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Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler
Don’t blink as with these two big punchers in the ring this one could last seconds rather than rounds. Both men look wound up ready to explode, Kessler the cooler of the two but McClellan is bouncing on the spot staring at him. They come together and touch gloves, and then circle each other like to wild animals ready to pounce. McClellan paws with the jab while Kessler is unmoved poised to strike. Kessler faints with the jab and then follows in with a massive right hand almost spinning McClellan on the spot who drops to one knee with his back to Kessler.
Surprisingly he doesn’t seem hurt, more shocked and is up onto his feet almost immediately, nodding to the referee while taking his eight count. Both men circle each other again gearing to strike and then pulling away. This time Kessler starts to paw with the jab and McClellan gets up on his toes and starts to move with fluent speed, picking off Kessler with the jab at will. McClellan steps to his left and launches forward with a straight right hand down the pipe knocking Kessler off his feet onto his backside, Kessler shakes his head more with annoyance that he got hit with the shot, and within seconds he was back on his feet the power of the shot took him off his feet rather than it hitting the spot. The bell rings to end an eventful first round.
They came out for the second this time both men are much more cautious and are looking to defend rather than attack showing respect for each others power. Barely a shot is landed in the whole of the second round, seemingly taking turns in leading off and the other moving well on the back foot. There are chants from the crowd already of “ Come on Come on “ who know how explosive this one could be if they start opening up on each other. The bell sounds to end the second and both men walk back to their corners shaking their heads disappointed with there performance so far.
The third is a different story and both men come out like charging bulls and stand in the centre of the ring toe to toe, the crowd erupts with excitement. Both men throw identical right hands at the same time both landing flush and both men drop to the canvas, this time both men are in serious trouble. The count starts for both and by six Kessler is onto his knees, McClellan is still on his back. By the count of eight Kessler is up on very unsteady legs and by nine McClellan joins Kessler on rubber legs. The referee looks at both men neither really looking ready to continue, the referee shakes his head and signals them to fight on. They stagger towards each other and this time it’s left hooks that they both throw and again land simultaneously which send them both back to the canvas. This time it’s McClellan who is first to his feet and looks the less dazed of the two, again the referee signals both men to continue. Just as they wade in again the bell goes and both men stumble back to there corners on unsteady legs. Both corner men empty almost buckets over there men to try and revive them.
The crowd have never seen anything like this and are going crazy. As the bell goes for the third it’s McClellan who seems to have recovered best and almost runs over to Kessler who still staggering. McClellan throws a right hand with every inch of energy left in him which sends Kessler almost horizontal through the ropes leaving him sprawling on the judges table, he lifts up his head which then thumps back down. The judge takes one look at him and removes the gum shield and rolls him onto his side as the corner rushes over to him. The referee signals the end of the fight and McClellan drops to his knees barely able to raise his arms. Kessler manages to get himself back into the ring for the announcement and both men raise each others arms. McClellan goes through to the next round with a superb 3 round knockout.
