This Is Why The Super 6 Is Such A Great Idea

I think most all boxing fans were excited about the Super 6 when it began. I think most would agree that what has followed has not been exactly best case scenario. There have been controversial referees and scorecards, a fighter dropping out, delays, venue changes and a disqualification. Tonight's fight along with the Dirrell- Abraham fight showed what makes this tournament truly unique and why all the fighters who enter should get a lot of credit for the amount of risk involved. The way the Dirrell-AA fight ended overshadowed a brilliant performance by Dirrell, an underdog against an undefeated champion. Tonight's fight took the theme of Dirrell-Abraham and Froch and Kessler went to war in an old fashioned fight that most boxing fans will agree was the year's best. What it comes down to is that in both Dirrell and Kessler's cases they were faced with the unfortunate reality of the tournament structure and the fact that a Loss would most likely spell the end of their progress in the tourney, and also a terrible blow to their career prospects. How many times nowadays does a fighter coming off a loss step right back into the ring with a undefeated champion with so much to lose? With no easy fight in between. With nowhere to go but forward? The Super 6 puts these guys backs against the wall and faces them to buckle down and literally fight for their boxing life. In both Kessler and Dirrell's case they were able to use this to motivate themselves to put on career defining performances under the greatest pressure a fighter can face. As I said it was a shame the way Dirrell-Abraham ended as it put a black eye on this tournament that could have been further bruised by another bizarre or controversial ending. Tonight Kessler, Froch, the ref, the judges, Showtime and everyone else involved finally got it right. All credit to Mikkel Kessler for being willing to dig so deep and prove to everyone why this tournament is such a great idea for the sport.

Comments (17)

It also turned out to be a great exposure for all of them. Just look at what this could have done for Dawson's career. Are you implying that Dawson could have participated? Or just pointing out what happens to guys who dont have compelling opposition? I dont think Dawson can fight at 168 and it's not his fault that 175 is a dead division. I think that fighting Pascal is the best thing for him and boxing fans at this point.

16y ago

Antonio

This idea was brilliant. The last three fights really turned it into something special. The whole structure of this tourny from the home field advantages, to the point system, to the round robin are all perfect. This is was what happens when boxing works together. If not for this tourny AA/Froch and Dirrell/Ward would have been impossible, and now we'll probably see both a month apart. They couldn't have scripted the matchups out any better. It also turned out to be a great exposure for all of them. Just look at what this could have done for Dawson's career.

16y ago

Hitman932

Super 6 has been a complete success in my eyes. Your never going to get away with some wacky things happening in the ring and some bad decisions. But look at how packed the stadiums have been for these fights. In Europa the super 6 is building future boxing fans probably more than ever. Not only that but people know who Dirrell and Ward and the other guys are now. Not only has it introduced the talents of Ward and Dirrell to a worldwide audience but I believe it has forced them to mature and improve at an exponential rate. I don't think either guy would be anywhere close to where he is today if they had continued fighting the type of opponents that they had previously faced.

16y ago

AddiX

Super 6 has been a complete success in my eyes. Your never going to get away with some wacky things happening in the ring and some bad decisions. But look at how packed the stadiums have been for these fights. In Europa the super 6 is building future boxing fans probably more than ever. Not only that but people know who Dirrell and Ward and the other guys are now. People are really into it, it's a shame it doesnt get more press in the U.S., but **** it. Careers are going to be built off this and it will push for more tournys like it. Not only that but when the tourny is done, there is still going to be a lot of good fights and rematch's within the division. I can't stress how happy I am to see 20 thousand people filling stands in Europe for these fights. In Germany for the Abraham - Taylor fight the entire crowd stood up and clapped for Taylor. I've been very impressed with everything so far.

16y ago

Hitman932

Good fight, slightly sad to watch as a Froch fan, but that last round was very exciting. I actually thought that the first 3 rounds would determine the fight, but IMO Froch won at least one of them yet Kessler still stayed strong and pulled it out. Looking forward to the next round. Imagine how crazy the final round fights would be if Green upsets Ward and 5 guys are tied with 2 points?

16y ago

Hitman932

Good post and I agree with you that this is the best fight so far this year In the next round we will now see Kessler, Froch and Dirrell all fighting desperately for advancement as they will all be tied with 2 points going in. If Green somehow beats Ward then things will just get nuts.

16y ago

stefl14

Good post and I agree with you that this is the best fight so far this year

16y ago

Fish_Scotland

Its great set up,the only problem here in the UK is the coverage is shit (Primetime). No exposure whatsoever on a channel tucked away in obscurity so it won't reach your average armchair boxing fan.

16y ago

RainMatic

Good points raised here. Its good to see the fights that the super six creates. Also tru about records, its literally ****in stupid the amount of people on here who chat shit about fighters, if they lose. Look at all the threads that popped up tonight lol. You dont like a fighter n hes lost well ****ing done. Talking about these fighters with no respect. If someone doesnt fight a big name hes ducking if he does and beats them, then they were shot. Just strait *** shit, too many dick riders and not enough boxing fans.

16y ago

Pullcounter7451

it was a good fight. there should be more tournaments in boxing

16y ago

Allucard

That was the same Kessler as the one who fought Ward. The difference was that he had the crowd to boost his confidence and that he wasn't being headbutted. Also, Froch and Ward are totally different fighters. Ward is faster, more intelligent and versatile. Froch hits harder and has heavy hands and longer reach. But Froch is also allot more open to strikes than any of the others.

16y ago

Allucard

This was a good candidate for FOTY...I told people that Mikkel has just had some problems with southpaws, he was not shot like a lot of people claim. This just made Andre Ward's stock raise that much further... no doubt a lot of Froch fans will be upset... The way Kessler rallied in the end made me smile. I was very happy for him. That's heart right there.

16y ago

street_bully

Waiting for Froch to be formally alimented by Abraham.

16y ago

Hitman932

The question really is would Kessler have been able to step it up to this level again if he had 9 months off, fought a bum, then took 6 months off and fought for a title (after losing to Ward) ? I just don't think so. So in a way the Super 6 has forced Kessler to uncover the best version of himself.

16y ago

Baracka_Flocka

I Love the fact that all of these undefeated fighters are putting their records on the line 3 fights in a row against live and threatening opposition. Somewhere in the last couple years if a person has 3, 2, or even 1 lost people are asking if the person is shot, ruined or even done. Its a sport, it's a good chance you can lose against someone who trains just as hard or you. Let's not leave out an off night. Excellent Idea. Props to the fighters. This helps boxing.

16y ago

Marlo_Stanfield

This fight breathed life into the Super 6. It needed a standout fight. Competitive, tough fight.

16y ago

damned1974

16y ago