performance and developed into a dangerous puncher. He found redemption last year by crushing Anthony Hanshaw - who went the distance with Roy Jones - on ShoBox inside of five rounds, taking him apart with powerful counters off the ropes. He split Mike Paschall's forehead wide open with a single punch in his following fight, before turning Victor Oganov's face into a bloody mask with a violent series of uppercuts last November.

Froch's vast defensive liabilities were exposed in his winning efforts against Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor, and it says here that Dirrell punches harder than both. Most will agree Carl should have some trouble catching up with Andre's speed, at least in the early going. But perhaps more importantly, he'll be catching damaging blows from The Matrix while chasing him down. It's a mistake to assume the tough Englishman can easily walk through the firepower coming back at him and Dirrell's heavy hands tend to draw blood from his opponents. Moreover, you can expect the former Olympian to be far more aggressive than Taylor was if he shakes Froch up with one of his counters.

Another question mark is how well Froch will handle a talented southpaw. Although the left hook from the orthodox stance is Dirrell's most effective punch, if the switch hitter finds success as a lefty, he may stick with it and potshot his way to victory.

I see this as the most intriguing fight out of the first stage of the tournament. Both men have ability to hurt each other. Both men have enough flaws to make it fun. And both men have O's on their record they want to preserve.

Whatever happens, it should be the third consecutive drama in the saga of Carl Froch, and the first peer into the character and heart of young Andre Dirrell.

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British Scene Prospect Watch: Kenny Anderson

Dave Oakes continues his look at the top young fighters in Britain, with a profile of Edinburgh's Kenny Anderson.

Kenny Anderson

A hard punching Scottish super-middleweight who’s currently 10-0 with 7 stoppages.

The Positives:

Boxes in a classic style, he works off the jab very well and throws a beautiful straight right whilst keeping his chin tucked down to his chest. He carries respectable power, looks to have a solid chin and is another fighter with good amateur pedigree.

The Negatives:

Is known to be lackadaisical when it comes to training and has had problems outside the ring, including being charged with attempted murder a couple of months ago. The charges were dropped due to lack of evidence but you have to question him as to why he allowed himself to be put into that position.

The Future:

With the attempted murder charges dropped, he should be looking to keep himself out of trouble and concentrate fully on his career. At 26, he should be trying to manoeuvre himself into a position to challenge for the British title in the next twelve to eighteen months. Fights against Paul David, Tony Salem and Tony Dodson would all be beneficial to him at this stage of his career. A potential meeting with fellow Scot Stevie McGuire is already being talked about with great excitement north of the border.

e-mail Dave Oakes

Previous Prospect Profiles Don Broadhurst Stephen Smith Ryan Walsh Jamie Cox George Groves

British Scene Season Preview British Scene Season Preview Part One; Simpson vs Truscott, O'Donnell vs Glover, Davis vs Napa, Fury vs McDermott & Olusegun vs Daws British Scene Season Preview Part Two: Macklin vs Asikainen, Thaxton vs Murray, Sexton vs Rogan & Booth vs Hunter

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British Scene Prospect Watch: George Groves

Dave Oakes continues his look at the top young fighters in Britain, with a profile of 21 year old George Groves.

George Groves

One of the most hyped prospects in Britain. He fights in the super-middleweight division and is currently 4-0 with 3 stoppages.

The Positives:

A good all-round boxer with knockout power, especially with the overhand right. He can box off the back foot, counter-punch or lead; he looks at home in the ring and has bags of natural talent. He’s a two time ABA middleweight champion and beat Olympic gold medallist James DeGale on his way to the title in 2006.

The Negatives:

Is guilty of holding his hands too low and getting caught with silly shots, hopefully this will be something he eradicates as he progresses. He’s under contract with David Haye’s Hayemaker Promotions, who’ve not got a television contract now that Setanta have gone bankrupt.

The Future:

Having already demolished former British title challenger Paul Samuels in just his third fight, he seems like the kind of fighter who thrives on a challenge. With this in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him being moved more quickly than most prospects. I could see him challenging for the British title within the next two years.

e-mail Dave Oakes

Previous Prospect Profiles Don Broadhurst Stephen Smith Ryan Walsh Jamie Cox

British Scene Season Preview British Scene Season Preview Part One; Simpson vs Truscott, O'Donnell vs Glover, Davis vs Napa, Fury vs McDermott & Olusegun vs Daws British Scene Season Preview Part Two: Macklin vs Asikainen, Thaxton vs Murray, Sexton vs Rogan & Booth vs Hunter

Read more!

