How tough is Mikkel Kessler ?

[Orange Sneakers]

That's a pretty damn harsh comparison

It's harsh on Hamed!

Calzaghe has never been in that class

[ßringer]

It's harsh on Hamed!

Calzaghe has never been in that class

Ow, goddamn! Maybe they're one in the same, highly overrated, unproven fighters who've never really beaten anybody of substance. Calzaghe may retire if he loses to Kessler, he's said so himself. So that comparison may just be valid.

[me2007]

I've been watching Calzaghe since 1992 and have downloaded Kessler's world title fights

Really? Which amateur show did you go to to watch him fight?

[Matt Marvelous]

Meh, I think Joey C will beat Kessler by decision. Kessler is a basic fighter, real good, but everything he does is textbook. He's going to look to pick up the pieces of Calzaghe's messes, to put it metaphorically. When Joe opens up a crack, Kessler will want to fill it with fists. If Joe fights smart and aggressive, though, his versatility and experience will win him the fight.

[THe TRiNiTY]

Calzaghe wins this fight. he's faster, has a good beard, more experience, and controls the pace of the fight better than Kessler has. He's also used to the big stage more, which helps, it's in his backyard, and he's the more agile and versatile of the two. Kessler is a bit robotic. I like both, but Calzaghe wins.

[Orange Sneakers]

Really? Which amateur show did you go to to watch him fight?

I watched his wins over Dean Francis and Glenn Catley on BBC Grandstand. I think it was the 1992 ABA's at light-middleweight

His speed and power was awesome

[pesticid]

I don;t know about basic but basic fighters have been doing pretty good as of late. You have Wlad, you have Pavlik, you have Juan Diaz, you have Kessler. I am going with the basic fighter.

[msagrain]

[pesticid]

Oh btw Kessler has more natural talent than all the fighters I listed maybe with Wlad being the exception so I am not even completely sure.

Juan was an easy pick against both Freitas and Julio yet some people said he was basic. Pavlik was a basic fighter against Taylor as well and still is considered to be pretty basic. Wlad, he's been up and down and his comp hasn't been the best.

[Peder]

Just heard they sold 40.000 tickets by now, and full house (63.000) is still expected on fight night.

Yes, Kessler is very tough. I agree with Pesticid – textbook stuff works, that’s why it was written in the first place
I fact, I can’t think of a better way to deal with a guy who fights like Calzaghe. Some argue Calzaghe has been with fighters similar to Kessler, but he has never been with anybody at his level.
Another thing is special; Kessler doesn’t respond much to emotions (unless he's told to by his corner), but uses a game plan all the way. Notice the dialog in Kesslers corner, it’s a one minute sharp conversation and Kessler follows it 100%.
Kessler does it at least as good as Calzaghe, when it comes to building up pace towards the final bell.