WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch finally arrived in Denmark on Wednesday afternoon to take on Danish national hero Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler in their eagerly-anticipated Super Six World Boxing Classic Group Stage 2 meeting this Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT same-day coverage).
Froch´s delayed arrival – he was unable to fly in yesterday due to “private reasons” – has seen a whole country wondering about the real reasons for the hold-up. Whatever the delay was about, the Cobra arrived in style on Wednesday, flying into Flensburg Airport with a private jet that also carried his model girlfriend Rachael Cordingley and trainer Robert McCracken. Not only was his arrival covered live by Danish TV as well as the country´s leading webpages – Team Sauerland had also arranged for Danish racing legend John Nielsen to pick Froch up.
“I am here to knock Mikkel Kessler out,” the Cobra said when leaving the jet. “He has never been in the ring with someone like me.”
Nielsen, who famously won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1990, took Froch and his girlfriend to a nearby race course where the Cobra drove two fast laps before being taken to MCH Herning to participate in the official press conference. “I like fast cars and I really enjoyed the ride,” Froch said. “I am here to take care of business, knock Mikkel out and take my belt back home.”
The Froch-Kessler fight has been front page news in Denmark for weeks, and there were dozens of media members in attendance to watch today´s face-to-face meeting. “I am in great shape,” the Viking Warrior said. “I am glad Carl made it here in good time so that I can knock him out. I have worked very hard with Jimmy Montoya. I am faster, better and stronger than ever. Saturday will be the biggest fight of my life and believe me, I am ready.”
After spending the better part of the last six days as Froch´s personal travel agent, Kalle Sauerland said he was eager for Mikkel to take revenge on Saturday night. “Froch got himself the biggest upgrade in history – from Ryanair to private air. He got a big reception at the airport but now the fun part is over. There is even more dust waiting for him – no Volcanic dust but ring dust when Mikkel knocks him out.”
Mick Hennessy believes the outcome will be different. “Carl Froch is the best super middleweight fighter on this planet,” he said. “He is the undisputed, undefeated, reigning WBC Champion. He is 26-0 with 20 KOs. He has won on the road before and he will do it again on Saturday. Mikkel has never fought a fighter as good as the Cobra.”
QUOTES:
Mikkel Kessler: “I have had great preparation and I am ready. It was not the real Mikkel Kessler in the ring against Andre Ward. I have learned my lesson. In life, you have to bounce back from defeats, you have to get back up. That is what I am about to do. This fight means everything to me. There is a lot of pressure but that is no problem. I need a win. And I will get a win – I will get the first three points in the Super Six tournament.”
Jimmy Montoya: “Mikkel is in great shape. The Cobra will be in for a hell of a night and a hell of a fight. Mikkel is just too skilled and too powerful for him. And we have not seen the best of Mikkel yet. I expect a clear win on Saturday night.”
Kalle Sauerland: “This is the biggest fight in Danish history. Mikkel has become a mean fighting machine – he has learned from Oakland. He is like a wild animal. He is hungry for success, hungry for a victory over Froch. With 10,000 enthusiastic Danish fans behind him, he will knock Froch out. After all the trouble the Cobra has given me in the last days, I cannot wait for Mikkel to take revenge on Saturday night.”
Carl Froch: “Not sure if you have seen the news but Saturday’s planned trip had to be cancelled, due to the volcano erupting. The flight was OK but the landing was the roughest ever and me and Rob have been arguing over who was the most worried. I am here now and ready to defend my WBC title in style.”
Rob McCracken: “As always Carl has prepared in the same way, Mikkel is a very good fighter and I have been watching him fight for years, but Carl is a different type of fighter and has beaten three very good fighters on the spin, he hardly took any punches in the Dirrell fight. He is sharp, fresh and been training hard and he is here to defend his title.”
Mick Hennessy: “Carl’s representing the UK on the highest stage of all and I know he will make everyone in the United Kingdom very proud come Saturday night. This is a great fight and it is certainly one not to be missed.”