The Brave and the Bold: The Super Six Shoot-out

Jeff Pryor previews Showtime's upcoming Super Six 168 pound tournament.

Boldness by Showtime and Ken Hershman. Braveness on the part of the promoters.

And six brave and bold warriors ready to test their mettle against one another in a brutal round robin of blitzed out brawling to blast the Super Middleweight divisions rankings apart at the seam.

Kessler, Froch, Taylor, Abraham, Ward and Dirrell. Simply by signing on, they have emblazoned their names on the placard that reads "real fighter".

Confident and ready, these six gunslingers, stroll into their matches, knowing it will be tough. Knowing they will likely not make it out unscathed. But believing in themselves enough that should they do their best, it will be worth it.

Wanting to be the best. Willing to face the best.

Hailing from destinations scattered throughout Europe and America, these warriors will put themselves through hell in solitary preparation for the day when each of them stand across from one another, paths finally intersecting, with the determination to boldly lay claim to the crown of the division.

Who will stand above the rest and demand to be recognized?

Mikkel Kessler, of whom it is generally held, is the best of the division, based largely upon the work he did before his competitive outing with Calzaghe, and is also figured to be the favorite heading into the competition. His thorough handling of Librado Andrade looks all the more impressive since Andrade gave Lucian Bute hell and came as close to knocking a man out that you can... without it being awarded to you. Kessler's stand up, disciplined style and all around package should make him a tough match for everyone. He isn't the biggest puncher in the competition, or the fastest, not the most athletic, or dynamic, but all in all he's the most proven; the man to beat heading into the long affair.

Photo © Justin McKie

Carl Froch is the blue collar, gut it out, dark horse. He may be the slowest of the field, but he's also the only do or die warrior of the bunch. Like Kessler's Andrade win, Froch's Pascal victory looks all the more impressive since Pascal has moved up to Light Heavyweight and outclassed Adriane Diaconu. Against Jermain Taylor, Froch showed that he can overcome a deficit in speed and athleticism by sheer will and determination. With above average power and a fiery warrior spirit that isn't easily doused, getting past him will take either an incredibly disciplined and determined performance or a concussive explosion that suddenly takes him out in one fell swoop. Whatever happens, when you step in with Froch, it's gut check time.

Andre Dirrell may be the most dynamic fighter out of the group. He has scintillating speed and a missile powered offense, plus the general athleticism to match anyone in the sport. His career so far has been a mixed bag, and it seems largely due to the psychology of the fighter. Tentativeness, a lack of urgency and a safety first mentality marred some of his earlier bouts. Recently he has opened up his attack more and displayed a dazzlingly violent penchant for isolated pockets of destruction. His participation is one of the more ambiguous elements in the tournament. You get the sense he has more raw talent then anyone else, but is the least consistent. His opening bout with Froch may be make or break in that Carl is the kind of fighter who will not go quietly, and if he can take Dirrel's punch he may grind down the less experienced fighter over the long haul, and cause an irreversible reversion in mentality. Throughout the tournament Dirrell will need to prove he can dig in and gut out some moments.

Photo © Marty Rosengarten / Ringsidephotos.com

Andre Ward is the other largely unproven talent in the pool. Like Kessler he is solid in virtually every area, but wholly untested against the kind of opposition he will face in the tournament. It would appear he has the skill to compete in this field, but it's yet to be proven he has that special something needed to rise to the very top. I recall Dirrel's impressive performance against Anthony Hanshaw, and wonder how Ward would have done against Hanshaw that night; I think he would have had a much harder time. Still, Ward has his opportunity, and he's shown a desire to succeed and prove himself. That sort of fire can spur a fighter to keep going when others would have quit. His mental toughness may determine outcomes.

Photo © Justin McKie

Then we have the most accomplished of the two former Middleweight champion's, Jermain Taylor, who has found it a difficult go against determined punchers who he can drop, but not stop. His psyche may be the most fragile of all the fighters. He takes losses hard, and he's coming off what must be the most disappointing of his career, where Froch knocked him out in the waning seconds of a fight he would have won on the cards. Taylor's athleticism is only bettered by Dirrell here, and his combination of hand speed and power will be a handful for everyone at the beginning of his fights. His bursting flurries start to diminish midway through though and he may find it hard to match the consistency of some of the other fighters. Still he sat Froch down, a feat no one else has managed, and that would suggest his power is enough to derail anyone here under the right circumstances. His chronic fatigue syndrome will sour most on his prospects in the tournament, but there are a couple matchup's he will find advantageous and he's been known to consistently get the nod in close affairs.

