Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler, the two super-middleweight champions are ready for war at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night.
"This is all about revenge," Froch said on Thursday. "Since the first fight with Mikkel Kessler, I've been thinking about the fight and dwelling on the fact that I lost."
Kessler beat Froch on points in Denmark in April 2010, and the two have remained in contact. Froch even sent Kessler advice by text message on how to win his last fight, a three-round stoppage of Northern Ireland's Brian Magee.
However, he says there is a difference between friendship and respect. "There's respect before and after the fight, but not during the fight.
"I like Mikkel and there's no animosity or needle there, so there's no need for trash talk, rolling around on the floor, or a slap in the face. This is a real fight, no hype needed.
"When I'm hitting him in the face, I won't stop until the ref jumps in, his corner throws in the towel or he is left unconscious on the floor. You don't do that to your friends. Mikkel Kessler is not my friend. I'm going to smash him, simple as that."
For Froch, this is bigger than any of his previous 32 fights in a professional career in which he has fought in nine “world” title bouts.
Kessler, whose mother is English, believes Froch has more pressure on him because of the home crowd and his own bold promises.
The 34-year-old Dane will not have many supporters in London, but says fighting at home is a two-edged sword for Froch. "I shook his hand and gave him my word I would fight him in the UK and that's why I'm here," Kessler said.
"I think he will get a lift from the crowd, but he can make some mistakes also. It can work both ways. They will be expecting him to go forward and show his skills, and that is a big pressure on Carl."
