Froch v Kessler II is on. Here’s what happened the first time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCrCDSPdoec

Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler fought one of the fights of the year back in 2010. Today they agreed to do battle again so let’s look back at the first bout.

As a sport, boxing needs its biggest names fighting each other to really grab the average fan's imagination. At the back end of last year, Pacquiao/Marquez IV grabbed global attention and we hope that all sports fans will tune in to watch the second instalment of Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler later this year, probably in May.

Back in 2010, as part of the Super Six deal, Froch and Kessler fought at super middleweight in Denmark and the home boxer won the bout on the judges’ scorecards. Some observers felt the British boxer was hard done by as he suffered the first loss of his career as a pro after a terrific battle.

You can see highlights of that epic first battle above and if the second meeting is as good as this, we are in for a real treat.

This time the fight will be in England, probably in London rather than in Froch's hometown of Nottingham, but with the IBF and WBA belts on the line, it should be a cracker.

And, as you can imagine, the talking, good natured in this case, has already started.

First and foremost, I'm really pleased the fight has finally been arranged," said Froch. "I feared that Kessler had second thoughts about his promise - but the man has come good on his word.

"Our first fight was pure warfare. We went at each other for every minute of every round and the rematch promises to be even more fiercely contested. I seriously wish I was ringside myself for this fight, because I'm gunning for revenge at all costs and the fight fans are in for a real treat.”

As for Kessler, he said: "I promised Carl we would meet again and here we are, getting ready to leave it all in the ring for a second time.

"I have the utmost of respect for Carl, I feel we are very much alike. He is a great champion, a true warrior that has fought the best opponents all over the world in some of the most hostile places, just like me. Our first fight, especially the last round, showed what we are all about.

"Since that first fight, I have become even stronger. I am fresh, I am healthy and I am ready to defeat him once again. I don´t care where we fight, I said anytime, anywhere! I plan to make my loyal Viking fans, as well as everybody else in Denmark, very proud once again. I am ready for war!"

So are we, roll on May.