By Per Ake Persson, photos by SUMIO YAMADA - March 23, Copenhagen, Denmark: WBA and WBC superchamp Mikkel Kessler and challenger Librado Andrade both weighed in at 168 lbs / 76,2 kg at today´s weigh-in in Copenhagen. Both looked very fit. During the staredown that followed the champion seemed to get the edge and Andrade turned away. Kessler begins as an overwhelming favourite..
The only dark cloud on the horizon is a growing tension between Kessler and the press. Mikkel is by now a boxing superstar in Denmark and there´s a constant demand for interviews / TV appearances etc. Trainer Ricard Olsen said everything was under control and predicted a points victory for his fighter.
EU 168 lb champ Lolenga Mock came in at 167, while Belgian boxing challenger Djamel Selini weighed in at 167,75. Thomas Damgaard, 152 vs Jean Louis Bryla, 150, Reda Zam Zam, 156,5 vs Carlos Donquiz, 153,25, Claus Bertino, 244,75 vs Umberto Evora, 218,25, Vinni Skovgaard, 139 vs Eunice Miranda, 140,5, Thomas Povlsen, 159,5 vs Rafael Chiruta, 159,25.
The Parken Arena, for this occasion cut down in size, is said to be almost sold out which means a crowd of about 25 000. Pictures at teampalle.dk
