WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Mikkel will make his eagerly awaited debut on SHOWTIME earlier than expected. The Viking Warrior´s mandatory title defence against Gusmyl Perdomo will be featured on a special Saturday primetime edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, on SHOWTIME, Sept. 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT (same day tape delay). “That is great news,” said the Viking Warrior. “It is a big honour for me that SHOWTIME will show this fight in the US.”

Kessler will soon be a regular guest on SHOWTIME thanks to his participation in the upcoming Super Six World Boxing Classic. The 30-year-old is slated to face undefeated 2004 Olympic Games gold medallist Andre "S.O.G." Ward on November 21 in the first group stage of the talent-laden super-middleweight tournament.

Added Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer: “Mikkel is one of the most exciting and most spectacular fighters in boxing. We are pleased to help him get the international exposure he deserves.”