Mikkel Kessler, known as the “Viking Warrior” is the current WBA Super Middleweight champion of the world. Kessler is a powerful fighter that hails from Copenhagen Demark and has earned his stake in boxing as an intimidating force. Currently, Mikkel Kessler will be one of the six fighters competing in the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Professional Career:

Mikkel Kessler started his career as a professional fighter as a light Middleweight. Kessler showed an enormous amount of power during his first 16 fights. During this span he is accredited with a total of 16 wins, 11 by way of knockout. In April of 2000, Mikkel Kessler made his debut in the Middleweight division by facing Kevin Hall. The comfortable Kessler make quick work of Hall, knocking him out in the second round.

During the span of September of 2000 through November of 2002, Mikkel Kessler opened up a sea of victories by defeating some notable journeyman in the Super Middleweight division. It was at this time that Kessler found his niche for weight class and piled up an incredible 29 wins, 22 by way of knockout.

His first title shot came against former WBC champion Dingaan Thobela. Kessler dominated the contest simply by over powering his opponent. Mikkel Kessler earned the unanimous decision and his first IBA Super Middleweight title. However, with Kessler tasting victory he relinquished the IBA title to challenge Craig Cummings for the more recognizable WBC International Super Middleweight title.

During the contest, “The Viking Warrior” made quick work of Cummings knocking him out in the third round. Interesting enough the boxing community was inundated with the power of Kessler. It was at this point when Kessler relinquished his title belt once again to fight against Manny Siaca for the WBA World Super Middleweight title.

Mikkel Kessler took the fight against Manny Siaca on short notice after Kessler’s stable mate Mads Larsen had to back out because of an injury sustained during training. Mikkel Kessler stepped into the ring on November 12, 2004. Kessler outworked Siaca landing several combinations that hurt Siaca throughout the fight. It wasn’t until the seventh round that Siaca retired due to tremendous punishment at the hands of Kessler. Mikkel Kessler earned the knockout and the WBA Super Middleweight championship of the world.

Continuing Success:

In this first true test, the Viking Warrior continued his success in the ring and was able to obtain the WBC Super Middleweight championship by defeating Markus Beyer in three rounds. He followed up with a title defense against Librado Andrade. Andrade withstood an all-out assault by Kessler, refusing to fall despite being hit 348 times during the bout. Interesting enough, Kessler embraced Andrade at the beginning of the final round as opposed to traditional glove tapping. Mikkel Kessler earned the unanimous decision at the end of round 12.

Mikkel Kessler VS. Joe Calzaghe:

With the public clamoring for a unification bout, Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler jumped into the ring on November 3, 2007. In front of a sellout crowd, Calzaghe was aggressive from the opening bell. However both fighters were accurately sharp, landing shots when time called. Kessler has a bad round three and four as Calzaghe landed several uppercuts and was the busier fighter. Joe Calzaghe continued to outbox “The Viking Warrior” in the late rounds, however; round ten saw the two fighters go toe to toe. It was Joe Calzaghe who prevailed in the long run earning a unanimous decision, and giving Mikkel Kessler his first professional loss.

Regaining the Championship:

After Joe Calzaghe vacated the Super Middleweight titles to compete at light Heavyweight, opportunity knocked on Mikkel Kessler’s door. He was slated to face Dimitri Sartison for the vacant WBA World Super Middleweight title. In a great match, Kessler simultaneously broke down Sartison, finally flooring him in the eleventh round and finishing him off in the twelfth.

Mikkel Kessler went on to defend his title two more times against Danilo Haussler, defeating him by knockout in the third round; and Gusmyr Perdomo winning by a TKO in round 4. In the previous July of this year, Mikkel Kessler was given the opportunity to compete in a very special event that housed other world class champions.

Super Six World Boxing Classic:

Mikkel Kessler agreed to take part in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, as part of the 6 best Super Middleweight fighters in the world. The other five fighters are: Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch. Currently, Mikkel Kessler is set to face Andre Ward in Oakland, California on November 21, 2009.

Photo Credit: Tony Brochner / MCH Herning

Written by: Mike Boehm