Mikkel Kessler

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Mikkel Kessler (born 1 March 1979) is a Danish former professional boxer who competed from 1998 to 2013. He held multiple super-middleweight world championships, including the World Boxing Association (WBA) title (Super and Regular versions) three times between 2004 and 2013, and the WBC title twice between 2006 and 2010.

Early life

Kessler was born to a Danish father and an English mother, Ann, who hails from Salisbury, Wiltshire.[1] He began his vocation early, training in boxing gyms at age 13.

Amateur career

Kessler competed five years as an amateur (2/93-1/98). He finished his amateur career with a record of 44 wins and three losses. He won the 1995 European Cadet (15-16 age group) Championship,[2] 1996 and 1997 Danish Junior Championships,[3] the 1996 Nordic Amateur Championship,[4] and in his last amateur bout won the 1998 Zealand International Tournament after stopping all 3 of his opponents.

Professional career

Early career

Kessler originally campaigned as a light middleweight and then middleweight for the first 22 fights of his career.

Super middleweight

After 3 years and 22 fights, Kessler settled in the super middleweight division. Kessler continued his hard hitting streak, dispatching 6 of his first 7 opponents by KO, thereby improving his record to 29–0 with 22 KO.

On 29 November 2002, Kessler fought for his first championship and defeated former WBC Super Middleweight Champion Dingaan Thobela over twelve rounds to become the International Boxing Association Champion. He gave up this belt to fight for the more recognized WBC International title on 11 April 2003, versus Craig Cummings. Kessler won by a knockout in the third round.

He defended his title on three occasions before finally hitting it big on 12 November 2004. His stablemate, Mads Larsen, another Danish World Class fighter, was set to challenge Manny Siaca for the WBA Championship in Copenhagen. Larsen was injured in training and Kessler took the fight on short notice, winning the title.

Kessler defended his title against Anthony Mundine in Sydney in June 2005 and Eric Lucas in January 2006.

On 14 October 2006, Kessler was elevated to WBA Super Champion status after winning the WBC title in a unification battle against WBC World Champion Markus Beyer at the Parken Stadium. He won by knockout at 2:58 in round 3.

Kessler defended his WBA (Super) and WBC titles on 24 March 2007, at the Parken Stadium against WBC mandatory challenger Librado Andrade. The fight was scored as a shutout (120–108) by all three judges.

Kessler vs. Calzaghe

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Kessler then met fellow undefeated champion, Welshman Joe Calzaghe, in a bout that would unify his WBA and WBC super middleweight championships with Calzaghe's WBO and The Ring titles. The bout took place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 3 November 2007, in front of over 50,000 fans (then the largest indoor boxing event in European history), and Kessler lost the unification bout via unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight: 117–111, 116–112, 116–112.[5]

Second world title reign

After Calzaghe vacated the WBA title to move up to light heavyweight, Kessler was put in a match with Dimitri Sartison on 21 June 2008, for the vacant belt. Kessler knocked out Sartison in the final round to regain his title.

Kessler successfully defended his title against Danilo Häussler by third-round knockout on 25 October and against Gusmyl Perdomo (16–2, 10 KOs) by fourth-round knockout on 12 September 2009, one minute into the round.

In November 2009 the WBA once again promoted him to Super Champion, this time prior to unifying any Super Middleweight titles.[6]

Super Six

Kessler vs. Ward

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". His first fight was against Andre Ward on 21 November 2009 for Kessler's WBA Super Middleweight Championship in the Super Six World Boxing Classic. On 21 November 2009 Kessler lost his championship to Andre Ward. The fight was stopped in the eleventh round due to cuts on Kessler's face caused by what were deemed as unintentional headbutts by Ward, five in total. Kessler expressed in the post fight interview that he couldn't get out of first gear due to the headbutts and excessive clinching from Ward, and that he was eventually blinded by one of Ward's headbutts which on the post fight replay showed Ward ram his forehead directly into Kessler's eye. The fight went to the scorecards and Ward was far ahead by scores of 98–92, 98–92 and 97–93 at the time of the stoppage.

Kessler vs. Froch

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". On 24 April 2010 Kessler returned to fight against Britain's undefeated WBC Champion Carl Froch, a match that was called "a classic" and "one of the best matches in Danish boxing ever."[7] The contest went the distance and Kessler was handed a unanimous decision with scores of 115–113, 116–112 and 117–111. With the win, Kessler became a two time WBC Champion, handing Carl Froch his first defeat in the process. Froch later stated that he'd suffered a minor ear injury during training and he felt he would've won the fight if it had been held in his home-country of England, but congratulated Kessler on his victory.[8]

Andre Ward later praised Kessler tremendously in an interview, calling Kessler "skill wise... the toughest I’ve fought so far." Ward went on to express admiration over Kessler's career and dispelling any criticism after his own victory over Kessler. "People want to put down Mikkel Kessler because of our fight but he’s proven himself. He’s proven that if he loses a title he can come back and become champion again, he did that after our fight so now he’s a three time world champion. Anybody that can win a world title three times and only have two losses in the process says a lot. He’s a great fighter and I give him a lot of credit and I have a lot of respect for him."[9]

On 25 August Kessler announced he was withdrawing from the Super Six tournament due to the worsening of the eye injury he suffered in his fight against Ward. According to Ekstra Bladet newspaper, Kessler stated he was seeing double. Doctors told him he must take a nine-month break from boxing.[10]

Comeback

Light heavyweight

Kessler vs. Green

In 2012, Kessler moved up in weight class to light heavyweight. In May 2012, he fought Allan Green for the vacant WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title. Kessler won via knockout in the fourth round, after getting dropped by a hard right hand in the first round.

