By Phil D. Jay

Four-time heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield has backed Mikkel Kessler (43-2) to get back to his best following a career threatening eye injury that almost kept him from returning to action. The 48 year-old former cruiserweight champion recently fought in Kessler's home country of Denmark, beating Brian Nielson and was quick to praise the former WBC champion’s determination.

“Mikkel Kessler is a great fighter and his fight with Carl Froch was one of the best last year,” Holyfield told boxen.com.

“It was a real pity he had to pull out of the Super-Six Tournament because of this injury.

“Its great that his has come back now. This first fight after an injury is always a special thing and I wish him all the best.”

Kessler, 32, faces Mehdi Boudla (22-3) on June 4th at the Parken in Copenhagen after over a year out of the ring and is hoping a victory over the Frenchman will gain him the opportunity to face IBF champion Lucian Bute towards the end of the year. ‘The Viking Warrior’ then hopes to meet the winner of Showtime’s Super-Six Tournament early next year to crown the best super-middleweight in the world.

Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net