Kessler Wants No Part Of Froch Rematch

By Boxing News - 01/08/2013 - Comments

kessler5456 (2)By John Dimeck: It is becoming increasingly clear that WBA super middleweight titlist Mikel Kessler wants nothing to do with a rematch with Carl Froch.

Froch, the IBF beltholder, lost a narrow and controversial decision to Kessler in the Dane’s home country during the super six tournament a couple of years ago, and has been looking to put the record straight as his stellar career has flourished on both sides of the Atlantic.

In their first encounter, Kessler’s windmilling style had the home crowd making a lot of noise, but if you watch the fight again you can see that a very high percentage of those swings did not land, and even ones that did were often ineffective due to Froch’s slippy, elusive defense.

Kalle Sauerland (Kessler’s promoter) is a cunning character, and he knew enough to ensure that the fight was in Denmark. The way Sauerland jumped into the ring jubilantly celebrating before the scores were even announced was a little fishy, and little things like that, and a noisy crowd cheering all those missed, windmilling shots were enough to sway the judges and give Kessler the nod.

It’s obvious Kessler knows how tough that night was on him, and it’s no wonder he is not responding to Eddie Hearn’s (Froch’s promoter) offer of great money to try and do the same thing in Froch’s native England; he won’t have the crowd and he’ll be facing a fired up Froch who just does not tire, and will be aiming for his third straight stoppage in front of his appreciating audience.

They like their boxing in England, and that’s why Hearn has tabled Kessler a massive 2 million pound offer ($3.2M USD) to rumble again, this time in the UK.

Whatever you think of him, Froch has set a great example to other fighters with his willingness to take on the best, home and away. In his last 10 or so fights he has compiled a very impressive resume, the only exception being the American Yusaf Mack who talked a good game but was out of there in less than three rounds. Prior to that Froch demolished the previously unbeaten Canadian Lucian Bute in less than 5. He probably wonders why he did not schedule those two on the same night!

If Kessler chickens out, as looks likely, (Sauerland are not responding to the Hearns offer) then it looks like another tough Canadian will be in line for a bout with the cobra.

Adonis Stevenson is the IBF mandatory. This is a fighter who has been avoided by other wannabe’s in the division. There was an up and comer a few years ago, something Dirrell (I cannot remember the first name,) who wanted some big fights at 168, but has since been completely inactive, withdrawing from a fight with the powerful Montreal banger and maybe deciding on a different career. Either way, nobody knows what he’s doing these days, (he is not fighting) but Stevenson, like Froch, is. That will be a good one between two guys who like to fight, want to make some money and will take on anyone anywhere. Unlike boxers who try to weasel their way into the limelight by sitting at home and talking a lot, these guys are giving boxing fans what they want, and that is why Froch has so many followers and everyone is talking a lot about him. (There is a writer on here produces articles on Froch about 5 times a week, which I am sure Froch appreciated in his early days, but now he is big news it’s easy to find stuff about the tough Brit all over the web).

If Kessler takes the challenge, I see Froch being too determined and fired up. With no volcanic ash cloud to hinder his preparations the Nottingham man will likely get the viking worrier (not a typo) out of there in about 8 rounds.

If it’s Stevenson it will be fireworks from the first bell, and I’d say he’ll last about 6 before a doctor is shining a light in his eyes.

After that fight Froch can take an easy American like Pavlik before rematching Ward in Nottingham and retiring with all the belts. (If Ward is up for it). If you want to see guys hugging each other, running fast or talking a lot but doing nothing, then Froch won’t be your favourite. But hardcore boxing fans will be tuned into the cobra’s next few fights, they’re always great to watch.



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