I'd take Collins at this point by decision in a close fight. He fought terrific comp. Kessler could possibly change my mind. He really needs to place his stamp on this tournament as he is in his absolute prime (both physical and mental as reflected in his ring experience/number of fights). If he doesn't dominate or do well he will take a drastic fall probably to Ottke/Reid level at least. Abraham is essentially the middleweight champ, Taylor looks a bit worn, and the other Americans are still comparatively inexperienced. No excuses will suffice if he gets dropped, stopped, and/or out boxed. Kessler looked good in parts but less than extraordinary overall against both Mundine and Calzaghe. I don't much rate the rest of his opponents. Collins would have looked as good fighting Kessler's comp too. At this point in time, they are not far apart at all. I actually don't expect them to be.
If Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Nigel Benn or Chris Eubank couldn't stop Collins, how the **** could Kessler beat him by TKO or KO?atsch I'll go with Collins by split decision in a very close fight.
Steve Collins was very average and only beat Nigel Benn because he was shot and Eubank/ mentally scared was gun shy when he dropped him in their first fight.
kessler would sharp shoot the **** out of him with straight punches. never has a fighter been given credit like kessler without having done anything. collins is top5 at 168 and kesslers never beaten 1 elite fighter. i think the styles are bad though.