If they fought next month, what chance would Bute have of beating Kessler?

They are of similar ability

I wouldn't say Kessler is amazingly talented, he's just very well schooled, and further in his development than Bute which will be the telling factor if the fight happens soon

He's been in with Andrade and Mundine, and that's before Joe

 

I think Bute could actually win a close decision against Kessler due to his style and southpaw style

 

I mean say peak for peak.

I think that to beat Kessler you have to ruffle him up, take away his wepons and know that you will have to eat some big shots. I just dont think that Bute would take Kessler out of his comfort zone enough to beat him over 12 and I cannot see Mikkel getting KO'd.

 

Indeed. I agree, but to be honest I think that Bute would get picked apart if it is the same Kessler from before the Calzaghe fight.

Bute from what I have seen has very few advantages, a major one is the southpaw stance, however I think that Kessler could time Bute with his jab because he has superior handspeed. I do not see it being a blowout in terms of how the fight pans out but I would not be surprised to see Kessler win a comfotable UD.

 

Which would be a good tactic as Joe hurt Mikkel to the body. I do not see Bute doing enough of that to slow Kessler down enough to beat him I see basically every round being competitive. But Kessler doing enough to win 9/10 of them, off the jab and right hand. Bute needs to keep his gloves up a bit higher up though.

If this fight was announced tomorrow I would pick

Kessler UD 117-111/116-112

 

I gave Bute a somewhat optimistic 35% chance of pulling the upset.

Bute has more upside IMHO than Kessler. A fight scheduled next month would nonetheless result in Kessler winning by decision.

Bute's chances should increase significantly as he goes.

Maybe in 2009 we will talk of a 50/50 chance.

 

I only gave him a 10% chance. But you did put if they fought next month. :good