And finally, another fighter who is largely a question mark, particularly at this weight. "King" Arthur Abraham, gives up his crown to try and conquer another kingdom. The key questions will be whether his power makes the move with him, and if his cover-up-fight-thirty-seconds-a-round style, as has been contended, was a product of his struggles in continuing to make the 160lb weight limit or if, as his earlier fights would seem to point to, that's just the way he fights. His four year run as a title holder lacked top flight competition for much of it. More than any fighter here... more than most in the sport, he has shown an extraordinary level of grit and heart, as exemplified in his first bout with Edison Miranda, in which his jaw was horrifically broken and lolling open for much of the bout. One wonders what you must do to stop this man from fighting. If Abraham's power carries up, his winky-esque power slugging remix of a style will provide an interesting puzzle for everyone he meets.

Those six are the Brave and the Bold. Each of them holds their own advantage, and it will be in the match ups that we see how they all slide and click together to create interesting variations on a theme, while we watch six separate story arcs mature before us.

The first trio of matches present intrigue and a few tough draws.

Kessler vs. Ward would seem to be the most conventional fight. Both guys will come to play, and it may just be a case where the older boy knows the game better. With over twice the experience, Kessler will come in frosty and calm. While Ward may be tight heading into his first title fight. If he can keep it close, even a loss may be a victory, in that Ward may need to get this out of the way just to affirm that he belongs in the tournament and in the ring with a guy like Kessler. A Kessler loss here would set the tournament on it's ear.

Froch vs. Dirrell may cause the most sparks to fly. Froch will push Dirrell, and Dirrell will sting Froch. It's a matchup of diametrically opposed fighters. It may come down to whether Froch can survive the short term and whether Dirrell can survive the long term. This may look like Pavlik-Taylor I... or Froch-Taylor for that matter. Could be a real bad night for either guy. And maybe an explosive tournament debut for whoever makes it happen for themselves.

Taylor vs. Abraham pits the two middleweight transplants against one another. This is probably the best matchup for Taylor in the whole shebang. Abraham doesn't push the pace and he will likely allow the always keyed up and tight Taylor to conserve vital energy over the course of the bout. Each man likes to fight in explosive spurts. While Abraham would seem to have the edge in power, Taylor should have a distinct hand speed edge. Since Taylor has cracked twice before though, even a conservative Abraham may have the necessary firepower to bomb out Taylor. It will be up to Jermain to walk the tight rope and balance his stamina.

To look ahead to further matches seems criminal without knowing the results from these fine openers. Things may look radically different for the outcome of the tournament following round one.

The genius in this tournament is that due to it's round robin styling, there is a philosophical return to a different era in boxing; a different perception of a loss. To a time when being a worthy fighter didn't mean an untarnished record, it meant you fought your ass off against the best out there, come what may. As long as you won more than you lost, you probably did alright for yourself.

This tournament allows us to cut the boys some slack. A just reward for consistently facing the toughest competition.

The other bright spot here is that it would be impossible to find a dull matchup with any of these two names sandwiched together. The matchup with the most potential for dead zones would be Abraham-Dirrell... and even that is pretty damn intriguing. This tournament will be hard pressed to disappoint. The pessimistic fan, might say that boxing will find a way, but the sheer number of top flight fights all but precludes disappointment on a mass scale.

Of the six fighters, there will be one left standing at the end, but there will certainly be more than one fighter who comes out of this more highly regarded than upon their entrance.

It's a high wire act in which any meltdown could mean a string of high profile losses and the end of a career. Balanced against that, the prospect of victory after victory, big fights and elevated profile is enough to lure in the likes of current and former world champions, pound for pound entrants, and Olympians.

Make no mistake, the spoils are great.

Imagine if one fighter emerges undefeated over the course of the tournament... For instance, suppose Kessler beats Ward, Froch, Taylor and Dirrell over the course of the series (perhaps one of them twice), couple that with his already notched wins over Andrade, Beyer and Mundine, and then compare that to a list of significant victories from consensus Super Middleweight all-time king, Joe Calzaghe's career. Kessler might slide past Calzaghe on the esteem scale with that kind of run.

