We look back at five of the 'Viking Warrior's' defining fights
Friday 31 March 2017 13:17, UK
Mikkel Kessler is making a comeback, so here's a little reminder of what the 'Viking Warrior' did first time around. And that means more than take on Carl Froch twice...
The super-middleweight division just didn't do unification fights, until Kessler took on Beyer. Not since the second fight between Nigel Benn (WBC) and Chris Eubank (WBO) 13 years earlier had two belts been on the line. Kessler had home soil and the WBA title, while Beyer made the short trip from Germany with the WBC belt.
It took Kessler just three rounds to become the unified champion. His power came to the fore, with a simple combination putting Beyer down, but the German could not beat the count. The 'Viking Warrior' announced himself to the boxing world.
Kessler made a successful defence of his two belts before taking another brave step, agreeing to take on the unbeaten slickster and WBO boss, Joe Calzaghe, in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. A crowd of over 50,000 set a new European indoor arena record, but it was the Welsh wizard who was going to steal the show.
Kessler made a typically fast and furious start but Calzaghe's countering saw the Dane hit the canvas in the second, although it was ruled a slip. The Dane had his moments but was ultimately out-boxed as the home fighter closed out a surprisingly comfortable 117-111, 116-112, 116-112 win - and shattered Kessler's unbeaten record.
The Super Six tournament brought the best super-middleweights in the world together and Kessler was one of the three European 168lbs flying their flags with pride after he regained the WBA belt which has been vacated by Calzaghe.
Kessler though got what turned out to be the worst draw, in the shape of Andre Ward, who brought an emerging reputation but no title with him. It turned out to be an ugly brawl with the pair clashing heads continually and he suffered an 11th round stoppage defeat after suffering a bad cut.
Kessler's next foe would be Carl Froch, who still remains synonymous with his career. The British WBC title holder had beaten Andre Dirrell on a close split decision and had to travel to Herning, Denmark, for the second Super Six showdown, with the home hero looking to return to winning ways.
Froch's trip was severely delayed by a volcanic eruption and his shortened preparation set the tone for the fight that saw Kessler triumph. After a cautious and cagey start, Froch did show flashes of his usual aggression, but Kessler finished strongly to seal a unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 117-111) that saw him win a world title for a third time.
Kessler was still suffering from the eye injury he suffered against Ward and was out for a year after withdrawing from the Super Six. But it wasn't long before he regained the WBA and after months of talk, the 'Viking Warrior' agreed to take the rematch with Froch, topping the bill at a crackling O2 in London. And it did not disappoint.
This time, Froch had Kessler in all sorts of trouble in the opening three rounds but somehow he weathered the storm. Both men stood and traded blows but in the final third of a 12-round classic, Kessler was edged out. He needed a knockout and briefly hurt Froch in a barnstorming final round as each fighter was left battered and bruised with their respect cemented. An unforgettable night and Kessler suggesting a decider... on an island.
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!