By Michele Emrick
Mikkel Kessler and Carl Froch will have a rematch of their classic battle from 2010. In that fight, contested during the Super Six World Boxing Classic, Kessler was victorious by unanimous decision.
Although the exact date and venue have yet to be determined, it will take place in Froch’s home country of England. The announcement was made by Froch’s promoter Matchroom Sport and Kessler’s promoter, Sauerland Event concurred.
Froch says “this is the fight that I want more than anything in the world.”
Kessler says Tuesday, “I don’t care where we fight — I said anytime, anywhere.”
Mikkel Kessler is the WBA super middleweight champ, having won 46 of his 48 fights as a professional. Carl Froch has won 30 of 32 and is currently the champion for the IBF.
Even though both men had other options available to them, this appeared to be the one they were most interested in.
Photo: Getty Images
“First and foremost, I’m really pleased the fight has finally been arranged,” Froch said. “I feared that Kessler had second thoughts about his promise, but the man has come good on his word.”
Said Kessler, “I promised Carl we would meet again and here we are, getting ready to leave it all in the ring for a second time. I have the utmost of respect for Carl. I feel we are very much alike. He is a great champion, a true warrior that has fought the best opponents all over the world in some of the most hostile places, just like me. Our first fight, especially the last round, showed what we are all about and I was anxious to do it again.”
Most likely, this fight will be a title unification bout. However, Carl Froch is still awaiting clearance from the IBF who had ordered him to face mandatory challenger Adonis Stevenson. In most cases, the IBF grants unification bouts. If they decide not to allow it, Froch would likely vacate his title and fight just for Mikkel Kessler’s.
