On a few weeks notice he took a title-shot against Manny Siaca late 2004 and stopped him in 7 rounds.

In his very first title defence he went down under at defeated Mundine.

Then he took on Lucas in Copenhagen.

In his only 3rd defence of his wba title he unified against wbc champ Beyer.

Then he took on undefeated no. 1 challenger Andrade.

In his only 5th title defence Kessler is going to Wales to face Calzaghe.

A champ going abroad 2 out of 5 times is rare - especially when he is facing the Ring's no. 3 and the Ring Champ....abroad........