Carl Froch vs Mikkel Kessler rematch nearly completed, $2 million for each reported

Carl Froch wants Mikkel Kessler, Mikkel Kessler wants Carl Froch, and the promoters for both men want the fight, too. That means it's been a seemingly easy negotiation to set up a rematch of their April 2010 nail-biter, and news out of Denmark is that the deal is almost done, and that both fighters will make about $2 million each for the fight.

Froch (30-2, 22 KO) and Kessler (46-2, 35 KO) fought tooth-and-nail the first time around, with Kessler winning a narrow decision at home in Denmark, as part of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. This time, both sides agree the fight should be in the UK, and Sauerland Event's only suggestion is that it take place in London or Manchester, rather than Froch's hometown of Nottingham, so as to allow for easier air access for Kessler's large fan base, which no doubt will travel and make the fight a true event.

This appears to mean that Froch, 35, will not be facing Lucian Bute next, though Bute had a contractual right to demand a rematch and said that he wanted to do just that. There may be worries from the Bute camp about his performance against Denis Grachev on November 3, but nothing has been confirmed there. After the fight, Bute was still adamant about taking the rematch publicly.

Froch last fought on November 17, predictably blowing past American fringe contender Yusaf Mack, while Kessler recently dismantled Brian Magee in three rounds to win the WBA "regular" super middleweight title.