Many fighters when younger start in a lower division until they find where they are going to settle. Kessler was a settled established SMW, with several SMW world title victories to his credit. Once again though, you have made comments that you cannot back up. How was MW tougher than SMW at that time? In fact since SMW has been established, it seems to overall have been tougher than MW, for the most part. Anyway lets see you duck another question
I dont think it has that much affect as most view Kessler and Lacy as better more respected champs. Ottke had so many disputable decisions and Calzaghe did better against all common opponents