Kessler's Demands

[eagle]

Now it seems strange to me that many are calling Kessler scared when he may be the most courageous fighter around.
Wins title for the first time, so instead of taking an easy first defense goes after dangerous challenger Mundine in Mundines hometown.
Then he is willing to put up all hos three hard earned belts to fight Joe Calzaghe in Wales. I mean he could have kept hold of the belts, dodged Joe and been champ for years. Instead he tried to prove he was the best by fighting the recognised champ in his backyard. Hardly the move of a coward.

Now he backs out of a fight with a guy he'd beat everyday and twice on sunday and he is a coward? Bit harsh, especially seeing noone really knows the reason behind it.

[thewhale]

Well I just read an Interview with Kessler, (its in danish) he says there is a good change he will be ranked as the official contender to Mundines WBA "title".

Mundine has already had 3 voulentary defenses against handpicked opponents and will be force to make an offical titeldefense, they will not accept Sam soliman again.

Kessler think that a belt is more important than Miranda , and states that we has no problem by facing Miranda later on.

They hope it will be in Denmark but Kessler see no problem in going down under once more if nessesary.

[WelshDevilRob]

18-03-2008

If everything goes according to the plan, my next opponent is going to be Edison Miranda 30 (KO 26) + lost 2 (KO 1). The exact date and place is still to be announced.

I have seen a few of his fights and besides being a good boxer he has got a great fighter mentality. After my opinion he has only lost one fight as he was robbed against Arthur Abraham in Germany.
I'm really looking forward to fight again even though it's a short notice.

My plan is to set up a camp in USA to get some new inputs and to acclimatise, but for now nothing is sure.
I'm really looking forward to box in the states again and even though it's far from little Denmark, I know that I will feel great.

Mikkel Kessler


Source: http://www.mikkelkessler.com/default.asp?language=enuk#
--------------------

So what changed, Mikkel?

[eagle]

Well I just read an Interview with Kessler, (its in danish) he says there is a good change he will be ranked as the official contender to Mundines WBA "title".

Mundine has already had 3 voulentary defenses against handpicked opponents and will be force to make an offical titeldefense, they will not accept Sam soliman again.

Kessler think that a belt is more important than Miranda , and states that we has no problem by facing Miranda later on.

They hope it will be in Denmark but Kessler see no problem in going down under once more if nessesary.

I hope this is the reason why. I think a Kessler v Mundine match now would be a lot closer than the first fight, especially if it is down under again.
Mundine has a big name in oz and Kess oculd make millions by fighting here, much more than the 400,000 offered to fight Miranda.

[Deanrw]

Well I just read an Interview with Kessler, (its in danish) he says there is a good change he will be ranked as the official contender to Mundines WBA "title".

Mundine has already had 3 voulentary defenses against handpicked opponents and will be force to make an offical titeldefense, they will not accept Sam soliman again.

Kessler think that a belt is more important than Miranda , and states that we has no problem by facing Miranda later on.

They hope it will be in Denmark but Kessler see no problem in going down under once more if nessesary.

Kessler is the one that stated he wanted a high profile fight on American soil. If a junior alphabet title is what he seeks, against an opponent he has already beaten, to me it still adds up to avoiding the unknown in Miranda.
It is all rinse and repeat crap to me.

[CutMeMick]

Well I just read an Interview with Kessler, (its in danish) he says there is a good change he will be ranked as the official contender to Mundines WBA "title".

Mundine has already had 3 voulentary defenses against handpicked opponents and will be force to make an offical titeldefense, they will not accept Sam soliman again.

Kessler think that a belt is more important than Miranda , and states that we has no problem by facing Miranda later on.

They hope it will be in Denmark but Kessler see no problem in going down under once more if nessesary.

Miranda is the one that stated he wanted a high profile fight on American soil. If a junior alphabet title is what he seeks, against an opponent he has already beaten, to me it still adds up to avoiding the unknown in Miranda.
It is all rinse and repeat crap to me.

