Mikkel Kessler - the verdict

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 11 Apr 2006, 12:46

Watched a DVD of his fight with Lucas the other night, and thought I would chip in with my opinion.

Kessler does indeed have a thumping jab, which he steps in behind, it's more a straight left than a jab in fact. He is also a big SM, and looks to be physically very strong. He has decent though not outstanding hand speed, and seemed well in control of his fight with Lucas, hardly really taking any shots. He controlled the distance well against Lucas, darting a step back out of Lucas's range, then regrouping and coming back in with straight shots and the occasional

However, I thought he looked fairly mechanical, and there wasn't much flow in his work. He seemed to need to back away every time his opponent threw shots, and did so in a straight line, with no head or lateral movement at all.

His jab was also quite slow and predictable, by stepping in behind it every time, he left himself open to the right hand counter, including the lead right of Calzaghe which would be a problem. Kessler didn't vary the pace or force of this jab at all, which makes him easy to read.

I think Kessler would really struggle against Calzaghe, as he showed very little movement from side to side, and Calzaghe would be able to turn him with ease and land his own shots.

I don't think Kessler personally has the speed of thought or agility to take Calzaghe into deep water, and I think Joe would be able to outbox him with his faster work and use of angles.

Admittedly, that's the only fight I've seen, but Lucas didn't seem to offer much resistance, and Kessler took an age to put his foot on the gas.

Big strong guy, nice jab and straight right, but a typical european stand up boxer who is one paced and relies on keeping his opponent at a comfortable distance to win.

As for talk of Kessler beating lacy, let's see them fight, because I have a feeling Jeff will go right to Kessler and give him a rough night. Kessler is slow and static, and that will appeal to Lacy who struggled against Joe because he couldn't find the target against a foe who moved constantly. Kessler backs up in a straight line and would surely find himself on the ropes sooner rather than later, and he is not a natural inside fighter.

No way does Kessler look to be on the same talent level as Calzaghe.

On another note the production on the show was so bizzare. The MC also sang the national anthem of Canada! There was music in between rounds over the PA, and it just felt really weird seeing how they did shit in Denmark.

The commentators sounded like they were taking part in a porno as well.....MMMMmmmMMMMMM Kessler, every time he landed anything meaningful.

knockout · Post by **knockout** » 11 Apr 2006, 12:53

Plus Lucas isnt the same man who beat Catley second time round... he was sick with some thyroid problem i think and was never quite the same in my opinion....

At this moment in time, Joe is "barclays premier" league and the other belt holders and contenders are "coca cola championship"

Loynesy · Post by **Loynesy** » 11 Apr 2006, 13:20

James - concurs with my opinion virtually 100%. Not seen anything in Kessler's work to think he can mix with Joe.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 11 Apr 2006, 13:25

I don't think that Kessler is quick enough to beat Joe at the moment, but i could see him giving Joe a bit of a rough ride early on if he gets his jab working well.

I've seen Kessler a couple of times and have been impressed with his workrate and accuracy, but Joe is just that one move above him.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 11 Apr 2006, 13:34

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Watched a DVD of his fight with Lucas the other night, and thought I would chip in with my opinion.

Kessler does indeed have a thumping jab, which he steps in behind, it's more a straight left than a jab in fact. He is also a big SM, and looks to be physically very strong. He has decent though not outstanding hand speed, and seemed well in control of his fight with Lucas, hardly really taking any shots. He controlled the distance well against Lucas, darting a step back out of Lucas's range, then regrouping and coming back in with straight shots and the occasional

However, I thought he looked fairly mechanical, and there wasn't much flow in his work. He seemed to need to back away every time his opponent threw shots, and did so in a straight line, with no head or lateral movement at all.

His jab was also quite slow and predictable, by stepping in behind it every time, he left himself open to the right hand counter, including the lead right of Calzaghe which would be a problem. Kessler didn't vary the pace or force of this jab at all, which makes him easy to read.

I think Kessler would really struggle against Calzaghe, as he showed very little movement from side to side, and Calzaghe would be able to turn him with ease and land his own shots.

I don't think Kessler personally has the speed of thought or agility to take Calzaghe into deep water, and I think Joe would be able to outbox him with his faster work and use of angles.

Admittedly, that's the only fight I've seen, but Lucas didn't seem to offer much resistance, and Kessler took an age to put his foot on the gas.

Big strong guy, nice jab and straight right, but a typical european stand up boxer who is one paced and relies on keeping his opponent at a comfortable distance to win.

As for talk of Kessler beating lacy, let's see them fight, because I have a feeling Jeff will go right to Kessler and give him a rough night. Kessler is slow and static, and that will appeal to Lacy who struggled against Joe because he couldn't find the target against a foe who moved constantly. Kessler backs up in a straight line and would surely find himself on the ropes sooner rather than later, and he is not a natural inside fighter.

