Mikkel Kessler Named Mandatory Official Challenger For WBA Super Middleweight Title

[ArawakWarria]

I've said it before and I'll keep repeating it...

Regardless of how one might feel about the boxer, I have a real problem with them getting a title shot immediately after a loss.

If it was a rematch for the title in a hotly disputed decision, or an early stoppage, then definitely. But it would make more sense to let two current winners fight for the vacancy, not just the two available.

[Galaxy]

I agree with the others that Mundine is a tougher fight for Kessler than Miranda. But the think for me is Mundine is supposedly fighting Soliman for a 3rd time at the end of May... what is Kessler doing in the meantime? Hes already been of awhile! It just makes me wonder why Kessler didn't take the fight with Miranda then move onto Mundine next. Kessler must be either hoping to fight instead of Soliman or worse(& I hope its not the case) hoping Mundine is stripped of his alphabet strap so he can get it by default without having to face either Mundine or Miranda.

[thewhale]

I agree with the others that Mundine is a tougher fight for Kessler than Miranda. But the think for me is Mundine is supposedly fighting Soliman for a 3rd time at the end of May... what is Kessler doing in the meantime? Hes already been of awhile! It just makes me wonder why Kessler didn't take the fight with Miranda then move onto Mundine next. Kessler must be either hoping to fight instead of Soliman or worse(& I hope its not the case) hoping Mundine is stripped of his alphabet strap so he can get it by default without having to face either Mundine or Miranda.

Well that is quite simply they dont want Mundine to fight Soliman again, this is from Team Palles website:

Palle says Mundine must defend next again Kessler
or get stripped of WBA
Super Middleweight



Danish matchmaker Mogens Palle said Wednesday that he has checked with the World Boxing Association and has been informed that a May 28 super middleweight title defense by Anthony Mundine against Sam Soliman has not been approved.
“We learned that this ridiculous third bout between the two was announced for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on that date. They held a press conference which attracted little attention. Only five press people showed up,” Palle said. “Nobody cares about that match against a smaller middleweight who Mundine has twice beaten and even knocked down four times.”
Palle, whose daughter Bettina is former WBA-WBC champion Mikkel Kessler’s manager-promoter, said the organization had not even been asked to authorize Mundine-Soliman III.
“Mikkel, who is 39-1 and has only a loss to undefeated Joe Calzaghe, is now the official challenger to Mundine. Mundine won a vacant title in March, 2007, and has now gone 13 months without making a required or mandatory defense. We have asserted our rights and told the WBA we’re ready to make Kessler-Mundine II a reality in the end of May or the start of June.”
In his first defense of the WBA belt, Kessler went to Sydney and outpointed Mundine over 12 rounds.
“Despite the silly opponents Anthony has chosen, we see it as another tough fight. I’d say that Mundine is improving with experience. But we’re comfortable that Mikkel will beat him again. Mundine must step up for the mandatory challenge or give up the world title.
“I would hope Mundine would prefer to try Kessler again rather than having his world title stripped for not complying with WBA rules. He does refer to himself as ‘The Man’ so I would really hope so. It is a WBA world title and is not limited to a WBA Australian title.”

[donnydarkoIRL]

I've said it before and I'll keep repeating it...

Regardless of how one might feel about the boxer, I have a real problem with them getting a title shot immediately after a loss.

If it was a rematch for the title in a hotly disputed decision, or an early stoppage, then definitely. But it would make more sense to let two current winners fight for the vacancy, not just the two available.

In this situation I disagree.
Kessler lost a fight to the No.1 guy in the division and gave a great account of himself.

The Chamion vacated and the strap was picked up by a lesser fighter.

Does it not make sense for the No.2 guy in the division to get a shot at a title?

[Galaxy]

I agree with the others that Mundine is a tougher fight for Kessler than Miranda. But the think for me is Mundine is supposedly fighting Soliman for a 3rd time at the end of May... what is Kessler doing in the meantime? Hes already been of awhile! It just makes me wonder why Kessler didn't take the fight with Miranda then move onto Mundine next. Kessler must be either hoping to fight instead of Soliman or worse(& I hope its not the case) hoping Mundine is stripped of his alphabet strap so he can get it by default without having to face either Mundine or Miranda.

Well that is quite simply they dont want Mundine to fight Soliman again, this is from Team Palles website:

Palle says Mundine must defend next again Kessler
or get stripped of WBA
Super Middleweight



Danish matchmaker Mogens Palle said Wednesday that he has checked with the World Boxing Association and has been informed that a May 28 super middleweight title defense by Anthony Mundine against Sam Soliman has not been approved.
“We learned that this ridiculous third bout between the two was announced for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on that date. They held a press conference which attracted little attention. Only five press people showed up,” Palle said. “Nobody cares about that match against a smaller middleweight who Mundine has twice beaten and even knocked down four times.”
Palle, whose daughter Bettina is former WBA-WBC champion Mikkel Kessler’s manager-promoter, said the organization had not even been asked to authorize Mundine-Soliman III.
“Mikkel, who is 39-1 and has only a loss to undefeated Joe Calzaghe, is now the official challenger to Mundine. Mundine won a vacant title in March, 2007, and has now gone 13 months without making a required or mandatory defense. We have asserted our rights and told the WBA we’re ready to make Kessler-Mundine II a reality in the end of May or the start of June.”
In his first defense of the WBA belt, Kessler went to Sydney and outpointed Mundine over 12 rounds.
“Despite the silly opponents Anthony has chosen, we see it as another tough fight. I’d say that Mundine is improving with experience. But we’re comfortable that Mikkel will beat him again. Mundine must step up for the mandatory challenge or give up the world title.
“I would hope Mundine would prefer to try Kessler again rather than having his world title stripped for not complying with WBA rules. He does refer to himself as ‘The Man’ so I would really hope so. It is a WBA world title and is not limited to a WBA Australian title.”

Yeah I hope Mundine ditches the Soliman fight & chooses to face Kessler again... I think it's a great match-up! Mundine has improved greatly since their 1st meeting!(although his opposition recently leaves a lot to be desired) I just hope the trinket isn't stripped cause it could leave Kessler to face a lesser opponent