“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 want to do it again.
The highly anticipated rematch has been talked about since Froch ripped the IBF title away from the previously unbeaten Lucian Bute in five rounds in May last year. A routine third round victory over Yusaf Mack followed for ‘The Cobra’ in December, while Kessler stopped Brain Magee to claim WBA honours (Andre Ward had previously been promoted to WBA ‘Super’ Champion).
But the negotiations hit a snag early this year when the IBF insisted Froch take on number one contender Adonis Stevenson,
with the governing body going so far as to schedule purse bids for January 19th. To complicate matters further, Lucian Bute’s team suggested that the Canadian based Romanian intended to enforce his rematch clause with Froch following his somewhat lacklustre points victory over Denis Grachev.
But Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn weaved his magic and reached an agreement with Sauerland Promotions (Kessler’s Promoter) at the 11th hour to secure the rematch everyone wanted to see.
Many casual sports fans have asked me what to expect, and I answer the same every time: expect an all out war! Put simply, there is no possible way that these two can produce anything else other than a slugfest like the one three years ago. In Denmark, Kessler started at a blistering pace, while Froch took a few rounds to get going. This time I expect Froch, buoyed by the home support, to start much quicker, and put pressure on the Dane from the outset.
While Froch has improved since their last encounter, Kessler has perhaps slipped a little, and he may not be the same man who walked to the ring three years ago. He was dropped and hurt badly by contender Allen Green last year, but did look back to his scintillating best by stopping Magee to win the WBA title in December.
That said, I fully expect Froch to prevail on May 25th. He is full of confidence, is technically a better fighter than three years ago, and will have 17,000 fans roaring him on to success. The safe bet is for Froch to win a close and competitive decision over twelve gruelling rounds, but I have a sneaky suspicion the Brit can force a late stoppage to cement himself as the second best fighter at 168lbs, behind only Andre Ward.
Frock - Kessler sells out in 3 hours
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