Boxing: Carl Froch granted rematch with Mikkel Kessler

Fight will be arguably the most anticipated of 2013

Carl Froch is among the boxers in Eddie Hearn's stable (GETTY IMAGES)

Carl Froch has secured the career-defining fight he really wanted after agreeing a blockbuster rematch with conqueror Mikkel Kessler in Britain.

The Nottingham IBF super-middleweight champion suffered a close defeat against Kessler when he fought the Dane on his own turf in Herning in 2010.

The veteran has always craved a shot at revenge and promoter Eddie Hearn has delivered arguably the most anticipated fight of 2013.

No date or venue has been confirmed yet but Froch is simply happy to get the fight he wanted most.

"First and foremost, I'm really pleased the fight has finally been arranged," he said. "I feared that Kessler had second thoughts about his promise - but the man has come good on his word.

"Our first fight was pure warfare. We went at each other for every minute of every round and the rematch promises to be even more fiercely contested. I seriously wish I was ringside myself for this fight, because I'm gunning for revenge at all costs and the fight fans are in for a real treat.

"He is a class act both inside and outside the ropes. We are cut from the same cloth and we will be friends yet again after the fight. But the moment I heard the fight was done on the telephone, I was completely switched on and he was the focus of my mind. I can't wait to get back into camp for this one. I've never felt so motivated.

"If Mikkel thinks he saw the best of me in Denmark then he is in for a rude awakening. I give him the utmost respect that he has the guts to board that plane and come collect a serious whooping at the hands of the Cobra - let's bring it on!"

Kessler, whose mother is English, said: "I promised Carl we would meet again and here we are, getting ready to leave it all in the ring for a second time.

"I have the utmost of respect for Carl, I feel we are very much alike. He is a great champion, a true warrior that has fought the best opponents all over the world in some of the most hostile places, just like me. Our first fight, especially the last round, showed what we are all about.

"Since that first fight, I have become even stronger. I am fresh, I am healthy and I am ready to defeat him once again. I don4t care where we fight, I said anytime, anywhere! I plan to make my loyal Viking fans, as well as everybody else in Denmark, very proud once again. I am ready for war!"

PA