With Calzaghe out of the picture at 168 Kess would be the favorite in all matches that would mean anything IMO.

Kess vs. Bute - Bute would never get in range to hold and would get outboxed perhaps even a late TKO.

Kess vs. Froch - Kessler would easily outbox Froch, Froch did show a great chin against Pascal though UD for Kess

Kess vs. Taylor - No reason for Jermain to not get fired up for this one, I fully expect JT to be pumping the jab and trying to turn Mikkel, IF Kessler cannot adapt to this Taylor takes it. I have to assume Team Kessler will figure this strategy out and change footwork to take a close decision.

Kess vs. Pavlik - I think Kessler would be able to consistantly beat Pavlik to the punch nullifying any meaningful attack. Kess wide UD.

stylewise IMO Taylor has the best chance, but if I were a betting man
my money would still be on Kessler.

Noone here has mentioned the true man that will defeat Kessler: Mogens Palle, he will undermatch and overprotect his fighter to obscurity and irrelavance.