C Froch v M Kessler 24/04/2010

[clarke9]

Any boxing fans got any views on this fight the odds are very tight as these two fighters are very close in my opinion and obviously the bookies as well.

I can see this been a classic as both fighter like to stand toe to toe and rarely take a step backwards.

I really think froch will lift his game tonight though and will get the decision on points. Your views please!

[U4EA]

Looking forward to this one a lot, which I dont usually say very often about modern-day boxing. This is the fight Froch has always wanted. He wants to stop Kessler because Calzaghe didn't.

I've always thought that Kessler was a really good fighter, but a bit over-rated by most - a lot of his reputation was built on the his performance against Calzaghe, who built a lot of his reputation on dismantling Lacy, who built his reputation on beating B or C-level guys who should have never been in the ring with him in the first place. He's basically a boxer, leaning towards boxer-puncher. Froch is more of a slugger. He lacks the angles, speed, footwork and general finesse needed to be a stylist, and relies on a top-drawer chin, excellent conditioning, ridiculous self-confidence and decent power to win.

Froch did well vs Pascal, struggled badly with Taylor and looked pretty clueless against Dirrell. Kessler is more seasoned than both Taylor and Pascal (both in their 1st title fight) and doesn't have the size and stamina problems of Taylor. Kessler wants a world title again, and he will go into this fight totally professional. Kessler can box and punch and his only real weakness is faster guys such as Ward and Calzaghe, and speed is an attribute Froch lacks. If he plays it right and stays away from Froch's home-run right uppercuts and overhands, I think he should be able to power-box him to win by UD or maybe a late stoppage.

Win or lose, Froch has got Abraham next, which won't be a good night for him. He will try to trade with him and get put to sleep IMO. I think the same thing will happen when he fights Allan Green.

[clarke9]

Great post that i think Calzaghe was a lot better then some people think he was to be honest he just did not get to many super fights so people still doubt he was the real deal, his ability to change his style for each opponent though was something you dont see very often. Kessler looked very good in the Calzaghe fight and as you say his career seems to centre around that one fight, what froch has though is lots of power and thats why this should be a great fight.

I was dissapointed with Froch in the Dirrell fight and once Direll stoped running away he looked to have the measure of Froch and looks a very good fighter cant beat a bit of speed eh.

Next week Mayweather v Mosely as well which should be another great fight.

[U4EA]

Great post that i think Calzaghe was a lot better then some people think he was to be honest he just did not get to many super fights so people still doubt he was the real deal, his ability to change his style for each opponent though was something you dont see very often. Kessler looked very good in the Calzaghe fight and as you say his career seems to centre around that one fight, what froch has though is lots of power and thats why this should be a great fight.

I was dissapointed with Froch in the Dirrell fight and once Direll stoped running away he looked to have the measure of Froch and looks a very good fighter cant beat a bit of speed eh.

Next week Mayweather v Mosely as well which should be another great fight.

Calzaghe was a good boxer for sure but, IMO, too many fighters these days that are considered "great" you would probably be fringe contenders in previous eras such as the 60s and before. I find it absurd how a fighter that decides to fight in a way that uses some smarts, footwork etc is immediately considered exceptional. I think in previous eras, Kessler would be considered a fringe contender, Froch wouldn't be top 30 because he is simply far too crude, easy to hit and one-dimensional.

BTW I am not sold on Froch's power at all. He can definitely dig a bit but a lot of his damaging shots come from him loading up, which is something Kessler will use against him if he fights a good fight.

Dirrell beat Froch but didn't get the decision. Looking at how he handled Abraham, I think it's safe to say he has grown a lot since the Froch fight. In the Froch fight, he fought as an elusive boxer. Big mistake - he should have fought as a boxer-puncher. Had he done so, I don't think there is anyway he would not have been awarded the decision and he would probably have found the fight easier. If the two rematch, I think Dirrell will completely wipe the floor with him.

[U4EA]

[clarke9]

Brilliant fight could have gone either way and i would expect froch to beat kessler if they ever fight again. Froch will learn a lot from that fight the defeat will make him have a good look at some of the things he should not be doing. The scoring of the fight was very questionable 117-111 how on earth can that be. Could have watched another 12 rounds of that though credit to both fighters just wish they where having a rematch over here next.

[U4EA]

Froch wont learn much from this fight. He's always the same, fights the same. his limitations are his motor skills, speed etc. Those things can't be gotten around. I doubt he could have fought better than he did. But, anyway, Abraham will possibly end his career I think.

BTW what odds were the books offering on Kessler? I think it's time I grew up and started gambling.

[clarke9]

4/5 ish which was spot on really, there was a point in the fight where Froch got on top but then instead of putting the pressure on decided to do a bit of showboating if he had kept putting the pressure on we might have seen a different result. I know one thing that division really is wide open and how i would have loved to see calzaghe in the competition.
Looking forward to Mayweather now and then hopefully pac man v mayweather now someone needs to make that fight happen.

[U4EA]

What do you reckon they will have Abraham at? Honestly, I think he is going to murder Froch.

[U4EA]

Here is the latest installment of 'Fight Camp 360'. It has been an exellent series, really well produced. This one focuses mainly on the Froch/Kessler fight.

(hoping this displays OK)

Edit:

OK, it didnt display due to country restrictions. However, you can get it here...

http://sports.sho.com/browse/videos.html?sport=boxing