Hennessy Boxing: Is Nathan McIntosh Nottingham’s Next World Champ?

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Nathan McIntosh believes he can follow in Carl Froch’s footstep and become Nottingham’s next World Champion.

The 21-year-old has racked up four straight wins since turning pro last year and he will go in search of win number five on the undercard of the Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell Super Six World Boxing Classic bout at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham on Saturday night.

McIntosh had his second pro fight at the same venue last December when Froch won the WBC Super Middleweight title with a thrilling victory over Jean Pascal and McIntosh is expecting more of the same on Saturday.

“I train alongside Carl and I’ve sparred with him as well so he’s been a real inspiration to my career,” revealed McIntosh. “He’s brought Big Time boxing to Nottingham and it’s really helped with my career as well.

“The Trent FM Arena was buzzing the night Carl won the World title and I’m sure it will be the same this weekend and I can’t wait to get in there, do my thing and then be back out in time to watch the main event.”

McIntosh has seen Froch’s rise to the World title and he believes he’s capable of bringing further glory to Nottingham. “I’ve sparred with Carl and I spar with some top pro’s at the Ingles Gym in Sheffield so I know exactly what I’m capable of. I’ve sparred with champions like Kell Brook and Jon Thaxon on a regular basis so I know that I can hold my own with these guys.

“I know it’s still early stages in my career but I just want to keep winning and get myself a title shot as soon as possible. I think I can go all the way to a World title but in the meantime I want to start winning all the other titles on the way through, from the Central Area title, English, Commonwealth, British and European all the way up to World level. I believe I’m capable of that. Hopefully I can get to 10 and 0 at some point next year and then I’ll be ready for a title fight.”

The October 17 bout will be screened live on pay per view in the UK and Ireland on new satellite channel Primetime (Sky channel 480) as part of a knockout Super Six tournament double header from Nottingham and Berlin.

The tournament officially kicks off in Germany when former marquee Middleweight Champs Arthur Abraham and Jermain Taylor clash at The O2 World Arena in Berlin before the action moves to Froch’s hometown and the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham.

To watch the opening night of the Super Six tournament on Primetime (Sky channel 480) call 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland) or see http://www.primetimelive.co.uk. The event is available at a special price of £12.95 until 24 hours before the fight after which it will then increase to £14.95.

Primetime will build up to the event by screening Froch’s previous two world title fights, his twelve round thriller with Jean Pascal to win the WBC title and his sensational final round KO over Jermain Taylor in the U.S. in April. The fights will be broadcast from 7-10pm on Primetime each night leading up to the Super Six tournament double header on October 17.

Primetime will also broadcast FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, a new reality series that will give fight fans unprecedented access into the lives of the Super Six tournament participants.

Tickets for Froch V Dirrell are available from the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham Box Office priced £30, £45, £125 and £250. To purchase tickets call the Box Office on 08444 124 624 or visit www.trentfmarena.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 or via www.hennessysports.com.

For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive videos, photography, expert analysis from Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, and much more please visit www.WorldBoxingClassic.com or visit http://www.hennessysports.com/worldboxingclassic.htm.