Super Six fight between Andre Dirrell and Arthur Abraham postponed

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 | 7:02 p.m.

A super middleweight bout between Arthur Abraham (31-0) and Andre Dirrell (18-1) for March 6 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., has been postponed to March 27 because of a recent injury to Dirrell’s back.

The bout was to kick off the second round of the Showtime Super Six tournament that started in October 2009.

Dirrell, who was training in Las Vegas when the injury occurred, will be ready to go by March 27, his promoter Gary Shaw said.

“Andre saw a specialist and he is going to be ready to fight on March 27,” Shaw said in a statement. “I know Andre is deeply disappointed about rescheduling, but he is determined to resume training for the super middleweight division’s most compelling fight.”

The Super Six tournament is the first of its kind involving the top super middleweight fighters in the world.

In addition to Abraham and Dirrell, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward are all involved. Jermain Taylor was originally on the lineup as well before withdrawing following a knockout loss to Abraham in the tournament’s first round.

Abraham, who is the current leader following the knockout win, had moved his camp to the United States on Feb. 8 in anticipation of the Dirrell fight.

“Of course, I was disappointed when I first heard of the postponement,” Abraham said. “But I am happy to take on Dirrell on March 27. I want him to be in top shape so that he has no excuses once I am done with him.

“My training has gone very well thus far. I am in great shape, and I will defend my tournament lead against him.”

Froch and Ward trail Abraham with two points apiece while Dirrell and Kessler are still in search of their first tournament win.

The second round will continue after March 27 with a scheduled bout between Kessler and Froch on April 24 in Denmark.

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Also follow him on twitter: LVSunFighting.