BERLIN, October 14, 2009 (AFP) - United States fighter Jermain Taylor on Wednesday rubbished Super Six opponent Arthur Abraham ahead of their Saturday clash.

More than 14,000 fans are expected at Berlin's O2 Arena when the two former champions square off as the Super Six tournament begins in the German capital.

Taylor, who lost to WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch in April, added fuel to the fire here by questioning Abraham's class.

"There is nothing special about him. He has some power and I know he will be prepared to do battle, (but he is) just a normal fighter," said Taylor.

"I would not rank him at the top with some of the other fighters I have fought."

But ex-IBF middleweight champion Abraham, who returned his belt to step up to super middleweight, chose to wait until Saturday night before fighting back.

"He can say what he likes. I am sure he will have a different opinion once I have caught him for the first time," he said.

"I really look forward to Saturday. This is a special fight, the first of many big fights in the Super Six tournament. I am ready and prepared and cannot wait to get in the ring with Taylor."

Taylor, 31, dismissed the popularity of Abraham in his own adopted town, having been born in Armenia.

"I have been in Berlin for about a week and a lot of people have come up to me on the street and let me know they will be cheering for me," said Taylor.

"There a lot who want him to lose. I don't think that everybody likes him."

Abraham is using the Super Six as a springboard to bigger things in the United States and the 29-year-old wants some big money fights as he aims to win the overall title.

"I want to be a star in America and the Super Six tournament will help me to accomplish my goals. I am thrilled to get started," he said.