by David P. Greisman
John Scully (Carl Froch): “I think Kessler’s going to put up a stand, but I’m going to go with Froch by decision. At this stage, he’s just a better fighter, mentally especially. I think he’s on a high. I think he feels like he did probably the best anybody’s done against [Andre] Ward. It’s funny to say that, but being the best of the losers has given him confidence, I think. I’ve read some things where he’s alluded to that. I think he’s looking to a Ward fight, that he thinks he can do better, but he has to win this first.”
Sam Garcia (Froch): “I got Froch in this one. I think he’s got a little bit more leftin the tank. Kessler’s been through a lot, with surgeries and time off. Carl Froch is a beast. He’s got this mentality, he’s named the ‘Cobra.’ He’s fearless, he’s tough, and you know he’s going to give 100 percent. He’s always hungry to prove. He’s always got this kind of arrogance about him, but it’s almost like a charming arrogance, because you want to see if he can back it up. I think he can. I think he’s tough enough. It was a really close decision last time. I think he gets this one by decision, and they fight a third time.”
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (Froch): “If they’re fighting in England, Carl Froch. He’s got the hometown crowd. He normally rises to the occasion. He wins by decision.”
Ronnie Shields (Froch): “That’s a good fight. I think Froch wins this time. Froch is confident now because he won the world title. I think he’s going to be a different fighter than when they fought the first time. Kessler, the first time they fought, I think Kessler was really, really on top of his game. Now I think the roles are going to be reversed. I think Froch is going to be the more confident fighter, because he came out and won the title. I think he’s going to be too much for Kessler. I pick Froch by unanimous decision.”
David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com
