Carl Froch 'very close' to agreeing Mikkel Kessler rematch

Carl Froch 'very close' to agreeing Mikkel Kessler rematch www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/20962213 A rematch between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler is "very close" to being agreed for May at London's O2 Arena. Nottingham's three-time world super-middleweight champion Froch was outpointed by Kessler in 2010. And according to a source in Froch's camp he is prepared to relinquish his IBF title in order to make a return match with his Danish rival happen. The IBF has ordered Froch to defend his title against Canadian Adonis Stevenson or be stripped of the belt. Both parties were invited to negotiate and 15 January imposed as the deadline. If at that time the parties are unable to reach an agreement a purse bid will be held. However, Froch's camp are hopeful a deal with Kessler can be done before then. Kessler, 33, is the WBA's 'world' champion which ostensibly would give Froch, 35, the chance to become a four-time world champion. However, American Andre Ward is the WBA's 'super' champion, meaning Froch-Kessler II would not be for a world title in the strictest sense. The news that Froch-Kessler II is close to being agreed suggests Lucian Bute, who was destroyed by Froch in May, has opted not to trigger the rematch clause in his contract.