• Boxing

Froch 'gutted' after losing 'home decision' to Kessler

ESPN staff
April 25, 2010
Carl Froch had his moments against Mikkel Kessler © Getty Images
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Carl Froch admitted he was "gutted" to have lost a "home town decision" after Mikkel Kessler took his WBC super-middleweight title on Saturday.

Froch suffered the first defeat of his career as Kessler took a 117-111 115-113 116-112 decision in his native Denmark, following a tight encounter that saw both men cut. Froch delivered the heavier blows throughout the fight, but Kessler was more active and technically superior.

The home favourite hit the deck in the fifth round under heavy pressure from Froch, although the referee deemed it a slip, and general feeling at ringside was that the Nottingham-born fighter had defended his crown. However, the decision went Kessler's way, with one judge ruling in his favour by a staggering six rounds.

"I feel terrible that I lost my title, absolutely gutted," Froch said. "I took some big punches off a big puncher and I've got to give Kessler the credit he deserves. He stayed in there and is a strong, proud warrior.

"I don't want to make a mockery of anything but I feel if it was at home in my town, the decision would have gone the other way."

Froch can still earn the chance to regain his title though, knowing two wins are likely to set up a rematch with Kessler in the Super Six tournament. Victory over Arthur Abraham would move Froch into the semi-finals, and he is determined to put things right.

"I'm still in the tournament and will still get the chance to win the belt back. I've got to beat Arthur Abraham in my next fight to get to the semi-finals of the tournament. I'll be back. I'll definitely be back."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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