Friday 7 December 2012

Brian Magee v Mikkel Kessler

Northern Irishman Brian Magee (36-4-1, 25) goes in to the Lion's Den this weekend as he attempts to defend his WBA Super Middleweight title in Denmark against great Dane Mikkel Kessler (45-2, 34). For Magee this is his big chance to really make a mark on the world stage, for Kessler however it's a chance to reclaim a world title at the weight where he really made his name. For us as fans it's a chance to see what Kessler has left in the tank after a long and hard career.

Although currently a world champion, Magee is one of a number of fighters out there who has one limitation that has kept them from the genuine world stage. Sadly he struggles to take a shot at the world level having been dropped 4 times in his first loss (UD loss to Robin Reid) and stopped by both Carl Froch and Lucien Bute. Despite this he has genuine talent as a boxer and gave both Froch and Reid a very, very tough fight.

At 37 years old I feel that this will be Magee's last major fight however it's not the first time I've thought that with his career looking over just 3 years ago after he claimed the British title then spent a year out of the ring. In the last 3 years however Magee has continued to plug away and scored a number of notable victories including a stoppage over Mads Larsen for the European title and a decision victory over Jaime Barboza for the interim WBA Super Middleweight title (which has now been upgraded).

Whilst it's fair to say that Magee's biggest fights have all been losing affairs, it's worth noting that he is 2-0 (2) in Denmark and he has the experience and ability to test anyone at the weight, especially if his opponent is losing a step as many feel Mikkel Kessler is doing. Sadly however for Magee, Kessler is something a bit tougher and hard hitting than Marsen and Rudy Markussen.

At 33 years old it's fair to say that Kessler is probably on the slide, though the likable "Viking Warrior" is someone who has all the tools to mix with the best in the division. He has genuine power, especially in his sledgehammer straight right hand which he can throw to the head and the body, he has a very solid all round game and whilst he doesn't do anything especially amazingly he doesn't have any major flaws. In fact it's fair to say that Kessler is just very good at everything and it takes a fighter with at least 1 superb trait to beat him, Andre Ward and Joe Calzaghe showed with their victories over him.

Although Kessler is a very tough fighter he was dropped last time out by American Allan Green, I believe it was the first time Kessler has been dropped, however that bout was for a Light Heavyweight bauble and Kessler did get himself back up to knock out Green. In fact interestingly Green did seem to hurt Kessler numerous times in the opening round, probably showing that Kessler has had plenty of miles on the clock, however Magee hasn't the power in my eyes to rock him.

Whilst Magee will likely put on a brave showing, I can't help but think Kessler's power and Magee's fragility against bangers will bring us to early end. The first straight right that Kessler lands will likely be the start of the end.

Prediction-Kessler TKO5

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