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.
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.
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