No way does Kessler look to be on the same talent level as Calzaghe.

On another note the production on the show was so bizzare. The MC also sang the national anthem of Canada! There was music in between rounds over the PA, and it just felt really weird seeing how they did shit in Denmark.

The commentators sounded like they were taking part in a porno as well.....MMMMmmmMMMMMM Kessler, every time he landed anything meaningful.

You damn right.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 11 Apr 2006, 13:39

All valid points James, but you avoided the vital question:

Does Mikkel Kessler have the best set of tatoos in the Super Middleweight division?

For me, less is more and JC edges him out with his Celtic Cross.

Lets be honest, comparing their 'body art' is proably as close as we will get to seeing this pair fight each other

glahn · Post by **glahn** » 11 Apr 2006, 14:32

Pundit will not be happy about this!

knockout · Post by **knockout** » 11 Apr 2006, 14:46

Kessler hasnt even got the domestic title in the bag when it comes to tattoos.....
Larsen and Markussen are both sporting INK!!!!

Calzaghes tattoo is terrible IMO

REAL_DEAL · Post by **REAL_DEAL** » 11 Apr 2006, 14:48

http://x10.putfile.com/3/631364558.jpg

my verdict on kessler, not as good looking as me

yes long time since i posted a pic of me.

bit chubby around the face but i might go to the gym one day

knockout · Post by **knockout** » 11 Apr 2006, 14:56

REAL_DEAL wrote:http://x10.putfile.com/3/6310364558.jpg

my verdict on kessler, not as good looking as me

yes long time since i posted a pic of me.

bit chubby around the face but i might go to the gym one day

ahhhhhhh the return of the floppy fist

we have missed your photos Chris!!!

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:04

If your going by tattoos then British boxer Dan Guthrie would beat them all, have you seen him, his back is just one big artwork,

Freiheit · Post by **Freiheit** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:04

knockout wrote:Kessler hasnt even got the domestic title in the bag when it comes to tattoos.....
Larsen and Markussen are both sporting INK!!!!

Calzaghes tattoo is terrible IMO

I prefer Mads Larsen's tattoos to Kessler. Kessler is on a shared 2nd place wit Martin Nielsen. I dont really like Markussen's tattoos

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:15

REAL_DEAL wrote:http://x10.putfile.com/3/6310364558.jpg

my verdict on kessler, not as good looking as me

yes long time since i posted a pic of me.

bit chubby around the face but i might go to the gym one day

Great pic but whats with the fist? Clench it harder!

How about sticking a thumb up next time instead?

REAL_DEAL · Post by **REAL_DEAL** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:19

maybe i will do some back flips while i am at it

Neri · Post by **Neri** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:24

REAL_DEAL wrote:maybe i will do some back flips while i am at it

That is a clenched fist, it's just a bit chubby.

Give him a break he said he might go the gym one day.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:00

i personally think Kessler is an excellent fighter. That's from watching him beat Lucas, Siaca, JC Green, Porras, Thobela, Cummins, Mundine, Thysse. Put it this way, he might not have amazing variety (the type of which Calzaghe at his best shows), but could you hope to have a better jab? That is a crisp, hard accurate punch and when he has the measure of you you're in deep turds. He would've outboxed Lacy, who seems to need his opponent to lay on the ropes so he can hammer away at them. Good, solid classical boxing at its best is what Kessler represents. He can be a major factor from 168-175

What we need to see more of is how he reacts against a guy who can take his jab away (saw some of this vs Mundine, who has a frustrating defense and yes Kessler did struggle but adapted), someone who can close the gap quickly/who can hit with speed from unorthodox angles/who can impose a high workrate on him (Calzaghe for sure)

Kessler is the biggest test out there for Calzaghe. Beyer would box well then fold the first time he got hit with a hard flurry. Glen Johnson would get absolutely hammered in the face of speed like that - he'd have his gloves round his head whilst getting twatted around the ring. Woods at his best could almost be an inferior model of Kessler in the 'competent standup' style. Tarver was backed up and bullied by Eric Harding, and nearly beaten twice by him - that says it all.

Harding might be from Philadelphia but he's not Joe Frazier!

Lacy wanted nothing to do with Kessler, a guy from his own corner said he wouldn't be ready until 2007. apparently neither does Lucian Bute - a guy who notably smashed up Kabary Salem!

