Mikkel Kessler Out Of Super Six Due To Injury

Sauerland promotions informed the media on Wednesday that current WBC Super Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler will not be facing Allan Green as the “Viking Warrior” has sustained a eye injury. His scheduled title defense against Allan Green in Herning, Denmark on September 25 has been officially canceled. The official prognoses is that Kessler’s left eye is suffering from a weak oblique muscle.

“This is the most disappointing moment of my boxing career,” Kessler said. “After defeating Carl Froch, I was on the way to win the tournament, so pulling out now really hurts. The eye problem has bothered me since the beginning of the Super Six in my preparation for the bout against Andre Ward. It also bothered me in the fights against Ward and Froch, and in my training for the fight against Green it has become unbearable. I have consulted leading experts in Denmark and Germany and they have advised me to take a break from boxing so that the problem can heal. I have been assured that it will heal completely and that I will be back in the ring next year. As a fair sportsman, I do not want to delay the Super Six, which is still the best thing that has happened to boxing for a long time. I wish my fellow contestants the best of luck – may the best man win. I will be there to fight the winner in 2011.”

This is a huge blow for the Super Six tournament as well as to fans who were looking towards the potential fireworks between Green and Kessler. Showtime sports executive Vice President Ken Hershman commented on the situation, “I commend Mikkel Kessler for his decision. He has made a wise choice in light of his doctors’ recommendations and he is showing tremendous respect for his fellow competitors and for the tournament format itself. We will publicly address how this turn of events affects the tournament in the coming days. I assure you we will make the best of this scenario. In fact, I have been aware of Mikkel’s situation for a few days and I have a vision for how we can proceed that will enhance the excitement of the tournament. First, I must have some internal discussions but mark my words, the drama of the Super Six will be unrelenting and we will crown a champion in the early part of 2011.”

It seems that both Hershamn and Kessler’s Promoter Kalle Sauerland share the same view, with the German based promoter commenting that Kessler did “absolutely the right thing,” and “was left with no choice.” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer did make some interesting comments, adding that the WBC might make Kessler champion emeritus in order to ensure that a fight between himself and the interim champion is ready to be made once Kessler recovers from injury.

Highly-reputed eye specialist Professor Dr. med Gerhard Lang, who is the Director of the Eye Hospital at Universitätsklinikum Ulm and also served as the 2010 World Ophthalmology Congress President, examined Kessler and believes a proper rest is all the “Viking Warrior” needs. “Mikkel said he has been bothered by problems with his vision during the fights against Ward and Froch as well as in the training in the build-up to these fights. There is a weakness of the superior oblique muscle of his left eye. To continue boxing, the muscle needs a proper rest, meaning no fighting or sparring for nine months. After this break, a complete recovery is expected.”