Mikkel Kessler vs. Carl Froch II

Last time, Kessler took Froch's WBC 168lb belt in a close battle.

Now they each have a different one to feed the kitty: Kessler the WBA ("regular") and Froch the IBF.

Between them, Kessler and Froch have already participated in three super middleweight unification bouts. Kessler took Marcus Beyer's WBC by knockout to combine it with his WBA, and eventually lost both to longtime WBO champ Joe Calzaghe. Froch, after regaining the WBC as Kessler was stripped due to inactivity with an eye injury, had it yoked to Andre Ward's WBA.

Since they last met, Kessler is 3-0 (3) with a pit stop at light heavyweight and Froch 4-1 (2).

At stake along with the hardware is the right to call oneself the #2 super middleweight behind Andre Ward, and perhaps the opportunity for either man to rematch & avenge their loss to Ward for a complete unification. (as usual, nobody really gives a **** about the WBO)

 

I had it 115-113 Kessler last time, same as Guido Cavalleri.

Judges are not yet announced for the rematch.

 

See, I think Kessler had been slipping from 2008-2010 (looking his absolute worst ever in '09 against Perdomo and Ward) but has since improved to nearly 2007 form - albeit radically changing his game in the process - after returning from the eye injury and gelling with new trainer Jimmy Montoya.

Froch was actually his first opponent under Montoya, and they had some kinks to work out in his style...similar to how Wladimir Klitschko and Emanuel Steward wasn't an instant recipe for success, given the loss to Brewster their first time working together. From Bouadla onward (after surgery) Kessler has managed to downplay his fading strengths and showcase the new tricks he's learned, with a more varied offensive arsenal than ever before. His trademark 1-2 isn't what it was in his prime, but he's incorporated hooks, uppercuts, and body shots in a way his previous coaches failed to imagine.

His defense is subtly different as well, to accommodate the wear of age on his ability to infinitely shell and circle without muscle fatigue setting into his limbs, and needing to break the mold of the high guard to put out shots other than jabs and crosses. I won't say it's necessarily better than it was in his prime, as someone will surely be quick to point out Allan Green dropping him, but it's still effective and it's less stiff in that classic European manner than it was.

Froch is also in excellent form given how easily he destroyed Bute and Mack. His combination of blunt power and finishing instincts (as outlined here: http://www.boxingforum24.com/showthread.php?t=405072) are second to none in the division. He too has been on an upward bent of late and may be in even better nick than he was 3 years ago.

Either way, no excuses. Both are in top shape and will give their all.

 

Kessler says on Facebook that Jimmy Montoya arrives Wednesday to begin work.

That's an eleven week (and change) training camp!

Froch has already started his!!!


Warriors. :respect :boxx:boxer

 

Early odds:

Froch 2/3
Kessler 9/5
Draw 28/1
Over 9.5 rounds 1/3
Under 9.5 rounds 9/4

:think