Kessler: “I am hitting harder than ever”
On May 19, Mikkel Kessler will move up in weight, clashing with Allan Green for a fringe belt from the WBC organization. Today the Viking Warrior opened his gym during a media workout in Copenhagen. Here is what the three-time world champion had to say about his preparation for a historic night of entertainment at Denmark’s most famous football stadium, which also features the live screening of the UEFA Champions League Final and a top undercard.
Q: For the first time of your career, you will be fighting at light heavyweight. How has the training been going?
MK: “Brilliant. I have put on some pounds and I am hitting harder than ever. And I must say I haven’t lost any of my speed either. Going up to light heavyweight has given me much more one-punch KO power.”
Q: You haven’t fought since last June. You must be thrilled to be back.
MK: “Absolutely. It has been so hard to be away from the ring. At the moment I am taking it out everyday on my sparring partners. My coach Jimmy Montoya had to ask me to calm down and take things easy. I am really fired up and can´t wait to get it on with Allan Green.”
Q: What do you think of him?
MK: “I have actually been thinking a lot about him. He is always on my mind, when I go to sleep and when I wake up. We have analyzed his every move, so there will be no surprises on May 19. He is fast and he is strong, but I am going to teach him a lesson when we meet at PARKEN.”
Q: What kind of lesson?
MK: “Well, he will get the first taste of my new KO power. He is going to be the first person I hit without head guard and sparring gloves. It will be an unpleasant experience for him. He is a big puncher with a lot of power, but punchers usually don´t like to get hit. They have a big punch but not a good chin. I don´t think Green will last for 12 rounds in the same ring with me, but he will ultimately find out on May 19.”
