Carl Froch hits harder than Joe Calzaghe, according to their common opponent Mikkel Kessler. The Danish former world champion faced both British super middleweights and recently shared his thoughts on their punching power.
Froch and Calzaghe never got to settle their differences in the ring. Calzaghe ended his career unbeaten after 46 fights, reigning as champion for a decade before moving up to claim a light heavyweight belt. Froch became a unified champion and wrapped up his career with two legendary bouts against George Groves in 2013 and 2014, helping to elevate boxing in the UK to a new level.
Kessler fought Calzaghe in 2007, losing by unanimous decision in what was his first defeat. He then faced Froch twice, winning on points in 2010 before losing in their 2013 rematch, which led to Kessler's retirement.
In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine for their 'Best I Faced' feature, Kessler was asked about the hardest hitter he faced. His answer might surprise some fans.
"Ward, he didn't really hit hard. Froch hit hard. Joe didn't hit hard. If I had to choose someone, I choose Froch. He is a hard puncher when he hits you with a punch but he's slow."
Kessler's assessment goes against what the statistics might suggest. Calzaghe stopped 32 of his 46 opponents, giving him a knockout percentage of around 70%. Froch's record shows 24 knockouts from 33 fights, which is only slightly higher at about 73%.
The debate between Froch and Calzaghe fans continues to this day. Froch has questioned Calzaghe's unbeaten record in recent years, while Calzaghe has admitted he wishes they had fought before his retirement.
Kessler's opinion adds an interesting perspective to the ongoing discussion. He faced both men in their prime and felt the force of their punches firsthand. His view that Froch hit harder, despite being slower, gives fight fans something to think about when comparing these two British boxing legends.
