Carl Froch picked Mikkel Kessler as the best fighter he ever faced. The former super middleweight champ shared his thoughts in a chat with The Ring Magazine.
Froch, known as "The Cobra," had a stellar career with 33 wins (24 by knockout) and only 2 losses. He hung up his gloves in 2014 after a knockout win against George Groves at Wembley Stadium. That fight drew a massive crowd of 80,000 people and ended with a clean right hand that put Groves down for the count.
During his time in the ring, Froch racked up impressive wins against fighters like Groves, Jermain Taylor, Lucian Bute, and Andre Dirrell. He became a unified world champion before turning into an outspoken pundit after retirement.
But it's Kessler who stands out in Froch's mind. He explained why in The Ring Magazine's "Best I Faced" feature:
"Kessler: He's the best all-rounder. He can box, punch, fight up close, and his jab is excellent. The reason his jab is so effective is because he's left-handed but fights orthodox. Kessler has good defence, but he'll stand there and have a fight with you. He is one very tough man and took great shots from me in both our fights."
Froch praised Kessler's orthodox style despite being left-handed, which made his jab particularly effective. He also noted Kessler's willingness to engage in fights, his toughness, and his all-round abilities.
The Cobra's career wasn't without its share of drama. His rivalry with George Groves led to two notable fights. The first bout in 2013 stirred up controversy when Froch scored a late-round stoppage after getting knocked down in the first round. Many fans felt the ref stopped the fight too soon.
Their rematch in 2014 at Wembley Stadium drew that record-breaking crowd of 80,000. Froch won by knockout, cementing his legacy in British boxing history.
Another standout moment in Froch's career came in the US against Jermain Taylor. Froch pulled off a dramatic win in the dying seconds of their 12-round fight.
Despite his impressive record, Froch's career included one unavenged loss to Andre Ward. But it's clear from his recent comments that Kessler left the biggest impression on him as an opponent.
