Does Mikkel Kessler Have a chance of being a great?

Just curious.

 

I don't think so as he looks about done. He'll probably be remembered as a great "near man" maybe.

For what it's worth, he is possibly the best wins/opponent for three very noteworthy fighters: Ward, Calzaghe, and Froch.

And of course, in better days, he beat Froch. We'll see.

 

Kessler is basically retired and living the life with his girlfriend and new born baby in Monte Carlo.
I would be surprised if he returned.He was a terrific fan friendly fighter and a legitimate nice guy but eye problems are an issue and he may not wish to jeopardise his future unless it's a huge payday.

 

Would the two of you guys at least say that he's one of the best super middle weights of all time, for whatever that's worth, given the division's rather short existence?

 

Sure, especially if people are going to rank Froch as one of the best. I think Kessler should be considered above him or on the level at the very least.

 

He should by rights be on the IBHOF ballot in 2019 and inducted by the early 20's, but as much of a fan as I am, I can't in good conscience say he should be a Great with a capital G.

 

The man is tough.. Has a good record. A fair number of title fight wins and regional and minor titles. Beat some good opponents. Was never stopped and only beaten by elite men. I suppose his resume doesn't quite cut hall of fame standards, but wow what a career.

 

Yeah, he's been a good fighter.


Nothing more, nothing less.

 

kessler is a solid guy but light years away from being a considered a great. the ibhof is already a joke imo. if kessler got in, you might as well automatically put in anyone that's ever won a belt.

 

Kessler was on the verge of being great when he was still unbeaten going into the Calzaghe fight

then he had a second chance at being great entering the super 6 as the favorite and got ousted

then he had a 3rd chance vs Froch post tourney and came up short again

just kind of the tale of a guy on the fringe

 

Wrong, he is better than many inductees as well as most dime a dozen belt holders.

We are in agreement that he is quite far away from the ATG conversation, but he should 100% get in the Hall and be a credit to it.

 

Good boxer not great

 

You forgot to add "very".

 

great? jesus that word is overused. Hes had, what, 3 or 4 top fights and lost most of those... greatness has fallen on sad days.

 

As has already been mentioned, Kessler is basically retired. It will take a huge purse to lure him back - but the days when he could produce something special in the ring are long gone. He's unlikely to come back and do anything, that will bring him closer to the Hall. And as his resume stands right now, I find it hard to believe he'll ever get on the ballot - let alone get inducted.