Associated Press
Colombia’s Edison “Pantera” Miranda, left, lands a punch on Allan Green, of the United States, during their WBA super middleweight boxing bout at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 3, 2007. Miranda won by unanimous decision.
Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 | 5:38 p.m.
The Showtime Super Six World Boxing Classic has officially announced that super middleweight Allan Green (29-1, 20 KO) will replace fellow American fighter Jermain Taylor in its boxing tournament.
Showtime executive vice president Ken Hershman announced Monday that Green will make his tournament debut April 24 against Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KO).
"I always had a feeling I was going to get into the tournament," said Green in a released statement. "I don't think I'm a long shot. I'm one of the best super middleweights in the world and the tournament rules allow me to come in and be in the mix with a chance to advance and ultimately win this thing."
Taylor announced his decision to leave the tournament in January, although the 31-year-old did not go so far as to say he was retiring.
Green, 30, is riding a six-fight win streak and hasn't lost since dropping a unanimous decision to Edison Miranda in March 2007. He's ranked No. 3 in the division by the WBO.
The Showtime Super Six officially kicked off last October and features arguably the top six super middleweight fighters in the world.
Arthur Abraham leads all fighters with three points after knocking out Taylor in the first round. Ward and Carl Froch are close behind with two points apiece, while Andre Dirrell and Mikkel Kessler are still searching for their first tournament wins.
With only one round in the books, Green said he doesn't consider entering the tournament late as a significant disadvantage.
"I just don't see anyone who can beat me," Green said. "I've watched all the fighters over and over. I've studied them, and I know I can beat any of them."
The second round of the tournament will begin officially with a March 27 bout between Arthur and Dirrell in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
An April 24 fight between Froch and Kessler in Herning, Denmark will complete a doubleheader Saturday along with Green's tournament debut against Ward, which will take place in the United States.
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Also follow him on twitter: LVSunFighting.
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