Mikkel Kessler is banking on youth to overcome Joe Calzaghe's experience and hometown support in Saturday's bout to decide the best super-middleweight fighter in the world.
The 28-year-old Kessler (39-0) will put his WBA and WBC titles on the line against the WBO belt of Calzaghe (43-0), and says his seven-year advantage could be a deciding factor at Millennium Stadium.
"I'm young and fresh and my career has gone so well up to this point," the Dane said on Wednesday. "It is a dream come true and a big step up for me. We are two unbeaten champions and it is going to be a great fight."
Calzaghe has defended his title 21 times since winning it from Chris Eubank 10 years ago. Kessler, who has been a world champion for three years, was asked what were Calzaghe's weaknesses.
age
"His age," Kessler said. "Joe's a great fighter and a gentleman. He has always kept himself in good shape and looked good in his last fights. He is a great fighter and I know we will have a great, hard fight."
Kessler will also have to contend with 50,000 Welsh fans cheering for Calzaghe inside a cavernous rugby stadium that will have its roof closed.
unfazed
"I know the crowd will be against me and I would have loved to have the fight in Denmark," Kessler said. "But I'm not afraid to fight outside my home country and I have done it before."
"It's always a goal to get outside your own country and get people from all around the world to know you and know your fights, and this fight is going to be shown in many countries," he said.
The fight is scheduled to start at about 1:30am on Sunday for the benefit of live screening in the US on HBO.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely