FINALLY last week talk around the office turned to the Carl Froch-Mikkel Kessler Super Six clash on April 17, a fight that had, until recently, been conspicuous by the lack of speculation surrounding it. Obviously some of the sheen has been taken off after Kessler's November defeat to Andre Ward - what was all set to be a unification showdown is now only a defence for Froch of his WBC title. However, this remains a crucial contest for both men. While it may be the Dane coming off a loss, Froch could do with a dominant performance. Nottingham's "Cobra" was outboxed by Jermain Taylor before using his strength, power and dogged persistance to prevail, while an ugly decision win over Andre Dirrell left many observers feeling the American had done enough. While you will have to wait until April for a full preview, here are three key factors in the Froch-Kessler fight and who I believe each one favours.

The fight's in Herning

On the face of it, the match taking place in a small Danish town appears to strongly favour Kessler. Not only does Mikkel have home advantage but he's already won a minor psychological battle with his opponent after Froch's appeal to have the fight moved to Copenhagen was denied. But let's look at it from a different angle. Kessler must perform in front of a partisan crowd, against perhaps his toughest opponent since Joe Calzaghe, in his first fight after the Ward setback. Not only does this heap the pressure on to Kessler, it alleviates some of the expectations placed on Froch as the champion in this contest. It also removes the Englishman from an environment at home in which he faces criticism, a lack of TV support and a far more intense focus on his preparations. In short, he's been taken out of the firing line.

Advantage: Froch

Kesslers defeat to Ward

This has to be a boost for Froch, right? Kessler's confidence has been knocked, he lost inside the distance for the first time and ceded his WBA title. Since that fateful night, Kessler has dumped long-time trainer Richard Olsen for Jimmy Montoya, switched his training base from Aarhus to Berlin and hired a psychological coach. The Dane was clearly rattled by his second loss it seems. But what if... the relationship with Olsen had been failing for some time but this had been masked by Mikkel continuing to win? What if training in Berlin takes Kessler out of the spotlight and allows him to knuckle down and focus on the task in hand? What if the mental coach performs a vital service? You can look at Kessler's all-change approach as a sign of weakness but it could also signify strength. He knows what went wrong and is man enough to make the big decisions to rectify the problems. Add that Kessler has lost the pressure of retaining his title and that Froch will not be as fast, agile or rough - not in Denmark, anyway - as Ward, and the reverse against the former Olympic champion could prove a blessing in disguise.

Advantage: Kessler

Versatility is vital

While both me are though of as front foot operators, and most people are expecting an all-out war when they meet head-on, the battle could be decided by who can adapt better. War or no war, someone will be more the aggressor that their rival. Froch used persistance and determination to beat slicker men in Taylor and Dirrell, while Kessler has done the same against Anthony Mundine for arguably his greatest win in Australia. Kessler defeated Librado Andrade mosty off the back foot but generally – as Ward has pointed out – the Dane struggles on the retreat. Froch may be known as a warrior these days but was a World Amateur bronze medallist and early in his career outboxed many opponents from range – including Charles Adamu and Brian Magee – using his reach and lateral movement. So if Froch is forced back it may not be the worst thing in the world.

Advantage: Froch

Does this mean Froch is going to win? Not necessarily. There are so many factors pertinent to this fight, I have barely covered the tip of the iceberg. But it’s intriguing and could still have a crucial bearing on the destination of the Super Six trophy. Until next time…