• Super-middleweight

Calzaghe: Froch beats 'flat-footed' Kessler

ESPN staff
April 8, 2013
Carl Froch has won his last two fights © Getty Images
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Joe Calzaghe has tipped Carl Froch to gain revenge over Mikkel Kessler by defeating the Dane in their forthcoming rematch.

Calzaghe was the first man to defeat Kessler when the pair met in 2007, winning by unanimous decision. The former super-middleweight labels the win "one of my top three victories".

Kessler later recovered to defeat Froch by unanimous decision in 2010, claiming the WBC super-middleweight strap.

The pair are now set to square off for a second time, with the WBA and IBF belts on the line. Froch is fancied to avenge his earlier loss, and Calzaghe does not disagree.

"Where I fancy Froch is that he has aged a bit better than Kessler," Calzaghe told Newsletter. "Kessler isn't as mobile as he used to be, he's a lot easier to hit and I've noticed he doesn't move his head like he used to.

"He's a bit flat-footed. That suits Froch because Froch doesn't like movers; he struggles against them. He likes people right in front of him so he can unload his punches."

The much-anticipated bout is scheduled for May 25 at London's O2 Arena. Kessler has won his last four bouts - although Froch was the toughest opponent in that quartet, while the Brit is coming off back-to-back wins including an annihilation of Lucian Bute.

George Groves is also expected to compete on the same night, although his opponent is yet to be named. Adam Booth recently told Buncey's Boxing Podcast on ESPN that Groves is eyeing a top-ten rival.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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