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

[Deanrw]

Well I just read an Interview with Kessler, (its in danish) he says there is a good change he will be ranked as the official contender to Mundines WBA "title".

Mundine has already had 3 voulentary defenses against handpicked opponents and will be force to make an offical titeldefense, they will not accept Sam soliman again.

Kessler think that a belt is more important than Miranda , and states that we has no problem by facing Miranda later on.

They hope it will be in Denmark but Kessler see no problem in going down under once more if nessesary.

Miranda is the one that stated he wanted a high profile fight on American soil. If a junior alphabet title is what he seeks, against an opponent he has already beaten, to me it still adds up to avoiding the unknown in Miranda.
It is all rinse and repeat crap to me.

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

[CutMeMick]

Miranda is the one that stated he wanted a high profile fight on American soil. If a junior alphabet title is what he seeks, against an opponent he has already beaten, to me it still adds up to avoiding the unknown in Miranda.
It is all rinse and repeat crap to me.

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

What do you mean about it being a junior title.
The WBA became the WBA after the NYSC and the NBA joined.
It's argueably the more recognized as far as history goes.

[Deanrw]

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

What do you mean about it being a junior title.
The WBA became the WBA after the NYSC and the NBA joined.
It's argueably the more recognized as far as history goes.

I meant it by Joe is still recognized as the WBA super champ, and Mundine is the WBA world champ. While Joe has the title, Mundine's is meaningless.

[Lance Uppercut]

What do you mean about it being a junior title.
The WBA became the WBA after the NYSC and the NBA joined.
It's argueably the more recognized as far as history goes.

The WBA "regular" title is absolute garbage, and it is a joke to even refer to it as a title.

[eagle]

Miranda is the one that stated he wanted a high profile fight on American soil. If a junior alphabet title is what he seeks, against an opponent he has already beaten, to me it still adds up to avoiding the unknown in Miranda.
It is all rinse and repeat crap to me.

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

How is it the safer route when Mundine is arguably the better fighter than Pantera?

[CutMeMick]

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

How is it the safer route when Mundine is arguably the better fighter than Pantera?

I'm trying to figure that out myself.

[Deanrw]

So what your saying is that to you it means more if Kess fought Miranda who just got his feet wet in the SMW with 2 decent wins over Porras and Banks.
Over Kess fighting Mundine who holds a piece of the crown with the WBA belt. Who's working on his 4th defense and at least is a stable SMW fighter who holds a lot more ground the Miranda.

You can't blame Kess for wanting to regain a title. You just can't I could see if Kess opted out to fight Jaidon or Jesse Brinkley. Then I see what you mean but calling this a rinse and repeat is over the top the guy just lost a fight and is going after a title holder what's wrong with that?

This whole mess has left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean Kessler came to the States looking for a high profile fight. He was offered one against an exciting, brawling, take no prisoners guy. it is not even a real alphabet title but a junior one. To me it just seems like a safer route more than a smart choice.

How is it the safer route when Mundine is arguably the better fighter than Pantera?

So many claim that Mundine is some benchmark while they say that Miranda has beat nobody. Someone find me a guy who Mundine has beat that is an A class fighter. You won't find any. People say Miranda is overrated, OK I accept that, but so is Mundine. The only thing Mundine has going for him is a paper title. At least Miranda has lots of fans stateside, which is what Kessler was looking for, a breakthrough fight in the US.

[THE THIRD MAN]

Now it seems strange to me that many are calling Kessler scared when he may be the most courageous fighter around.
Wins title for the first time, so instead of taking an easy first defense goes after dangerous challenger Mundine in Mundines hometown.
Then he is willing to put up all hos three hard earned belts to fight Joe Calzaghe in Wales. I mean he could have kept hold of the belts, dodged Joe and been champ for years. Instead he tried to prove he was the best by fighting the recognised champ in his backyard. Hardly the move of a coward.

Now he backs out of a fight with a guy he'd beat everyday and twice on sunday and he is a coward? Bit harsh, especially seeing noone really knows the reason behind it.

