Thread: Kessler - When does his MIA status and lack of quality opponents affect his ranking?

Although Kessler is most famous for his loss against Calzaghe, he hasn't fought any real competition since that fight. Before that fight, his biggest wins were over Andrade, Beyer, and Mundine. Good wins, but he hasn't won a big fight since March of 2007 and his most recent opponents, Haussler and Sartison are European level club fighters at best. Coupled with the fact he is marred in a promotional dispute and hasn't fought in six months, Kessler's career is in a downward spiral. However, he is still ranked #1 by Ring Magazine.

Bute's wins are not quite as good, but are comparable (Andrade, Bika, Zuniga, and Berrio), and he has never lost a fight. Froch just travelled to the United States to fight Jermain Taylor and Librado Andrade won against Tyspko.

When will Kessler drop in your rankings?

He's #3 for me. 1 and 2 just agreed to fight each other in Nottingham. Kessler did little before the Calzaghe fight, and has done little since. Don't get me wrong, I was still impressed with him, but he became #1 by default and I think both Bute and Froch have actively done more to deserve their spots.

He should be dropped. He hasn't fought a quality opponent since 2007.

You can't leave a marquee spot to somebody when he is inactive and when other very good boxers are busting their ass off to prove things. No matter how good he is, he has to prove his value. As much as I love Vitali K. for example, he should never e-v-e-r have received something as dubious as champion emeritus when he was off for 3 years, good ranking is not only all about raw talent but also how hard you work to deserve it, how you bust your ass off for the boxing scene and somebody who's doing jack and shi* doesn't deserve such.

Originally Posted by Lance Uppercut

He should be dropped. He hasn't fought a quality opponent since 2007.

Agree

The promotional dispute is preventing him from fighting? If so, he should get a pass.

Originally Posted by Fenster

The promotional dispute is preventing him from fighting? If so, he should get a pass.

It's not just that. He hasn't won a big-time fight since 2007 and his last two opponents have been below-average fighters. Additionally, he hasn't fought in six months and nothing is on the horizon. Meanwhile, everyone else in the division has been busy.

It sucks that Kess is caught up in this legal battle. Palle is a ruthless piece of shit. I guess we should be thankful that Mikkel has kept going along with things so far against his will as it'd be terrible to see another Mads Larsen situation. This pointless WBA madatory goes to purse bid at the end of July so he'll be fighting Perdomo (who?) next, whilst Palle still insists he has upto 2 more fights after that to fulfil his contract.

Part of me agrees that he should be dropped from the number 1 spot, behind Froch and Bute. They're both more active, fighting the higher calibre opponents and they're free to take on any bouts at their will. But then on the flip side, when I imagine either of those fighters going up against Kess I can't see them giving him a problem. Froch would get whipped by Kessler imo, and Bute would most probably fall late in the fight.

I never thought of it that way! I always believed Kessler is the best in the division, but he has to prove it to hold that rating. I'm really upset about his opposition lately. He must've taken that Calzaghe loss a lot harder than we all thought. He needs to get a bunch of "tune-ups" out of the way so his confidence is completely back.

Joe Calzaghe said he wants to promote him

a bit ironic for Froch if it happens ........

Froch vs Kessler with Calzaghe in Kessler's corner!

Originally Posted by pacman79

Joe Calzaghe said he wants to promote him

a bit ironic for Froch if it happens ........

Froch vs Kessler with Calzaghe in Kessler's corner!

What Joe Calzaghe should do is fight him again!

Right now I would say Kessler is 3rd in the division. Bute is the best along with Froch as number 2. While Dirrell and Ward are knocking on the door.

Originally Posted by "The L.A. Earthquake"

Right now I would say Kessler is 3rd in the division. Bute is the best along with Froch as number 2. While Dirrell and Ward are knocking on the door.

This is spot on for me. Bute is more established as a champion than Froch right now, so he's in the #1 position.

When Kessler turned pro in the late 90's he signed a contract with Mogens Palle, because at that time (and now) he was the only major player in Denmark who could build up Kesslers career.
Mogens Palle however is a ruthless C***, who always writes in an insurance policy in his contracts with his fighters, to make sure they don't walk out on him.
The terms have been different, but the outline pretty much the same:
If the fighter breaks the contract with Palle, he will suffer a quarantine from fighting (usually 2 years, only starting when the fighter is no longer ranked in any of the federations), and cannot sign with another promoter until after the quarantine.
This is exactly what happened to Mads Larsen. He walked out on Palle, had to do the time, and is now struggling to get back on top, while he wasted his prime in quarantine.

So for the young fighters in Denmark, you're pretty much screwed, 'cause there is only Palle, and if you don't like his terms, well... Don't sign the contract, and don't get any fights....

So.....
All this crap about Kessler should do this or that.....
Well, he is effectively at Palles mercy now.
Their contract gives Palle the promoting rights for Kesslers next 3 voluntary defenses of the WBA-strap, and if Kessler doesn't like the opposition, well, then he can walk....
-Right into the quarantine stated in the contract he signed himself....

The only hope for Kessler is, that Palle is tired of this circus as well, and will accept a single sum from Kessler (and maybe a future promoter), thus buying him out of the contract.
With the money Kessler has earned over the years, I guess he could pay a decent amount, and Kessler does represent a good investment for any promoter

Originally Posted by pacman79

Joe Calzaghe said he wants to promote him

a bit ironic for Froch if it happens ........

Froch vs Kessler with Calzaghe in Kessler's corner!

In all truth Calzaghe couldnt organise a piss up in the pub, his latest show in wales was cancelled because of the lack of intrest, Calzaghe couldnt promote Kessler, i really cant see Calzaghe doing much in the promotional buisiness if im honest maybe on a welsh level but not even on a british level.