Although Kessler's slide into contemptible complacency was discussed in another thread, you are spot on that Kessler needs to start fighting someone worth mentioning.

From what I gather, the winner of the Froch v. Pascal fight faces the winner of the Taylor v. Lacy fight. I don't think Pavlik would move up for anyone other than Calzaghe because an unifying fight with Abraham would be too huge at middleweight. That leaves Kessler to face the winner of the Bute v. Andrade fight and Kessler has already beat Andrade.

Bute v. Kessler would be interesting. I don't know which fight I'd be more excited about: Kessler v. Bute or Taylor v. Froch?

As of now, I favor Taylor over all three - but, that is just based on his previous competition.