BoxRec

"Denmark's WBA super-middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler arrived in Sydney on Tuesday night to finish preparations for his June 8 world title defence against former champ Anthony Mundine.

The undefeated Kessler, who sports an elaborate tattoo over half his body, started working out at the Woolloomooloo PCYC yesterday with Australia's Sam Soliman, the No.1 ranked middleweight contender in the IBF, who will be his chief sparring partner for the big fight.

Mundine is sparring Samoa's WBA middleweight champ Maselino Masoe."

This a potentially great little fight happening on June 8th in Sydney as Anthony Mundine challenges to retain his WBA title off current holder Mikkel Kessler, Mundine who lost the WBA belt to Manny Siaca who in turn got stopped by Kessler has home advantage. However there are arguments for both men, Mundine has a weak chin but can box well, he avoided Echols big shots for 12 rounds and i believe he hurt his ankle early which resulted in the poor showing versus Siaca.

Kessler in turn has not really fought in a high class so far in his career but his willingness to travel to Australia should be commended. This solid scrap certainly puts the likes of Calzaghe-Veit II into perspective in my opinion. I am going for Kessler to knock Mundine down a couple of times en route to a razor thin decision. Any other takers? Click the link below for interviews and clips of Kessler weighing bananas.

http://www.4sport.dk/dagbog.shtml

Okay so maybe not as divided as i thought Come on guys someone must be interested, this is a solid matchup. By the way also on the OZ scene Danny Green has split with trainer Jeff Fenech apparently and joined forces with a Cuban trainer.

I think Kessler will win this one, I'm not sure if Mundine's heart is in it anymore - and I think Mundine isn't the greatest fighter ever.

Kessler probably by late stoppage.

Hasn't really been a particularly good last few months for Jeff Fenech's fighters. Lovermore N'dou losing to Witter and Green losing to Beyer. Fenech's reputation as a good trainer seems to be on the decline - seems like a good motivator, but not sure if he is great tactically. All he seems to be saying is stuff like "Go out there and fight". "Come on your opponent is knackered mate, fight him hard".

I actually like listening to him in the corner, he cracks me up cause he sounds so much like Steve Irwin.

Mundines been talking about resurecting his Rugby career, which sounds like hes already thought o a contigency plan - lack of confidence? Sounds like it.

Fenech doesn't train Mundine though (not sure who does). But would you have expected Ndou to beat Witter? I think there a class apart, Ndou did remarkably well. Fenech is also going to make Tyson undisputed champ again so he doesnt need to worry about his other fighters

I hate to admit it but i think Mundine will be to quick for Kessler and will do just enough to get a home town decision.

Ben Keilty wrote:I hate to admit it but i think Mundine will be to quick for Kessler and will do just enough to get a home town decision.

spoke to sam soliman yesterday and he said exactly the same, Kessler too strong but mundine will run and stink it up for a home towner

I think his dad trains Mundine, as much as i hate the prick Mundine is a good fighter, he may not be able to hold a cup of tea let alone a punch but he is smart and very fast and has skills. Don't forget even though Ottke KO'd him it was only his tenth fight and he had been leading the German a merry dance up until that point and against Siaca he hurt his ankle apparently. I think we really need to get Mundine in with Danny Green and let's see who is the better guy at the weight, that fight is not a forgone conclusion either, Mundine avoided Echols for 12 rounds and Green isn't the smartest fighter around. despite his power.

Anyway i think Kessler will win on Saturday but he needs to drop Mundine a couple of times first, Mundine is quick and his Boxing on the retreat will cause Kessler problems.

A little bit more about the fight/Kessler's injury situation: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,86 ... 18,00.html

The fight will not be on saturday but on next wedensday.

Kessler weighed in at 167,50 Mundine weighed in at 166,75

Picture from the weigh-in:


Video from the weigh-in/press meeting

When trying to predict a 50/50 fight, always back the man with fewer tatoos.

Kessler all the way. Mundine should try a Sven Ottke kayo punch, it's his only chance. oh wait, Mundine was sleeping, so he might not remember how to throw the Ottke kayo punch.

later

go Kessler............ cash out my bet bruda!

where's Mads Larsen.................. get well Mads (since your probably still sick from getting robbed after you gave Ottke a boxing lesson)

fookinell, didn't know kessler was so...drawn

nice video clip!!! i love the behind the scenes stuff!!
Kessler looks big

knockout wrote:nice video clip!!! i love the behind the scenes stuff!!
Kessler looks big

There are more clips here: http://www.4sport.dk/dagbog.shtml

I've been impressed with Kessler. IMO he is the best super middle at this time. Think he will have to much for Mundine. Possibly a later round stoppage.

RobD wrote:I've been impressed with Kessler. IMO he is the best super middle at this time. Think he will have to much for Mundine. Possibly a later round stoppage.

Nice choice, you nearly called the fight right. Kessler is a walking advertisement for Tattoos.com