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Mikkel Kessler (born March 1, 1979) is a Danish professional boxer, and a former WBA & WBC Super-Middleweight world champion. In his professional career he is undefeated with a record of 39-1 and 29 knockouts.

Mikkel was born on 1st March 1979 to an English mother and Danish father. He showed his potential as a boxer from an early age. Mikkel originally started campagning as a Light-Middleweight and then Middleweight for first 22 fights of his career. He was very fast dubbed with the nickname "Hitman" by his promoter, having won 16 of his first 22 fights by knockout (KO).

After 3 years and 22 fights, Kessler settled in the Super Middleweight division, aiming towards a world title shot and thereby opting not to aim for the European Boxing Union (EBU) title first. Mikkel continued his hard hitting streak, dispatching 6 of his first 7 opponents by KO, thereby improving his record to 29-0 with 22 KO.

On November 29, 2002, Kessler fought for his first championship and totally outclassed former World Boxing Council Super Middleweight champion Dingaan Thobela over twelve rounds to become International Boxing Association champion. He gave up this belt to fight for the more recognized WBC International title on April 11, 2003 vs. Craig Cummings. Kessler won by KO3.

He defended his newly won crown on three occasions before finally hitting it big on November 12, 2004. His stablemate, Mads Larsen, another Danish World Class fighter, was set to challenge Manny Siaca for the WBA Super-Middleweight crown when he pulled out with an injury, Kessler stepped forward. Mikkel dominated Siaca before stopping him in the 8th round. He defended his WBA title against world class operator Eric Lucas, winning every round on his way to a 10th round TKO victory.

Kessler then took his WBA belt and fought Markus Beyer, who was the WBC Champion, and unify belts. There was a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium and many Danes travelled to watch Kessler, he won in dominating fashion by 3rd round KO. He hit Beyer with a massive right hand in the 3rd and Beyer failed to answer the count. He then defended his title against mandatory challenger Librado Andrade. In an entertaining, albeit one-sided, bout Andrade kept coming forward throwing lots of punches, however Kessler relished the opportunity to counter and hit Andrade with some huge bombs. All three judges scored the bout 120-108, with Kessler winning every single round and deservedly so.

In November 2007, the European Super-fight happened. With Mikkel Kessler taking his WBA & WBC Super-Middleweight title's and going to Wales, to take on best Super-Middleweight in the world and WBO champion Joe Calzaghe. Kessler fought valiantly, but unfortunately Calzaghe was just too good on the night. Kessler kept trying to the end, even in the 12th round, but Calzaghe was just a bit too good. Kessler lost his title's but won alot of respect. The final scores were 117-111, 116-112 & 116-112 in Calzaghe's favour.

The future for Kessler is uncertain, with his promoter Morgens Palle in hospital he has been left in the lurch, not quite knowing whats next. Fights against WBO #1 contender Jurgen Brahmer or fellow Danish boxer Mads Larsen have been mentioned as possible fights.

Updated by LeedsLad 01/15/08

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