against either Lucian Bute or Andre Ward but neither fight does anyone involved any favours. The manner of victory in each of the first fights suggest that a rematch would offer very little change in the outcome.
Froch annihilated the much fancied Bute in 5 one-sided rounds. The naturalised Canadian fighter offered nothing during the bout and a rematch would appear to be little more than a payday for each man. A rematch of the Super Six final against Andre Ward is equally as unappealing. Ward handed Carl a comprehensive boxing lesson that night, (despite what some of the judges thought) and he did it with a damaged hand. I'm afraid it would be more of the same were the two men to meet again.
As a result the Kessler fight is the one that most sensible people are excited to see. Their first fight in Denmark was a nail-biter and could have easily gone either way. For what it's worth, I think Froch will win this one handily but it will be one of the events of 2013.
Amir Khan began 2012 surrounded by rumours of dissatisfaction with trainer Freddie Roach. This came to a head as Khan was knocked out in July by Danny Garcia. The defeat led to Khan dispensing with the services of Roach and joining up with Andre Ward's acclaimed coach Virgil Hunter.
Bold claims were made about how Hunter would rebuild Khan as a fighter and make him more ring-savvy.
It is far too early to say whether or not Hunter has had an effect on Khan. All the noises ahead of Khan's December fight with Carlos Molina were that Hunter was teaching Amir in a way that Roach hadn't.
In fairness to Freddie Roach the things that Khan claimed he'd learnt under Virgil Hunter were the same things I had heard Freddie Roach say to Amir on countless occasions. Khan clearly didn't listen then so what has changed?
Amir looked OK against Molina but let's call a spade a spade. Molina is a blown up lightweight with no noted punching power. The test will come when Khan faces a real banger and gets hit for the first time. I'm not entirely convinced that even Virgil Hunter will be able to help him when that comes to pass.
You'll travel a long way in boxing to find someone who has a bad word to say about Ricky Burns. One of boxing's nicest protagonists and exceptionally talented to boot.
Burns celebrates after defeating Mitchell
19 the nuthouse
Khan is knocked out by Garcia