Kessler announces his withdrawal at a press conference in Copenhagen

Super-middleweight Mikkel Kessler has withdrawn from the Super Six tournament because of an eye injury.

The WBC world champion was due to fight American Allan Green next month.

"The eye problem has bothered me since the beginning of the Super Six in my preparation for the bout against Andre Ward [on 22 Novemeber]," said Kessler.

"I've been advised to take a break so the problem can heal. I've been assured it will heal completely and that I'll be back in the ring next year."

The 31-year-old Dane, who defeated Englishman Carl Froch in April to take the world title, added: "This is the most disappointing moment of my boxing career.

606: DEBATE Another blow for the competition, Bute to step in? SteviebeeJ

"After defeating Carl Froch, I was on the way to winning the tournament, so pulling out now really hurts."

One round of group stage fights remain in the tournament before the semi-final and then final stage, during which Froch had hoped to face Kessler again in a bid to avenge the unanimous decision defeat in Denmark.

Froch and Kessler had been level on two points apiece in the race for one of four semi-final spots.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version