• Super-middleweight

Froch: This is going to be one hell of a fight

Carl Froch believes he will be at his best against Mikkel Kessler © PA Photos

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Carl Froch insists he is turning up to his rematch with WBA champion Mikkel Kessler in the "best possible shape" as the pair prepare for their super-middleweight tussle on Saturday at the O2 Arena.

IBF champion Froch was beaten by Kessler on points back in 2010 in a bruising encounter, but on home territory 'The Cobra' insists he will be at his best this time around.

"I'm turning up in the best possible shape. When I boxed him the first time I wasn't in the best possible shape because of the problems. No excuses I got beat by a very good man," Froch told Sky Sports News after weighing in under the 12st limit at 11st 13lb 9oz.

"Mikkel Kessler is a very experienced fighter, he's brilliant at what he does. What he knows and I know is that I wasn't at my best. That was one of the things I was letting him know there [on stage].

"I'm going to be at my best tomorrow night. He's in for a shock. The way I'm feeling I'm just fired on all V12 cylinders on whatever engine I have in my tank."

Froch was criticised for his comments about wanting to "kill" Kessler, and he insisted they had nothing to do with being under pressure for the fight.

"It was passion. I don't crack up under pressure. I've had 12/13 world title fights, back-to-back, it's what I do. Viewers are going to see the best of Carl Froch that's for sure. I can mix it with the best in the world," Froch said.

"This is a rematch for me for redemption for somebody who has previously beaten me. You can imagine how fired up I am and what I'm going to bring to that ring tomorrow night. It's going to be electric. Kessler is no mug, I'm not taking him lightly as he's a proper fighter. This is going to be one hell of a fight between two warriors. Simple as that."

Kessler was not intimidated by his opponent's comments. "It's just mentally for Carl. He said he was better than the last time. I said I'm ten times better this time than I was the last time," Kessler said. "I said 'you want to kill me' and he didn't want to kill me so I'm happy about that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.