Return to super middleweight

Kessler vs. Magee

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Late in 2012, Kessler went up against Brian Magee of Northern Ireland for the WBA (Regular) super middleweight title. Two times in the 2nd round Brian Magee went to the floor after hard bodyshots from Kessler, and 24 seconds in the third round it was all over, when Kessler landed another hard bodyshot to Brian Magee.

Kessler vs. Froch II

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". On 15 January 2013, it was announced that a rematch between Mikkel Kessler and Carl Froch was going to take place on 25 May 2013 at The O2 Arena in London. There will be two belts on the line, Kessler's WBA (Regular) and Froch's IBF title. Kessler won the last showdown between the two boxers, in Herning, Denmark. That time Froch was an undefeated WBC title holder, and they were both fighting in the Super Six World Boxing Classic. The faced each other at stage 2, after Kessler lost his first fight against Andre Ward, and Froch won a close fought contest against Andre Dirrell.

Froch defeated Kessler by unanimous decision on 25 May 2013, by 118-110 116-112 115-113 as he controlled Kessler with his jab for large parts of the fight. Kessler caught Froch with a big right hand in the 11th round to wobble him, but it was too late in the fight.[11]

Retirement and potential comeback

On 1 February 2015, Kessler announced that he was in a "state of retirement" via social media.[12] Kessler came out of retirement on 31 March 2017.[13] On 21 June, it was said that Kessler could be added to the World Boxing Super Series.[14] Kessler passed on the Super Series and was looking to face Roamer Angulo on November.[15][16] On 16 October, Kessler revealed he had been hit by Lyme disease and his return would be delayed until 2018.[17] In February 2018, speaking to BT, Kessler said, "I just can't find the motivation to go through with it all," confirming he would stay retired.[18]

In Popular Culture

Mikkel Kessler is mentioned by name in the Danish band Volbeat's song "A Warrior's Call" with the lyric "The Viking warrior Mikkel Kessler will now brand his name in the back of your head, yeah..."

