With the April 14 th. WBO championship fight against Stieglitz off, Sauerland now confirms, that his fight on May 19 th. will not be against The Dane-slayer Brian Magee who has rejected what is considered a career high payday of up to 1.000.000 $. Sauerland state on danish media that Kessler will instead be moving up to LH for his next fight having had negotiations with both the camps of Tavoris Cloud and Beibut Shumenov, gunning for a fight with the winner of Dawson/Hopkins. As much as I want Kessler to have all the succes possible, I see him as a pin point SM and not a LH considering both physsical build and history of injuries. Wouldn´t it make more sense to aim for that last big SM payday, and then hang ´em up while the integrity and health is still reasonable, rather than milking it for the sake of keeping Sauerland happy?
I have to agree. I like Kessler alot and think you are spot on. I dont blame Magee for turning down the fight with Kessler as it is a risky fight for Brian who wants the WBA regular title, though think its a good fight with Magee travelling and beating Larsen and Markussen. I would like to have seen Kessler/Steiglitz. I felt that was a tougher fight then many think, but a win would have been good for Kessler with another title. Then Kessler could push for a Ward rematch away from Joakland, where he could hope for fairer treatment
This is probably the last year we see Kessler as a pro. Inactivty mixed with consistent injuries at this point in his career usually signify retirement is next. Glad I got to see him at his peak, felt like it ended faster than it should have for him.
Its sad that this is what it has come to, his peak years seem to be less talked about than his slip from supremacy and his demise into injuries and inactivity. I hope he does the right thing and retires before he becomes a name on lesser fighters resume like Cloud and Shumanov (At this point he might beat Shumanov but im really not sure about Cloud).
I agree. I think he could win the fight, but the question for me is more if moving towards fights like these is actually winning. By the looks of it nothing i actually decided as of now, since promotor Pat Magee now states they are still considering the Sauerland offer.
Thats once again how I see it. Kessler has made his name at SMW where he has fought the whos who and has a very good win resume (in my opinion the best SMW resume of any active SMW). I think Kessler beating Steiglitz is a better win than beating Cloud. Im sure many will disagree because Cloud is known in America but I think Steiglitz is the win that could lead to more for Kessler in a division where he already has a good name
the best choice for Kessler is to stay at 168 and fight Stieglitz for now,a very winnable bout for him moving up to LH would be dangerous for his health, considering his eyes problems But he does move up, I think it would not be such a good idea to fight Cloud because Cloud can punch and is relentless, whereas Kessler is neither mobile/elusive enough to avoid getting hit and not powerful enough to intimidate Cloud - I genuinely think fighting Cloud could worsen his eye problem
Kesslers footwork isnt what it once was. He used to have better footwork and good combinations but they havent been there now for a few fights
I'm alright, how about you? Don't worry I'm not far, I still read your threads with great interest mate:happy
yes, the footwork, I was also thinking about head movements, that was obvious in the Froch fight, Froch is not exactly lightning fast but he was landing flush and with regularity on Kessler's face - imagine what a puncher like Cloud could do