How highly do you rate Andre Ward's skillset?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by JMP, Dec 14, 2011.


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  1. JMP

    JMP Champion Full Member

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    Seems to me that Ward can do just about everything. He can box well, counterpunch, fight coming forward, and fight on the inside, or make it a really ugly/dirty dogfight if need be - all the while being alert defensively. I'd definitely consider him one of the current scene's most intelligent and mature fighters.

    Going beyond skill, he's blessed with fantastic coordination, athletic ability, physical strength (despite having average power), and hand speed. But I get the feeling that he's not truly great at one particular area.

    He's not an athletic marvel like Jones, a great mover/counterpuncher like Hopkins was, an incredibly skilled fighter like Mayweather at 130 pounds, a great pressure fighter, or a great combination puncher like a Marquez among others. He's quite versatile, but I think he's more or less good to very good at many different things. His best asset, to me, may be his boxing brain and mental focus.

    I'm very interested to see how he'll perform against Carl Froch this Saturday. I think it will reveal a decent amount about him as a technical fighter/strategist.

    How would you guys rate Ward's skill level? And any additional thoughts?

    ...and if you plan on posting about NOTHING ELSE but how dirty you consider him as a fighter and how ugly his fights are at times (which I wont dispute), kindly don't respond in this thread.
     
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    #1
  2. kopejh

    kopejh Guest

    it's 10 by today's standards but about 6 in the grand scheme of things
     
    kopejh, Dec 14, 2011
    kopejh, Dec 14, 2011
    #2
  3. JMP

    JMP Champion Full Member

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    I think the guy in your avatar at the time that fight happened was a level above Ward skill-wise. I don't think he has that level of technical ability, defensive reflexes, footwork, or technique.
     
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    #3
  4. kopejh

    kopejh Guest

    of course I'm not thinking of guys like Hopkins and Mayweather who are extra-ordinary.

    can't think of anyone else other than Donaire who matches Ward skill-wise right now.
     
    kopejh, Dec 14, 2011
    kopejh, Dec 14, 2011
    #4
  5. AnotherFan

    AnotherFan Boxing Addict Full Member

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    10.

    I will go as far as saying Ward has a strike of genius in the way he applies the sweet science. Otherwise he would never be able to dominate a good allround orthodox fighter like Kessler.

    With this pointed out, I cant help myself to add that his trademark right cross and dive in with a headbutt is SO UGLY. But I guess peple with a winner mentality will make sure they get every possible edge.

    Please god, let Froch defeat him this saturday. Not that it will happen, though :|
     
    AnotherFan, Dec 14, 2011
    AnotherFan, Dec 14, 2011
    #5
  6. Rexrapper 1

    Rexrapper 1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    9. I give 10s to fighters like Floyd. Ward isn't on that level so a 9 is fair.
     
    Rexrapper 1, Dec 14, 2011
    Rexrapper 1, Dec 14, 2011
    #6
  7. PetethePrince

    PetethePrince Slick & Redheaded Full Member

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    9.

    It could easily be 10 but I just guess you should have standards. I think if he can mix his offense and defense a little smoother from a mid to long range I could say 10, but someone like AA shouldn't be able to be aggressive and push his jab and get you out of sorts for a few early rounds. In the grand scheme, winning the fight is what counts but I believe there's good enough reason to not give him a 10. I also haven't seen him do much on the back foot, but he shouldn't have to, that's trivial.
     
    PetethePrince, Dec 14, 2011
    PetethePrince, Dec 14, 2011
    #7
  8. TerryESB

    TerryESB The Final Boss Full Member

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    9

    I would like a thread of rank Robert Helenius skillset. Is it just me or is that Helenius easily one of the worst skilled world level pro boxer that we have ever seen?

    Basically never worry about defense or using the jab, or movement, block punches with your face and then brawl. His boxing skills just seem a so terrible
     
    TerryESB, Dec 14, 2011
    TerryESB, Dec 14, 2011
    #8
  9. JMP

    JMP Champion Full Member

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    Helenius makes Valuev look like Riddick Bowe.
     
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    JMP, Dec 14, 2011
    #9
  10. Bub

    Bub Boxing Addict Full Member

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    8.
     
    Bub, Dec 14, 2011
    Bub, Dec 14, 2011
    #10
  11. perspicacity

    perspicacity Raising The Bar Full Member

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    He is being WAY over-rated in this thread atm. The guy is solid, a solid 7 in the grand scheme of things. Maybe he goes to 8 with a dominant win over Froch and 9 with a dominant win over Bute.

    The headbutts are awful btw!
     
    perspicacity, Dec 14, 2011
    perspicacity, Dec 14, 2011
    #11
  12. TerryESB

    TerryESB The Final Boss Full Member

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    Yeah his boxing skills are the same level Jason Mayham Miller.

    I am convinced all Helenius has is a really good chin and a pretty good punch. It was shocking how bad he looked against Chisora and how crude he was. No defense, no movement, no jab, not enough work rate.
     
    TerryESB, Dec 14, 2011
    TerryESB, Dec 14, 2011
    #12
  13. Bad Left Hook

    Bad Left Hook New Member Full Member

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    I agree that he is not great at one area 100%. Just like a Miguel Cotto before he fought Mosley and all of a sudden developed a stiff jab and used his right hand more.
     
    Bad Left Hook, Dec 14, 2011
    Bad Left Hook, Dec 14, 2011
    #13
  14. Pimp C

    Pimp C Too Much Motion

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    Highly skilled one of the best in the sport. He can do it all with his weakness being power and lack of natural athletic ability.
     
    Pimp C, Dec 14, 2011
    Pimp C, Dec 14, 2011
    #14
  15. Two Shakes

    Two Shakes Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    :deal

    But i give him a solid 9 in the Boxing Brain dept.
     
    Two Shakes, Dec 14, 2011
    Two Shakes, Dec 14, 2011
    #15
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