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
49 Loss 46–3 Carl Froch UD 12 25 May 2013 The O2 Arena, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA (Regular) super-middleweight title;
For IBF super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 46–2 Brian Magee TKO 3 (12), 0:24Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 8 Dec 2012 Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA (Regular) super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 45–2 Allan Green KO 4 (12), 0:17Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 19 May 2012 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC Silver light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 44–2 Mehdi Bouadla TKO 6 (12), 2:25Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 4 Jun 2011 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBO European super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 43–2 Carl Froch UD 12 24 Apr 2010 MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBC super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Loss 42–2 Andre Ward TD 11 (12), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 21 Nov 2009 Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA (Super) super-middleweight title;
Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1;
Unanimous TD after Kessler cut from accidental head clashesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 42–1 Gusmyr Perdomo TKO 4 (12), 0:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12 Sep 2009 MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 41–1 Danilo Haussler KO 3 (12), 1:08Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 25 Oct 2008 Weser-Ems-Halle, Oldenburg, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 40–1 Dimitri Sartison KO 12 (12), 2:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 21 Jun 2008 Brøndby Hall, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBA (Regular) super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Loss 39–1 Joe Calzaghe UD 12 3 Nov 2007 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, WalesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA (Unified) and WBC super-middleweight titles;
For WBO and The Ring super-middleweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 39–0 Librado Andrade UD 12 24 Mar 2007 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA (Unified) and WBC super-middleweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 38–0 Markus Beyer KO 3 (12), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 14 Oct 2006 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA (Unified) super-middleweight title;
Won WBC super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 37–0 Eric Lucas TKO 10 (12), 1:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 14 Jan 2006 Brøndby Hall, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 36–0 Anthony Mundine UD 12 8 Jun 2005 Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 35–0 Manny Siaca RTD 7 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12 Nov 2004 Brøndby Hall, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 34–0 Andre Thysse TKO 11 (12), 1:32Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 11 Jun 2004 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC International super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 33–0 Julio César Green KO 1 (12), 1:20Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 13 Mar 2004 Brøndby Hall, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC International super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 32–0 Henry Porras TKO 9 (12), 2:46Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 24 Oct 2003 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBC International super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 31–0 Craig Cummings KO 3 (12), 1:09Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 11 Apr 2003 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC International super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 30–0 Dingaan Thobela UD 12 29 Nov 2002 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant IBA super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 29–0 Dean Williams KO 1 (8), 1:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 8 Nov 2002 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 28–0 Gerard Zdziarski TKO 8 (8), 2:33Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 4 Oct 2002 Holbæk Stadion, Holbæk, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 27–0 Orlando Javier Acuna RTD 6 (8), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 24 May 2002 Aalborghallen, Aalborg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 26–0 Arthur Allen TKO 6 (8), 0:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 15 Mar 2002 Stadionhal, Viborg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 25–0 Manny Sobral RTD 4 (8), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 8 Feb 2002 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 24–0 Fernando Hernández TKO 2 (8), 1:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 16 Nov 2001 Roskilde Hallerne, Roskilde, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 23–0 David Mendez UD 6 13 Oct 2001 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 22–0 Rodrigues Moungo KO 4 (6), 1:09Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 27 Apr 2001 Aalborghallen, Aalborg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 21–0 Miguel Julio KO 3 (6), 0:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 9 Mar 2001 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 20–0 Patrick Rubes KO 2 (6), 0:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 9 Feb 2001 Idrætshal, Odense, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 19–0 Tony Menefee TKO 6 (6), 1:36Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 1 Sep 2000 Koldinghallerne, Kolding, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Kevin Hall KO 2 (6), 2:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 28 Apr 2000 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 Tom Younan KO 3 (6), 1:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 31 Mar 2000 Stadionhal, Esbjerg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 Israel Ponce KO 2 (6), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 4 Mar 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Charles Whittaker KO 3 (6), 2:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 18 Feb 2000 Aalborghallen, Aalborg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Sidney Mxoli Msutu UD 6 14 Jan 2000 Koldinghallerne, Kolding, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Jean Paul D'Alessandro UD 6 4 May 1999 Circus Building, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Jose Maquina Rojas KO 2 (6), 2:10Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 16 Apr 1999 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Alejandro De Leon UD 6 19 Mar 1999 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Jaime Balboa KO 6 (6), 2:13Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 12 Feb 1999 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Dean Martin UD 6 27 Nov 1998 Vejlby-Risskov Hallen, Aarhus, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Anthony Ivory UD 6 6 Nov 1998 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Edwin Murillo KO 2 (6), 2:34Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 16 Oct 1998 Aalborghallen, Aalborg, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Sammy Sparkman KO 1 (4), 2:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 18 Sep 1998 Sundbyøster Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Terry Clark KO 1 (4), 2:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 4 Sep 1998 Koldinghallerne, Kolding, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Rick Stockton KO 1 (4), 2:16Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 5 Jun 1998 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Alex Lubo UD 4 1 May 1998 Kolding Teater, Kolding, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Michael Corleone TKO 3 (4), 2:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 3 Apr 1998 Holbæk Stadion, Holbæk, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Kelly Mays KO 1 (4), 1:09Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 20 Mar 1998 Vejlby-Risskov Hallen, Aarhus, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

Secondary major world titlesTemplate:Efn

Silver world titlesTemplate:Efn

Minor world titles

Regional/International titles

  • WBC International super middleweight champion (168 lbs)
  • WBO European super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

Honorary titles

Notes and references

Notes

Template:Notes list

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ team palle amateur record bottom page
  4. ↑ scroll through Nordic Champions at bottom page Template:Webarchive
  5. ↑ Calzaghe v Kessler as it happened
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Vester, Mark (24 April 2010) Froch: If I Was Back Home, I Would Have Beaten Kessler – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2013-03-01.
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Template:S-breakTemplate:S-break
Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Jürgen Brähmer 		WBC International
super-middleweight champion
11 April 2003 – November 2004
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Otis Grant

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Roberto Santos 		WBO European
super-middleweight champion
4 June 2011 – January 2012
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Arthur Abraham
New title WBC Silver
light-heavyweight champion
19 May 2012 – November 2012
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Tony Bellew

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Reginaldo Andrade 		IBA super-middleweight champion
29 November 2002 – April 2003
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Anthony Bonsante

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA super-middleweight champion
12 November 2004 – 14 October 2006
Won Unified title Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded byas Unified champion
Preceded byas Champion Template:S-bef/check WBA super-middleweight champion
Unified title
14 October 2006 – 4 November 2007 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC super-middleweight champion
14 October 2006 – 4 November 2007 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Anthony Mundine 		WBA (Regular) super middleweight champion
21 June 2008 – 21 October 2008
Promoted Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Dimitri Sartison

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Joe Calzaghe
as Unified champion 		WBA super-middleweight champion
21 October 2008 – 3 November 2009
Promoted Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded byas Super champion
New title WBA super-middleweight champion
Super title
3 November 2009 – 21 November 2009 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC super-middleweight champion
24 April 2010 – 7 September 2010
Status changed Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Carl Froch
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA (Regular) super middleweight champion
8 December 2012 – 26 May 2013
Lost bid for Unified title Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded byas Unified champion

Template:Authority control

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