Three-time super-middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler is set to make a remarkable and unexpected return to the professional boxing scene next month, nearly twelve years after initially hanging up his gloves. The announcement has sent ripples through the boxing community, prompting reactions from former foes and pundits alike. Among the most notable voices to weigh in on the comeback of "The Viking Warrior" is his former 168-pound rival, British boxing legend Carl Froch, who has openly offered his thoughts on the Dane’s impending return to the squared circle.
Kessler’s career is deeply intertwined with one of the most fiercely competitive and talent-rich eras in the history of the super-middleweight division. Ever since the weight class was formally introduced back in the 1980s, few periods have matched the sheer depth of elite talent that defined the late 2000s and early 2010s. During his time at the pinnacle of the sport, the Copenhagen-born star shared the ring with some of the defining legends of his generation, including Welsh great Joe Calzaghe, American standout Andre Ward, and two unforgettable wars against Froch himself.
The rivalry between Kessler and Froch remains etched in the memories of hardcore boxing fans, defined by elite-level skill, fierce determination, and profound mutual respect forged through combat. Their first encounter took place in 2010 during the prestigious Super Six World Boxing Classic. In that initial bout, Kessler managed to overcome "The Cobra" on home soil in Denmark, putting on a stellar performance to dethrone the Briton and capture the coveted WBC super-middleweight title in front of a raucous, partisan crowd.
However, the tables were dramatically turned three years later when the two elite fighters met in a high-stakes rematch. Froch successfully avenged his previous defeat by securing a hard-fought unanimous decision over the Danish champion. That dramatic bout served a dual purpose, allowing Froch to simultaneously defend his IBF world title while capturing Kessler’s WBA crown in a thrilling unification-style battle that showcased the absolute best of both competitors.
For nearly a decade, that 2013 thriller appeared to be the final chapter of Kessler’s impressive professional career. Despite occasional whispers and lingering rumors of a potential ring return circulating in both 2017 and 2018, nothing materialized, and it seemed the former champion was comfortably enjoying his retirement. That status quo has now officially changed with the confirmation that the veteran Dane, who boasts a stellar professional record of 46 wins and 3 losses with 35 coming by way of knockout, is lacing up his gloves once again. Kessler is scheduled to headline an MF Pro card taking place in Brondby, where he will step back into the spotlight to face Bernard Joseph, a fighter carrying a respectable professional ledger of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 5 knockouts to his name.
Reflecting on the news during a recent broadcast on his popular YouTube channel, "Froch on Fighting," Carl Froch admitted that he harbors mixed feelings about the comeback. While acknowledging his former opponent’s enduring physical condition, the British former world champion confessed that he would ultimately rather not see Kessler return to the rigors of professional competition at the age of 47.
Sharing his candid thoughts with viewers, Froch elaborated on the potential motivations behind the comeback while expressing genuine concern for his former rival’s well-being. "He is fit, he is strong and he is healthy, but he is 47 years old! Why is he coming back? I hope it’s not for the old bunsen-burner money. What is the point in fighting if you are not getting paid well?" Froch questioned during the channel’s broadcast.
The Briton also touched upon the psychological factors that often draw fighters back to the sport they dedicated their lives to, pondering whether the manner of Kessler’s departure played a role in his decision to return. "Maybe he didn’t want to leave the boxing game on a loss. His last fight was against me and he went the distance, he did himself proud, he lost on points and it was a great fight," Froch remarked, looking back on their 2013 encounter.
Despite his personal reservations and the passage of time since they last shared a competitive dialogue, Froch made it clear that there is no lingering animosity between the two former champions, who have developed a strong friendship away from the pressures of active competition. "Because I’ve not really spoken to him recently, I can’t talk on his behalf, but I would rather not see him back in a professional boxing ring at 47 years old, but all the best to him. Good luck!" Froch added.
The much-anticipated showdown between Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Joseph is officially scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 28. Fight fans around the globe who are eager to witness the veteran Danish star’s return to active competition will be able to tune in, as the entire card will be broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN.
