Kessler is an agressive outside fighter. Bute is a master SP counterpuncher with better than average defense vs standup fighters like Kessler(and Im a K2 fan, so I like the style). Kessler will find himself countered by a MUCH stronger fighter than Ward is, and will be hurt, go into attack mode and get caught by an UC on the inside and KTFO. Period!
I think it is a close fight.. I believe that the Kessler who fought Beyer and Andrade would have beaten Bute.. But i see it as a close fight (maybe slightly in Bute's favor..)
Bute would win a close UD in a really good fight , bute ability to fight on the back foot would be the difference
It's raining explanations, OP... Bute late TKO. Bute will work Kessler's body a LOT with hooks & uppercuts as he makes the Dane miss big rights, and Kessler will have lost his legs and ability to go beyond a slow 1-2 by the 10th or 11th. Expect a couple flurries or waiting sessions by Bute (so he times the liver shot..?) and Kessler is out by the final bell. Kessler is not as explosive, not as quick throwing dead precise rights as he was 5-6 years ago. Bute is still in his prime IMO, and he can hurt pretty much anybody at 168. Speed and elusiveness (is that a word?) is what he'll have trouble with... (Ward anyone?) ...but not with past-prime Kessler, no.
A couple of weeks ago I voted Bute UD, but Kessler is pissing me off with his mouth so I want a KO now.
