Mikkel Kessler, Andre Ward Feel Pressure

Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward may be adversaries in their upcoming bout for Kessler's WBA supermiddleweight title, but they share at least one thing in common besides being professional boxers.

Both Kessler, from Denmark, and Ward say they feel added pressure going into their Nov. 21 fight slated for The Oracle Arena in Ward's hometown of Oakland, Calif.

Kessler was at ringside in Berlin, Germany, on Oct. 17 as Arthur Abraham (31-0, 24 knockouts) stopped Jermain Taylor (28-4-1, 17 KOs) of Arkansas at 2:54 of the 12th round, after which Ward watched from his training camp as Carl Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) won a split-decision over former Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) before Froch's partisan fans in Nottingham, England.

Both fights were televised on Showtime.

"Of course I feel the pressure, now that Abraham and Froch have won their fights -- but with a 43-fight record - I know all about pressure -- you learn to live with it," said Kessler, who is 42-1 with 32 knockouts.

"The Ward fight is not different from any other fight at this level," Kessler added. "I have my routines, and I know exactly how to deal with pressure. But, of course, a 3-0 European lead would make a statement on the global boxing scene."

Kessler is confident after witnessing the first two events of group stage one. Stage two matchups are comprised of Kessler vs. Froch, Abraham vs. Dirrell and Ward vs. Taylor.

The third stage matches Froch against Abraham, Taylor against Kessler, and Ward against Dirrell, after which the four semifinalists will be determined.

"I think that both fights Saturday night in Berlin and Nottingham showed the great potential of the Super Six. Both Abraham-Taylor and Froch-Dirrell left no doubt why these guys are a part of the Super Six tournament -- they are all great fighters," Kessler said.

"I am really looking forward to enter the tournament now," Kessler said. "My focus is on the fight against Ward Nov. 21. I have a great feeling about that fight and the tournament in general."

Ward expressed concern for Taylor, who was hospitalized with a concussion for two days, and then released.

"It's unfortunate what happened to Jermain. I thought he was fighting well through the first half of the fight. Abraham came on late and started to close the show. I think the punch he got hit with was a technical mistake," said Ward.

"I think he thought Abraham was coming with a looping right hand, the kind of right hand that Abraham was throwing all night. This time he brought it down the middle and Jermain squeezed his gloves together and closed his eyes so he didn't see it," said Ward.

"Nevertheless, it was a great win for Abraham to start off the tournament and the Super Six and I congratulate him. I'm happy that Jermain is up and doing well and happy he's doing better."

A former undisputed middleweight (160) champion, Taylor was released from a Berlin hospital on Monday following a precautionary visit after suffering from concussion-like symptoms following his fight with Abraham.

Taylor has been given clearance by a team of doctors to continue with a planned vacation in Europe, his promoter, Lou DiBella, told FanHouse earlier this week.

"I want thank all of my fans and those concerned and let everyone know I'm doing just fine and feeling good," said Taylor in a prepared statement. "I want to congratulate Arthur Abraham on his victory and wish him well in the tournament. Right now my plans are to relax and enjoy my vacation in Europe with my wife, Erica."

Taylor's camp also expressed gratitude to "the outpouring of support shown by fans around the globe," the statement read.

"All of us at DiBella Entertainment are grateful that Jermain is feeling better after fighting his heart out on Saturday night," said DiBella.

"Jermain showed his warrior spirit after working tirelessly to approach the fight in the finest shape of his career," said DiBella. "Happily, with the doctor's blessing, he has been released from the Hospital and is presently relaxing in Europe. This is the best news we could've received."

Showtime and NFL Films, meanwhile, are embedded into the respective camps of Kessler and Ward as they prepare for the second episode of the reality show FIGHT CAMP 360: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic.

A release date for the second episode is pending.