Johnny Nelson wonders if Mikkel Kessler can handle the new Carl Froch

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson believed Mikkel Kessler deserves to be favourite to beat Carl Frochin their rematch, but having seen them both close-up, he will not be backing the Dane...

We've seen Kessler in the flesh and his face was clean, and clear. Not a mark on him. That means he has controlled his sparring partners. He's had Nathan Cleverly, George Groves and others and there is not a mark on his face and remember they want to spar with him so there should be the odd mark there! Kessler though, assured me, that sparring went to plan. I did think Kessler would stop Carl, because Carl's last few performances were a bit more gung-ho, more reckless and he was too easy to hit. I thought 'if he goes in against Kessler like that, he'll be beaten again'. And I saw Kessler working on a particular shot in training and Carl was open to it and that all fitted in with my thoughts. But now I am sure of one thing; that Froch is going to level the score. I don't think there will be a third fight but this will be enough for us, I am sure. Kessler should be expecting a better, improved Froch and a fearsome, fit guy trying to take him out. I am not sure either is going to go mad early on but sooner or later they will end up in another brawl. That suits Kessler down the ground but this time I think the ground is where he is going. I could see Kessler winning this with a knockout but now the tables have turned. Sorry Mikkel, but it's Carl all the way, probably getting the stoppage in the last quarter of the fight.