Former super-middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler announces ring return

Former super-middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler has announced he will return to the ring later this year.

The five-times world title holder plans to face an as yet unnamed opponent in his first fight since losing a rematch to Britain's Carl Froch in 2013.

The 38-year-old self-named 'Viking Warrior', who made the announcement at a press conference in his native Denmark, has not fought since he lost to Froch.

Kessler ( 46-3, 35 KOs), said: " I want to prove that I can become the best again. The goal is to become world champion for the sixth time.

''I've always said that if I wake up one day and the motivation is there, I'll take the chance, and now, the timing is right. I still have a great team around me with a chef, physical trainer, therapist and boxing coach. The desire is still there, and I'm ready to make it happen.

''I'm older, and so is my body, but I've kept in shape, and I'm still in weight. I'm 100 per cent motivated to do this. I've missed the training camps, and I've missed the focus you get from boxing - to have one goal, and to do your best to achieve it.

''It's not about the money; it's about doing what my heart tells me to do. I've always loved big challenges, and this is a chance to really test myself.

''We've not decided on a date or an opponent yet. I'm just looking forward to fighting in front of my fans again. For me, it has always been about the fans, and I promise to do everything I can to ensure they get to see entertaining fights.''

Kessler's promoter Kalle Sauerland, who was also at the press conference in Copenhagen, added: ''For Mikkel it has always been about honour and not money when he steps into the ring.

"''He has beaten the best and we believe he can come back to a level where he is ready to conquer the world again."

Kessler, who has yet to announce the date of his ring return, lost a world title fight to Welshman Joe Calzaghe and also beat Froch before losing their rematch and officially retired from the sport in 2015.