Froch: 169.7 lbs

Kessler: 166.7 lbs

Prediction: Three years is a lifetime in boxing, and that’s the period since these two elite super-middleweights faced each other in arguably the best, and definitely most competitive, bout of the Super Six tournament.

Since the first clash, both men have posted winning records. Kessler has a streak of three straight KOs over Mehdi Bouadla, Allan Green and Brian McGee. On the other hand, Froch suffered a defeat at the hands of Andre Ward, but also notched dominant wins over Lucian Bute and a hapless Yusef Mack.

Although both men are just outside of their physical primes in their mid-30s, Froch has not had to deal with the serious injuries that have plagued Kessler (shoulder, eye). The past few years have shown a steep decline in Kessler’s once ramrod jab, a weapon that served him well in the first Froch fight. It will need to reappear, because if the relentless Cobra of the Bute fight shows up, Kessler will have major problems getting the room he needs to punch effectively. Once inside, Froch holds a massive punching edge.

While it is a safe pick, I’m going with Carl Froch via seventh round TKO. Although Kessler’s never been stopped, I expect Froch to make it an inside battle instead of the stretches of technical gamemanship we saw in the first fight. Froch won’t need to do that with Kessler’s jab not being what it once was.

Kessler will be dangerous, but Froch’s game has been elevated by the Bute win and he should be too much for the Viking Warrior to overcome.

Had to do a double-take on the credits after assuming the Alchemist was behind the effective blues horns sampled here. ”Ruff Town” is just another reminder that Roc Marciano is a capable producer in his own right. Mega’s unorthodox flow can sometimes clash with smooth tracks like this, but it’s not an issue here. No word yet on where this will end up on.  

Remember that relationship that turned your world upside down? The one that stripped away every facade, every mask you use in everyday life? Do you remember the person that was the most passionate, consuming love experience of your life, and for whatever reason(s) you had to end it after months (or years) of struggle? If you were fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on your perspective), to have experienced this type of star-crossed love, you’ll relate quite well to Goapele’s new single “Undertow,” off last year’s Break of Dawn project.

I understand, Goapele. I understand…

Yeah, this is another hoodrat anthem… but it’s a good one. Nicki Minaj sets off the raunchy direction with an initial verse celebrating her voluptuous frame and the lustful desires it brings. ATLiens will also note the shout-out to Atlanta’s Lenox Mall. Even after all the pop songs, it’s still readily apparent Nicki can spit when she wants to. Although this is more of a track in the vein of a Beyonce anthem, Ciara does a decent job.

The song will be included on Ciara’s self-titled, July 9 album.

Ugly Heroes is the newly comprised trio of Apollo Brown, Verbal Kint and Red Pill. As the producer of all 15 tracks from their debut collaboration, Brown took the lead in the direction, stating he wanted to craft “a record that paints life as it is today for a lot of the working poor.”

A free download of “Hero’s Theme’ is available below with the entire album set to drop on May 28 via Mello Music Group.

Unless I’m mistaken, this is the first collaboration between these two and they don’t disappoint. The pregnant pauses in Nispey’s flow makes this resemble a sped-up version of Nas’s “Testify.”

Yes, yours truly will be the special guest on tonight’s third edition of the Bad Culture Boxing Radio show. Among the topics I’ll be covering with BadCulture.net founder Jeandra LeBeauf will be Lucas Matthysse’s demolition of Lamont Peteson, J’Leon Love’s failed drug test, Antonio Margarito’s recent family drama/potential comeback, Amir Khan, Adrien Broner, Froch-Kessler and much more.

The show kicks off at 9 p.m. PST HERE. Don’t miss it.

“We Movin’” is the first offering from AZ’s Doe or Die II project. Statik Selektah is behind the boards and has a good grasp on the type of sound long-time fans want to hear from an album carrying the name of AZ’s most celebrated album. No word on a release date. You can purchase “We Movin’” HERE.

Doesn’t look like Sir Michael Rocks’s Banco album will be dropping anytime soon. To hold fans over, the former Cool Kid has announced another project entitled While You Wait to hold fans over. Under his Larry Fisherman producer alter-ego, Miller supplies an enchanting vocal loop for this trio rock over. Sounds like While You Wait will do its job.

Damn. I thought Redman had a thing for big women, but he has nothing on Action Bronson based on this new video for the Harry Fraud-produced “Strictly 4 My Jeeps.” Filmed in Queens, this video also features an appearance by Riff Raff. Bronson can keep that behemoth — the Paula Jai Parker honey in the jeep is more my speed. The video is directed by Jason Goldwatch.