The 35 year-old, who won the world title at 168lbs on four occasions in a standout career, last fought when losing out to Briton Carl Froch in a rematch at the O2 Arena in London via a unanimous points decision.
After unsuccessfully hunting a trilogy bout with Froch, and a second clash with Andre Ward, the ‘Viking Warrior’ has decided that the time is right to thank all his supporters ahead of an official retirement announcement.
Kessler had been looking into the option of facing James DeGale for the vacant IBF title once Froch confirms that he will not be defending the belt, although being unranked by the body put an end to his chances of another UK fight.
The Dane has now admitted that the time is right for him to call time on his stint in the sport after racking up 46 wins and 35 stoppages against just three defeats. Kessler lost one time each to Froch and Ward, alongside a first career reverse against one of the greatest 168lbers of all time – Joe Calzaghe in 2007.
“Thank you for supporting me throughout my career. It has been an absolute pleasure stepping into the ring, home as well as abroad,” said Kessler.
