• Super-middleweight

Calzaghe: Froch will beat 'slow' Kessler

ESPN staff
May 15, 2013
Carl Froch has improved as a fighter in Joe Calzaghe's eyes © Getty Images
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Joe Calzaghe believes Mikkel Kessler is a fading force and makes Carl Froch the favourite to win their rematch at The O2 on May 25.

Calzaghe, who beat Kessler in Cardiff in 2007 to become the WBO, The Ring, WBA and WBC super-middleweight champion, is adamant that the Dane's time away from the ring with injuries hands Froch a clear advantage ahead of the unification bout.

And while the retired Welshman believes Froch has improved as a fighter, he believes the IBF champion will find the going easier than he did against Kessler at the Millennium Stadium.

"I don't think Kessler is the fighter he was when I beat him," Calzaghe told Sky Sports News.

"He's become lot slower on his feet, he's a lot easier to hit, and he's had troubles with injuries - he's been inactive."

Froch is hoping to avenge his 2010 defeat by WBA champion Kessler in Herning, and Calzaghe backs the Nottingham native to settle the score.

"The momentum is with Carl Froch," Calzaghe added. "He's busy, he's fighting, if anything he's improving.

"Fighting in London - fighting at home - you have to with Froch as the favourite, but Kessler is still a big puncher."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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