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:19

looks like Kessler is fighting Rico Hoye in a non title fight soon. Would be hard to top Woods' performance vs Hoye, as Clinton was flawless. But I fully expect another Kessler clinic

Freiheit · Post by **Freiheit** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:24

viciousmaussa wrote:looks like Kessler is fighting Rico Hoye in a non title fight soon. Would be hard to top Woods' performance vs Hoye, as Clinton was flawless. But I fully expect another Kessler clinic

Dont believe that post on the current scene. There have been anything about Kessler in todays news and there is no mention of it on Team Palle's site.

Kessler have big troubles in sparring against southpaws, so that alone will make Calzaghe a huge favorite.

knockout · Post by **knockout** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:41

Freiheit wrote:
viciousmaussa wrote:looks like Kessler is fighting Rico Hoye in a non title fight soon. Would be hard to top Woods' performance vs Hoye, as Clinton was flawless. But I fully expect another Kessler clinic
Dont believe that post on the current scene. There have been anything about Kessler in todays news and there is no mention of it on Team Palle's site.

Kessler have big troubles in sparring against southpaws, so that alone will make Calzaghe a huge favorite.

Freiheit - you, as always are pure class... never biased and always informative!!!!

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 12 Apr 2006, 04:25

Freiheit wrote:
viciousmaussa wrote:looks like Kessler is fighting Rico Hoye in a non title fight soon. Would be hard to top Woods' performance vs Hoye, as Clinton was flawless. But I fully expect another Kessler clinic
Dont believe that post on the current scene. There have been anything about Kessler in todays news and there is no mention of it on Team Palle's site.

Kessler have big troubles in sparring against southpaws, so that alone will make Calzaghe a huge favorite.

that's interesting

maybe kessler should wait till calzaghe moves up, if he struggles with southpaws. Calzaghe can be pretty uconventional with the punches he throws.

i think when calzaghe goes up to light heavyweight, kessler can rule s/m. but that could mean a fight with lucian bute could be very tough, as bute is not only a lefty, but one hell of a puncher

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 Apr 2006, 07:20

viciousmaussa wrote:i personally think Kessler is an excellent fighter. That's from watching him beat Lucas, Siaca, JC Green, Porras, Thobela, Cummins, Mundine, Thysse. Put it this way, he might not have amazing variety (the type of which Calzaghe at his best shows), but could you hope to have a better jab? That is a crisp, hard accurate punch and when he has the measure of you you're in deep turds. He would've outboxed Lacy, who seems to need his opponent to lay on the ropes so he can hammer away at them. Good, solid classical boxing at its best is what Kessler represents. He can be a major factor from 168-175

What we need to see more of is how he reacts against a guy who can take his jab away (saw some of this vs Mundine, who has a frustrating defense and yes Kessler did struggle but adapted), someone who can close the gap quickly/who can hit with speed from unorthodox angles/who can impose a high workrate on him (Calzaghe for sure)

Kessler is the biggest test out there for Calzaghe. Beyer would box well then fold the first time he got hit with a hard flurry. Glen Johnson would get absolutely hammered in the face of speed like that - he'd have his gloves round his head whilst getting twatted around the ring. Woods at his best could almost be an inferior model of Kessler in the 'competent standup' style. Tarver was backed up and bullied by Eric Harding, and nearly beaten twice by him - that says it all.

Harding might be from Philadelphia but he's not Joe Frazier!

Lacy wanted nothing to do with Kessler, a guy from his own corner said he wouldn't be ready until 2007. apparently neither does Lucian Bute - a guy who notably smashed up Kabary Salem!

Kessler is overeliant on the jab, and plants his feet too much when throwing it, a good counterpuncher is going to have him big time by timing him with a straight right or right hook to the body as Kessler leaves the arm out way too long when he throws the shot. As I said, he needs to vary the pace and force of the shot.

I don't agree that Calzaghe would hammer Johnson. Johnson is way too cute and would push Calzaghe even in losing. He might not be as quick as Joe, but he's no slouch and has excellent variety in his work as well as a sound defence and a very stout chin. I think Calzaghe v Johnson has all the makings of an excellent fight.

I think Lacy would get to Kessler and turn it into a brawl, be interesting to see how Kessler would cope with someone being up close and personal, because judging by his style, he doesn't like fighting close up.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 12 Apr 2006, 07:41

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
viciousmaussa wrote:i personally think Kessler is an excellent fighter. That's from watching him beat Lucas, Siaca, JC Green, Porras, Thobela, Cummins, Mundine, Thysse. Put it this way, he might not have amazing variety (the type of which Calzaghe at his best shows), but could you hope to have a better jab? That is a crisp, hard accurate punch and when he has the measure of you you're in deep turds. He would've outboxed Lacy, who seems to need his opponent to lay on the ropes so he can hammer away at them. Good, solid classical boxing at its best is what Kessler represents. He can be a major factor from 168-175

What we need to see more of is how he reacts against a guy who can take his jab away (saw some of this vs Mundine, who has a frustrating defense and yes Kessler did struggle but adapted), someone who can close the gap quickly/who can hit with speed from unorthodox angles/who can impose a high workrate on him (Calzaghe for sure)

Kessler is the biggest test out there for Calzaghe. Beyer would box well then fold the first time he got hit with a hard flurry. Glen Johnson would get absolutely hammered in the face of speed like that - he'd have his gloves round his head whilst getting twatted around the ring. Woods at his best could almost be an inferior model of Kessler in the 'competent standup' style. Tarver was backed up and bullied by Eric Harding, and nearly beaten twice by him - that says it all.

