Kessler vs McCllelan

Kessler by UD.

 

I like Kessler's outside game in this one. Plus, Kessler was defensively pretty good and would resist getting dragged into slugfest. He had a toughess too him as well that would serve him well against a brutal puncher like the GMan. I could see Gman having success early with his aggression but Kessler was pretty good about sticking to a game plan and would surely want to be in control of space. He had the tools to do just that.

 

Im with you. I can see McClellan hurting Kessler, but putting him away? I don’t think so, no.

 

I can't get the Allan Green fight out of my head, but to be fair that wasn't a prime Kessler.

 

Kessler destroyed Green with that left hook. Honestly, that was the most aggressive I have ever seen Kessler. He did get caught in the first round but it was all Kessler after that.

 

It is hard to evaluate McClellan based on the brain damage that likely pre-existed his tragic fight with Nigel Benn. (A fight he was actually winning in spite of suffering from a subdural hematoma) But, I think the fully matured version of McClellan that showed up between 1991 and 1993 beats any version of Kessler. People seem to act as if McClellan was just some kind of limited banger. But Emmanuel Steward has said that McClellan was the most talented fighter he ever worked with. Considering the multiple champions Steward worked with, that is really high praise. He obviously has a few mental lapses early in his career losing to a couple guys he shouldn't have. But, the version of McClellan that took the title from Julian Jackson was a beast!

 

Good point Bert! I think he certainly was comprised when he entered the ring against Benn. I remember the stories about him getting hurt by jabs in sparring leading up to that fight. I like both Gman and Kessler almost equally but I give the stylistic edge to Kessler. Both guys were hof talents but fall short on the accomplishment side.

The irony is both men were damaged by the sport. I know Kessler was plagued by headaches after his wars with Froch and Ward. He was never the same after the Super six tournament.

 

I wouldn’t call it exactly ironic to get damaged competing as a Boxer.

 

I just meant that both men suffered injuries that ended their careers with Gman's obviously far more severe. I hope Kessler is doing well in retirement. I remember reading that he had a number of headache issues after the 2nd Froch fight.

 

Sad business.

 

That it is. Hardly any one gets out with any money. Most have long term injuries.

 

Agreed.

 

Kessler is all wrong for McClellan he's a sound technical boxer with good durability and anytime McClellan was extended into the 2nd half of a fight he lost Milton, Ward, Benn, etc.

And since this fight would be taking place at Super Middleweight and McClellan is 0-1 at that weight I'm even more confident in saying Kessler by UD.

 

I'm pretty sure he said the same thing about Andy Lee.