Mikkel Kessler v. Winky Wright at 168 - who wins and why?

Wright was a great 154 pounder, but above that weight, he's extremely limited. At middleweight, his fights with Jermain Taylor and Sam Soliman prove this. At 170, he looked flabby, slower, sloppy, and his stamina wasn't great. His legs aren't what they once were as he simply comes forward now with little variation in his movement. His defense is far less effective against bigger opponents who can simply punch through the guard.

Take Mikkel Kessler who is a great super middleweight H2H. He was beaten by another southpaw in Joe Calzaghe, who bears no stylistic resemblance to Wright. Calzaghe was a nightmare for Kessler. Wright is a field day for him.

Wright would be outjabbed and outgunned. In the center of the ring, Kessler would have a huge advantage. Winky's best assets would be negated by Kessler's sense of distance and jab. Unlike Jermain Taylor, Kessler doesn't back straight up into the ropes with his hands down, so Wright would find virtually no success. As the fight progresses, Kessler would be landing more and busting Wright up. After a good beating, Wright's corner throws in the towel or he is stopped on his feet - perhaps after being knocked down once or twice.

 

100% agree.

 

Kessler is my favourite - but i think Winky is the guy who can give him most trouble possibly. Kessler struggled most when Calzaghe got on the defensive. Still: Winky won't do enough, and Kesslers jab would keep him off balance. UD.

 

Good analysis, although i think you're underrating Winky a bit.