Harding might be from Philadelphia but he's not Joe Frazier!

Lacy wanted nothing to do with Kessler, a guy from his own corner said he wouldn't be ready until 2007. apparently neither does Lucian Bute - a guy who notably smashed up Kabary Salem!
Kessler is overeliant on the jab, and plants his feet too much when throwing it, a good counterpuncher is going to have him big time by timing him with a straight right or right hook to the body as Kessler leaves the arm out way too long when he throws the shot. As I said, he needs to vary the pace and force of the shot.

I don't agree that Calzaghe would hammer Johnson. Johnson is way too cute and would push Calzaghe even in losing. He might not be as quick as Joe, but he's no slouch and has excellent variety in his work as well as a sound defence and a very stout chin. I think Calzaghe v Johnson has all the makings of an excellent fight.

I think Lacy would get to Kessler and turn it into a brawl, be interesting to see how Kessler would cope with someone being up close and personal, because judging by his style, he doesn't like fighting close up.

for all his cuteness, and he's actually been getting cuter post Tarver, Johnson will not like someone who can give him a fast pace and impose a high workrate. When Tarver shoeshined him in the rematch he could do nothing but put his hands round his ears and fall behind on points. Johnson is good, but he does tire early these days (even though he can pace himself). The thing about Johnson is, like say Hagler or Castillo, there is a noticeable gap between each key move that he makes. He does things 'steadily and properly' but he would be in trouble with a flurry fighter like Calzaghe who has lighting speed. Calzaghe hits fast from angles that can be hard to read, and the main thing is, he doesn't stop at one punch. if he can land once he can charge up a big combination, and that's the stuff of nightmare for Glen.

Yes Kessler is one-paced and doesn't have a varied repertoire. But I like his jab, his poise, not to mention his hunger - even travelling to Oz for Mundine, and making the tactical adjustments when he was in trouble. With all he puts into a jab, you are right, a right counter is the key. plus good head movement. Larry Holmes was the same. That's why Witherspoon deserved to beat him, take a jabber's jab away and he's well out of his comfort zone

Sweet P · Post by **Sweet P** » 12 Apr 2006, 08:21

I have been saying for months that Kessler is over rated, He didnt impress me much against Mundine and didn't seem powerful with his huge size advantage.

johnswan1 · Post by **johnswan1** » 12 Apr 2006, 08:31

Some great assessments all round there lads, fair play to you all.

Would like to see some more detailed discussions like this prior to some of the competitive big fights, instead of people merely making statements on who they think will win without backing it up with properly thought out reasons.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 12 Apr 2006, 08:35

I don't think anyone is saying he is the next Jones Jnr, but its his style that for me makes a Joe Calzaghe fight interesting.

I have seen lots of Kessler and think I could some him up in just a sentence (James' post is very accurate).... I would simply call him a Younger, Bigger, but similar to Richie Woodhall. He has a good jab, not spectacular handspeed and I think is a bit too mechanical to really be a fans favourite.

However, IMO, Woodhall gave a prime and ready Calzaghe his hardest fight. I think had Woodhall been a natural Super Middleweight and with less mileage on the clock he would have beaten Joe. He fought the fight that I would encourage any fighter to do vs Joe and had the tools to do it very well at times. However, Calzaghe's strength/power told in the end and I always thought Woodhall knew deep down he couldn't win it.... Which played a factor.

Woodhall came in there, and just threw STRAIGHT rights after STRAIGHT rights, its Calzaghe's weakness. Two fighters who I thought might have tried this tactic (as it seemed like their favourite punch in other fights) were Jeff Lacy and Charles Brewer, but come fight time they just threw winging right cross which Calzaghe can block all day. Its the straight shot, like a jab that Joe doesn't like.

Untill I read Freiheit's post, then I gave Kessler a chance of doing a Woodhall but having the youth and strength to pull off the upset win. However, if he cannot handle a southpaw (and this is a basic punch to use vs a Southpaw) then he can forget it. He obviously over realies on the jab, which isn't great against a southpaw.

Mikkel Kessler - the verdict

Mikkel Kessler - the verdict

Re: Mikkel Kessler - the verdict