Froch Promises To Top First Kessler Performance

Carl Froch has promised Mikkel Kessler that their super middleweight rematch at the O2 Arena in London on May 25 will be ‘savage’.

IBF champ Froch’s fight with WBC king Kessler will be shown live on Sky Box Office in the UK and Ireland and also on pay-per-view in the champion’s homeland on ViaSat – as well as HBO in America and over 20 countries in all.

Kessler beat Froch in a titanic tussle in Herning in April 2010, inflicting a first defeat on The Cobra to take the Nottingham star’s WBC title. Froch has vowed to avenge that defeat in style in this unification epic, and said that the second installment of their story will be even more compelling.

“They described our first fight as ‘brutal’ and if I was to forecast one word that will probably describe our rematch, then it will likely be ‘savage’,” said Froch.

“There is going to be a bloody aftermath, because neither of us is going to concede any ground in this one. This fight is gigantic in Denmark and Mikkel has the weight the country on his shoulders.

“During our fight, he dropped a bomb on me, I felt it split my nose – and there was no way I was standing for that, it’s like autopilot, I just hit him with everything I had, he momentarily buckled, but still came forward for more – and that was the story of the entire fight.

“Some of the punches I landed would have sent any lesser fighter’s head into the fifth row. But he just kept coming, walking through the pain barrier again and again. So I need to inflict more damage this time. Be clinical, not brutal.

“The rematch will be the same story during the early rounds – but the ending will be written as it should have been – and it’s an ending that the Dane’s are definitely not going to like – they are going to get the full ruthless Carl Froch experience.”

Kessler and Froch have both bounced back from defeats to Andre Ward in style, and the Dane expects his fans to travel to London in their thousands for the blockbuster night.

“I have the utmost of respect for Carl, I feel we are very much alike,” said Kessler. “He is a great champion, a true warrior that has fought the best opponents all over the world in some of the most hostile places, just like me. Our first fight, especially the last round, showed what we are all about.

“Since April 2010, I have become even stronger. I am fresh, I am healthy and I am ready to defeat him once again. I don´t care where we fight, I said anytime, anywhere! My loyal Viking fans will travel with me wherever this fight will be staged. I plan to make them, as well as everybody else in Denmark, very proud once again. I am ready for war!”

Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn and Kessler’s promoter Kalle Sauerland are delighted to have finalised the details of the mammoth night of boxing in the capital, and he is thrilled to have been part of delivering the fight Froch desperately wanted.

“It says a lot about Carl that he has reached this pivotal moment in his career without gimmicks,” said Hearn. “No pre-conceived stunts, little controversy, he is here because he is a pure fighter. Like a modern day gladiator who entertains his people through the art of pugilism, we should be proud as a country of everything Carl represents.

“What can you expect from this Froch v Kessler II? Watch the first fight, then double the intensity, the brutality, the drama and double Carl’s desire to be victorious in front his home fans.

“It is a fight but also a huge sporting spectacle that will long live in the memory. To bring it to the UK is a dream come true, good luck to both warriors –may the best man win.”

Kalle Sauerland added: “Kessler vs. Froch I was an instant classic, the best fight ever on Danish soil. Kessler vs. Froch II will be even better. Mikkel and Carl are two all-time greats, two future hall-of-famers and they will leave it all in the ring once again.

“We have worked non-stop since Mikkel´s victory over Brian Magee to make this fight happen and give the boxing fans in Denmark, Britain and all over the world what they want to see – a mega-fight that will go down in boxing history.

“Kessler versus Froch, the Viking Warrior versus the Cobra, Copenhagen versus Nottingham, Denmark versus England. This is all about honour, pride and sportsmanship. It´s history in the making! This is what boxing is all about and what boxing needs, two true warriors going toe-to-toe.

“Mikkel has got all the tools, all the power and all the talent. This fight will be remembered for years to come. The Viking Warrior is coming to England for war!”

Tickets will be available from the O2’s website – www.theO2.co.uk – and on 0844 856 0202 costing £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and ringside seats are priced at £500.’

Matchroom Sport will sell exclusive VIP Gold packages at £1,000 available from www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.