After his pre-fight threat to 'kill' Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch paid tribute to the Dane on Sunday morning.

The Briton, who had lost their first fight in Denmark, also mentioned the possibility of a third fight after avenging the loss by winning the return match on points.

“If there was a third fight it would have to be on neutral territory. I will listen to options and whoever I fight next it will have to be a defining fight because of where I'm at in my career.

"Stylistically we make good fights. I think I dominated him behind the jab and I don't know if he really wants a third fight," he said.

"I'm 35 but feel fresh enough to have three or four top-level fights.";

However, for Kessler, a third career defeat in 48 fights may tempt him to retire after making his professional debut 15 years ago.

He landed more than 55% of his punches, beating Froch in accuracy, but never mounted consistent momentum outside a few middle rounds.

Froch dictated the pace until Kessler went for a knockout in the 11th round, when the Briton responded with a dominant final round.

All three judges favoured Froch, scoring it 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110.

The 34-year-old Kessler had won four straight fights, including his victory over Froch for the WBC belt. He has won just once outside Denmark since June 2005.

Froch and Kessler are among the top contenders in a division widely thought to be ruled by Andre Ward, unbeaten American who is a former Olympic Games champion.

Ward beat both Froch and Kessler during a Super Six tournament a few years ago. Ward attended Saturday's fight as a commentator for American television and said he would be open to a rematch with Froch.

"I actually watched a video of Andre Ward against Kessler, dare I say, yesterday and today," Froch said. "Stepping in and closing the range once he threw the jab. I have been working on a long jab."

Froch has won three straight bouts since losing to Ward in December 2011, also beating Lucian Bute and Yusaf Mack in his native Nottingham.