Just over three years after Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler engaged in a thrilling war best remembered for its sheer brutality the two men will meet once more at the O2 Arena tonight.

Kessler edged the 'Cobra' on that occasion but travels to London as a slight underdog with the bookies, with both men putting their world super-middleweight titles on the line in a hotly-anticipated unification clash.

For Froch tonight's marquee clash represents the defining moment of his career after a hellacious run of nine consecutive world title fights.

Nottingham's favourite son has forged a reputation as an uncompromising, aggressive fighter with the stamina and skills to match his all-action style.

Kessler too deserves to be considered an elite operator who is far from shy to engage in the centre of the ring, losing just twice in 48 professional bouts.

With a pair of big punchers both possessing granite chins this fight is a genuine throwback to an age of super-middleweight wars in this country, and sure enough sold 17,000 tickets within three hours of being announced.

Familiarity normally breeds contempt but throughout the build-up to this clash both champions have been keen to stress their respect for the other man's skills, although this should have long evaporated when the first bell sounds on fight night.

In terms of tactics Froch is riding the crest of a wave after successive demolition jobs on Lucian Bute and Yusaf Mack and should start in confident mood. Revenge should also have been on his mind throughout a gruelling camp as the 35-year-old looks to avenge that slim defeat to Kessler in Herning.

Look for the 'Cobra' to strike first after a cagey start and dictate a fast pace with efficient, clean shots.

Kessler will take some moving but has looked most uncomfortable in his long career when put under consistent pressure, something Froch will have no doubt looked at following their relentless first encounter.

The 'Viking Warrior' could be susceptible to a cut as he turns the tide in the middle rounds, the stage of the fight were we should see which man has enough stamina to take control and drive forward.

Conventional wisdom has this one close and with both men so difficult to hurt this is reasonable.

Deep in the trenches late on Froch can be expected to rise to the challenge and show a disciplined, measured approach to edge this battle between warriors on points.

Whichever way this fight goes we can expect a genuine war of attrition that helps to cement both men's legacies as modern super-middleweight greats.