Mikkel Kessler claimed a unanimous decision over Britain's Carl Froch in a tightly contested bout that was much closer than the judges' score cards suggested. The Super Six has been far more evenly contested than anyone predicted and only Andre Ward is in a position to win his first two bouts.
I expected this fight to go the distance - these two simply don't get knocked out - but I didn't anticipate Kessler would fight like a man possessed. The Dane was reinvigorated in the MCH Arena in Herning last night and looked like a totally different fighter from his last anaemic defeat on cuts against Ward. He was sharper then Froch and constantly stalked his man into ropes before unloading with neat combos. I don't remember ever seeing the Cobra fight more on the back foot than the front but unlike his previous opponent, Andre Dirrell, Froch came out swinging when pinned in the corner, rather than tying up or performing a matador shuffle and sprint. That said, Kessler didn't have it all his own way - Froch hit him with the bigger shots and won at least four rounds.
Reaction from the American media and pundits on You Tube has been surprising. If there is one country in which Froch is more maligned than his own one, it's in the States, but it seems that in defeat the Cobra has gained a new level respect that victories against Jermain Taylor and Dirrell could not provide. Over at The Sweet Science, Michael Woods pointed to a home-town decision, suggesting that it could easily have gone either way. Other arm chair pundits are commending the Cobra's strength and heart like this is a new revelation (Jean Pascal anyone?). I guess it only counts when HBO and Showtime broadcast the action.
I believe Kessler did just enough to win the fight, if only for his marginally higher work-rate and aggression, but you have to feel for a champ who loses his belt by decision in such a close fight. Next up for Kessler is Allan Greene and, after this performance, you have to fancy his chances of getting the result and reaching the semi-finals. Froch's bout against Arthur Abraham is more difficult to call and perhaps the venue could be the decisive factor. So far, nobody has won away from home in the Super Six. Still, whichever back yard they fight in, both men will be looking to prove a point and it should be one hell of war.
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