If Mikkel Kessler was handled by Americans, would he be any more popular?

Obviously yes.

He's a basic fighter, but a pretty good one..

 

Kesslers main problem, which many people in here fail to grasp, is that he grew up in Denmark, which is a very small country with only one major promoter: Mogens Palle.

When Kessler turned pro in the late 90's he signed a contract with Mogens Palle, because at that time (and now) he was the only major player in Denmark who could build up Kesslers career.
Mogens Palle however is a ruthless C***, who always writes in an insurance policy in his contracts with his fighters, to make sure they don't walk out on him.
The terms have been different, but the outline pretty much the same:
If the fighter breaks the contract with Palle, he will suffer a quarantine from fighting (usually 2 years, only starting when the fighter is no longer ranked in any of the federations), and cannot sign with another promoter until after the quarantine.
This is exactly what happened to Mads Larsen. He walked out on Palle, had to do the time, and is now struggling to get back on top, while he wasted his prime in quarantine.

So for the young fighters in Denmark, you're pretty much screwed, 'cause there is only Palle, and if you don't like his terms, well... Don't sign the contract, and don't get any fights....

So.....
All this crap about Kessler should do this or that.....
Well, he is effectively at Palles mercy now.
Their contract gives Palle the promoting rights for Kesslers next 3 voluntary defenses of the WBA-strap, and if Kessler doesn't like the opposition, well, then he can walk....
-Right into the quarantine stated in the contract he signed himself....

The only hope for Kessler is, that Palle is tired of this circus as well, and will accept a single sum from Kessler (and maybe a future promoter), thus buying him out of the contract.
With the money Kessler has earned over the years, I guess he could pay a decent amount, and Kessler does represent a good investment for any promoter...

 

I don't think the thread starter was giving Kessler any crap, only his handlers. In other words, I think you're in agreement.

It is a real shame that Palle seems to have no interest in having his fighter reach his potential. The further irony is that he could probably make good money on Kessler with a fulltime move to the U.S. If Taylor beats Froch, they should be all over that. If they'd played their cards right at all, they'd be fighting Taylor in the U.S. already for decent money.

Anyway, I don't think anyone's blaming Kessler. I think it's pretty well known that he's being screwed by Palle.

 

I feel sorry for Kessler because his prime years have been wasted since the Calzaghe fight. Since that lost he could have fought Winky, Bute and J.Taylor by now.

 

i agree...what the hell are they waiting on. they are wasting a very talented fighter's best years.

 

That is what I don't really understand about Palle.

He is interested in money, and Kessler is his only moneymaker. So he takes these soft touch opposition for no risk and moderate reward in Denmark.

But if he took more of a gamble on a bigger fight he'd be getting a share of a much larger pie. Not only that, but even if he lost he'd be on the world stage, I'm sure he wouldn't lose his popularity in his native Denmark.

In other words, Palle is a stupid illogical ****.

 

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Kesslers two opponents since Calzaghe were both picked by the WBA - one for the vacant belt, the other a mandatory.
I know that most people think ABC belts are bull****, but if Kessler wanted one he's fought who he's had to.
His next fight is going to be an important measure of how he's being handled.

 

I believe he has untill the end of June.

 

Oh of course!!!! Because every good American fighter is on HBO and is SOOO loved...

 

not in europe though

but overall yes.

 

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