I hear what you are saying eagle, he lost no credibility losing to Calzaghe in Joe ball's backyard, he needs a strong comeback fight and Miranda is to dangerous a prospect for him with nothing on the line but a ten rounder! I think Kessler is protecting himself and that credibility for as long as he can, if he loses again first up after the Calzaghe fight he is done for as a drawcard in the States for sometime. I think he would beat Miranda too, i guess he has his doubts!

[jangeorg]

Now it seems strange to me that many are calling Kessler scared when he may be the most courageous fighter around.
Wins title for the first time, so instead of taking an easy first defense goes after dangerous challenger Mundine in Mundines hometown.
Then he is willing to put up all hos three hard earned belts to fight Joe Calzaghe in Wales. I mean he could have kept hold of the belts, dodged Joe and been champ for years. Instead he tried to prove he was the best by fighting the recognised champ in his backyard. Hardly the move of a coward.

Now he backs out of a fight with a guy he'd beat everyday and twice on sunday and he is a coward? Bit harsh, especially seeing noone really knows the reason behind it.

The reason is according to team palle



[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']When this fight was trying to be put together for rival network Showtime, Margules sent out press release after press release accusing the Kessler team of being dirty. dishonest and scared of fighting the twice-beaten Miranda. The press releases compared Kessler to a pussycat and accused the man whose only loss in 40 pro bouts was to undefeated legend Joe Calzaghe of wishing to stay in "a cocoon" in his native Denmark. That conveniently ignored the fact that Kessler's first title was in Australia against Tony Mundine and that he willingly went to Wales to fight Calzaghe in front of 50,000 partisan fans. [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']"We called Miranda's bluff," Kessler matchmaker Mogens Palle said Monday night. "We lobbied for Miranda to move up from the Number 6 contender spot to Number 2 so that we could satisfy HBO with a title bout. We were willing to fight Miranda at the Seminole Warriors' own hotel-casino and arena in a non-title, over the weight 10-rounder or a 12-round WBA title bout. [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']"All the while Margules was pumping out demeaning and 100 percent false press releases about us and about Kessler being this meek, little kitten afraid to get into the ring with the big, bad Panther. Never in my wildest dreams did we think that Margules would fold like a cheap umbrella in a windstorm. When we agreed to come to his arena with four neutral, WBA officials and even got clearance on that from the Florida commission, I thought this fight was ready to be signed. So did the HBO people." [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Margules gave the HBO executives the news of Miranda's pullout about 3 pm, EDT. [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']"I am satsified that the HBO folks know that I wanted to fight Miranda, title or non title, on their air June 21. I am in training and I hope that HBO can find someone who is willing to fight me on that specific date. I will fight anyone they put in front of me for the right price."[/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Kessler's agent, Michael Marley, confirmed what Palle said. [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']"It was Mogens and Bettina (Palle, Kessler's manager) who made all the concessions here. It was the Palles who got Kessler accepted as the official WBA challenger. It was the Palles who lobbied for Miranda as a worthy umber 2 challenger behind only Mikkel in the WBA ratings. WBA President Gilberto Mendoza Jr. and his team did everything they could to make this highly-anticipated fight a reality. So did Lou DiBella. At the end, the bitter end, it was Margules who pulled the plug. I guess that's sadly appropriate since it was Leon who kept reneging on the terms and conditions for the Showtime deal. Now he's burned Showtime in one month and HBO in the next. I just wonder if Pantera and his co-managers know what's been going on." [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Finally, Marley asked what the public and media outcry would be if Miranda agreed to come to Denmark and Kessler bowed out. [/FONT]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']"Everyone would be howling and rightfully so," Marley said. "But the shoe is on Miranda's foot and his promoter's foot. Kitten Kessler was ready to come to his house, to blow his house down and give Miranda a sound beating. But Margules just slammed the door in Kessler's face and HBO's face. I hope people keep these facts in mind when you read the next ridiculous press release about how everyone is so afraid of Miranda."[/FONT]