The same certainly goes for any man that runs the table, maybe even for a Super Six fighter who drops a fight. With even two solid wins, lets say Froch scores victories over Kessler and Dirrell, match those with his earlier Taylor and Pascal wins and compare them with Joe's best; Kessler, Lacy, Eubank. That's comparable or better.

The point is, in a young division who's patriarch is a long reigning champ who added relatively few choice pelts to his wall, it only takes a string of three or so stirring performances to stamp your name indelibly on the division, maybe even to usurp the current standard barer. While Calzaghe's longevity was impressive, few would argue the Welshman even had as many significant fights over the course of his 10 year run as champion, as these men will have over the course of the next two years. It is because of this, that they are not just fighting for the current division crown, but to enter the discussion of who has been the most remarkable Super Middleweight of all-time.

In an endeavor so vast and far reaching into the future, there is bound to be uncertainty; what if a string of losses sends Taylor into retirement before the tournaments end, or what if injuries preclude a fighter from continuing on to the next fight? Will a definitive division leader emerge? Will a string of tough fights benefit the fighters enough to justify the wear and tear they are bound to endure? Will the tournament be successful and spur the sport on to a renewed interest in these formatted war fields?

If there is a certainty it is that some will fall, some will prevail and spectators will be rewarded for baring witness.

Fortune favors the bold.

e-mail Jeff Pryor Read more!

Can Jermain Taylor Pull The Upset?

By Lee Payton

Photos © Justin McKie

The Super-Middleweight tournament is set. Showtime has picked 6 of the top 168lb fighters in the world to duke it out in a round-robin format that will eventually produce a top dog in the division - although the eventual winner might have to face Lucien Bute when it's all said and done to validate their claim. In the first round former World Middleweight Champion, Jermain Taylor, will be taking on undefeated Arthur Abraham, in Germany.

Most see this as another disastrous KO loss for the Arkansas native, and it very well could end up that way, but I think the fight deserves more than a 5 second analysis.

A lot of fans tend to underrate Jermain Taylor. Maybe it's because he was an HBO darling for so long. Perhaps they didn't like the decisions he got against Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright. Or maybe they just have no faith in him to really win it.

That's all fair, but as we find out so very often in this sport, every fight is special, so I think it's a mistake to believe that Abraham is just going to flatten him because Carl Froch (pictured taking a right hand from Taylor) and Kelly Pavlik have done so in the past.

One thing that stood out to me when I took my first look at this fight is the fact that the conventional opponents Taylor has had the most trouble with were all his height. Froch, Pavlik and Hopkins are all 6' or a little better. Abraham is listed at 5'10. Usually I'm hesitant to put too much stock into a couple of inches, but in this case I think they can be significant factors in the match-up.

Those other guys were able to reach Taylor with shots when he thought he was out of range. With Abraham, he actually will be safe at that distance because of the extra inches in height and reach. That half a step back he's been criticized for will actually be an asset here, in my view.

Having watched all of his televised fights, I can tell you that a shorter, orthodox fighter who isn't likely to apply consistent pressure is right up Taylor's alley. He won't have to think as much, which would help him conserve some of the nervous energy he tends to burn. I feel that he will be more comfortable with this opponent than against any of the other 4.

Another advantage Taylor has going into this one is punch output. While Arthur's defense has proven to be quite reliable, the high guard means his hands are busy. If Taylor has the discipline to use his stick all night (which is easier to do against a shorter, steady target than shifty guys like Hops and Froch), he should be able to keep Abraham's gloves pasted to his face for the majority of the fight. I think it's a pretty sure thing that Jermain will get off first and throw more punches against this guy. That's not to be overlooked.

Neither are his athletic gifts. This will be a rare occasion for Arthur in that he is going up against someone who can match or possibly exceed him in some important physical categories.

Of course, fighting in Germany, where Abraham is dearly loved, isn't going to make pulling off the upset any easier. Those cannon balls in Art's gloves could also erase any good work that has been done. However, I think the equation is slightly more difficult than "Abraham's heavy hands + Taylor's chin and stamina = Arthur by KO", and I believe we'll see that when they step into the ring.

Given his history it would be kind of amazing to see Jermain Taylor in the finals of this awesome tournament, but don't count him out just yet. He's got the tools to make things very interesting. Any way you look at it, he's the most proven fighter out of the bunch, which makes me wonder why so many are picking him to fall apart, and not Ward or Dirrell, who have never come close to competing on this level.

His next fight will either temporarily silence Taylor's critics, or it'll just be another big fight "he could have won". We'll find out which, October 17.

e-mail Lee Payton Read more!