The pair's first fight then came in their second match of the tournament on 24 April 2010 with Kessler inflicting a first professional defeat on Froch winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a close hard fought contest on his home soil in Herning, Denmark.

Kessler had a year out of boxing on doctors recommendations before returning to defeat Mehdi Bouadla and Allan Green, before taking the WBA (Regular) title from Brian Magee (the "(Super)" belt still being held by Ward).

He then stopped Yusaf Mack in his first defence before seeking to take on Kessler in a rematch for the chance to avenge his defeat to him, three years after their first encounter in the ring.

Next it was Froch's turn to get the better of the action in some furious exchanges before the pendulum swung back in Kessler's favour as he landed some more big shots of his own as the bout reached its closing stages.

Both men continued at the high pace they had set with Froch coming on strong in the last round leaving Kessler hanging on as the final bell sounded.