Kessler - When does his MIA status and lack of quality opponents affect his ranking?

[TheDemolitionDan]

Right now I would say Kessler is 3rd in the division. Bute is the best along with Froch as number 2. While Dirrell and Ward are knocking on the door.

[bzkfn]

Right now I would say Kessler is 3rd in the division. Bute is the best along with Froch as number 2. While Dirrell and Ward are knocking on the door.

This is spot on for me. Bute is more established as a champion than Froch right now, so he's in the #1 position.

[jangeorg]

When Kessler turned pro in the late 90's he signed a contract with Mogens Palle, because at that time (and now) he was the only major player in Denmark who could build up Kesslers career.
Mogens Palle however is a ruthless C***, who always writes in an insurance policy in his contracts with his fighters, to make sure they don't walk out on him.
The terms have been different, but the outline pretty much the same:
If the fighter breaks the contract with Palle, he will suffer a quarantine from fighting (usually 2 years, only starting when the fighter is no longer ranked in any of the federations), and cannot sign with another promoter until after the quarantine.
This is exactly what happened to Mads Larsen. He walked out on Palle, had to do the time, and is now struggling to get back on top, while he wasted his prime in quarantine.

So for the young fighters in Denmark, you're pretty much screwed, 'cause there is only Palle, and if you don't like his terms, well... Don't sign the contract, and don't get any fights....

So.....
All this crap about Kessler should do this or that.....
Well, he is effectively at Palles mercy now.
Their contract gives Palle the promoting rights for Kesslers next 3 voluntary defenses of the WBA-strap, and if Kessler doesn't like the opposition, well, then he can walk....
-Right into the quarantine stated in the contract he signed himself....

The only hope for Kessler is, that Palle is tired of this circus as well, and will accept a single sum from Kessler (and maybe a future promoter), thus buying him out of the contract.
With the money Kessler has earned over the years, I guess he could pay a decent amount, and Kessler does represent a good investment for any promoter