By Edward Chaykovsky
IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch (29-2, 21KOs) is eager to get a rematch with WBC silver light heavyweight king Mikkel Kessler (45-2, 34KOs), who decisioned the Nottingham star in April 2010. Their fight took place in Kessler's backyard of Denmark and Froch says the Danish superstar promised to face him in Nottingham when the day came.
After Saturday's five round demolition of previously undefeated Lucian Bute, Froch is looking to avenge his two career defeats, which came to Kessler and Andre Ward, and Kessler is the first target on that list.
"The fight with Mikkel Kessler is the fight that I really want because its a great fight for the television and the fans because of the way our styles gel together. That's very much on my radar for the short term," Froch told BBC Sport.
"Mikkel Kessler is like David Beckham in Denmark. He's massive, he's a hero and rightfully so. He's a fantastic fighter and a great man. I'm actually quite friendly with Mikkel Kessler. My mum is as well, she really likes him. I boxed Mikkel Kessler on his homeground and the deal was, like that deal between me and Mikkel, a gentleman's deal, that he would fight me back at home when the time's right. He's a honorable man and hopfully he honors his word and comes over to Nottingham."
Froch's promoter, Eddie Hearn, would like to stage such a fight in a Nottingham stadium on September date.
"In an ideal world, Carl Froch would meet Mikkel Kessler in a large outdoor arena in September. I see no reason why the match should not happen. There is a lot of money involved, it's a great battle, and this is a world title fight," said Hearn.
"We have two venues in Nottingham, where we can have 20 to 30,000 spectators. British boxing fans are raving about Carl Froch after last Saturday, so I am sure that we can fill a stadium."