02.11.07 – By Matthew Hurley: World Boxing Organization super middleweight champion and World Boxing Association/World Boxing Council champion Mikkel Kessler both made the 168 pound limit at their official weigh in. Kessler, however, had to completely disrobe when he came in two ounces above the super middleweight limit. He then made weight..
Both fighters then engaged in a bit of gamesmanship, pressing their foreheads together as they had the night before. On Thursday the two fighters couldn’t refrain from grinning and laughing at each other as they attempted to stare each other down for photographers.
The jocular attitude of both men led Calzaghe to comment that the two fighters are simply prepared and ready to go.
“I feel like I did in the Lacy fight,” he remarked. “I’m under no illusions though. Kessler’s a very good fighter. My confidence is at 100% but I’m not over confident. I’m healthy and had a great camp so I enjoy these moments. I don’t let anything get to me. This is the ultimate. This is Broadway. The two best in the division, 50,000 people (watching live). It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Calzaghe went on to add that both men share a mutual admiration for one another’s skills. “We’ve got respect for each other but it’s going to be a war on Saturday night.”
Kessler, who remains the more low-key fighter, remarked that, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win. For me it’s now or never. I’ve seen some weaknesses (in Calzaghe), but I don’t want to talk about them before the fight.”
Kessler also deflected rumors of an injured right hand. “I’ve had the best four month training camp I have ever had. I have no problems with my hands. I wish there was a (heavy) bag here so I could show everyone how good I am.”
The Calzaghe – Kessler bout will be broadcast live on HBO at 9 pm from Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
The scheduled undercard includes:
Enzo Maccarinelli – Mohamed Azzaoui
Nathan Cleverly – Joey Vegas
Jamie Cox – David Kirk
Ricky Burns – Yousef Al Hamidi
Anders Hugger – Hastings Rasani
Thomas Person – Lee Noble
Kerry Hope – Ernie Smith
Tony Bellew – Adam Wilcox
Harry Miles – Mark Phillips