I think there is considerable misunderstanding about why people pick Kessler to stop Froch. No one is trying to say Mikkell is an all time great, and even his most ardent fans will openly admit it's more than bit early to nominate him for the IBHOF. When I look at Froch's last two wins I simply must conclude that both were more a matter of the opponent losing than Froch winning. Taylor wasn't smart enough to clinch in the final round. Earlier in the fight he was not smart enough to consistently follow up the work he did with his left with big right hands. Had he simply clinched in the final round, he would have easily burned up 14 seconds and got the win. Earlier in the fight had he consistently followed up with right hands, he would have stopped Froch inside 10 rounds. Froch/Dirrell was one of the worst "world title" fights I have ever seen. I've seen better fights in the parking lot of our local biker bar. Dirrell doesn't fall down quite as well as Froch stumbles around, so Froch got the win. Dirrell simply did not do enough to take a title in the title holders home town. Neither fighter looked world class. Kessler/Froch is all about styles, skill, and speed. A decent boxer/puncher with a good chin, decent speed, a bit of pop, and the ability to think on his feet, will terrorize Froch. Kessler meets or exceeds the criteria in every area.
It's doesn't matter what happens in the Kessler/Ward fight....the fact is that Kessler is gonna beat the brakes off Froch