True story, i don't hate on Ward again. But let's be real, the fashion he became the LWH king was to beat a weight-drained Dawson, who i respect to be skilled, but only has W's against old guys. If Dawson is the #1 man at the LWH division, then it tells more about the division than the fighter. I think if Pascal fixes his stamina & improve his workrate, then i'd favor Pascal to stop him in a rematch. Dawson cannot handle pressure
It's impossible to clear out a division without fighting in it. Ward would have been favored over Dawson at 175 even before Ward-Dawson took place, but it's nonsensical to say therefore say he had cleared it out without setting foot in it.
He didn't clean out the LHW division. He only fought the best LHW who wasn't even at his best. Ward was a 4-1 favorite, many boxing analyst were not impressed by Dawson's performance against Hopkins, and they were concerned that Dawson's mental lapses would cause him to break down. The analyst were right, he did break down. Also most of Dawson's best wins were against old boxers who had low work-rates. His only win that really sticks out is Adamek.
Good point, esp considering Sergios' age. Then again, did anyone really expect Sergio to lose either fight? I still say Garcia, since his win over Kahn was more "earth shaking" than either of Maravilla's wins. Also, while most expected him to beat Morales, he did so in spectacular fashion. Last: Both of Garcia's wins were via KO. Sergio looked great against Macklin, and schooled / humiliated the overhyped Chavez, but two solid KO's beats one solid TKO in my book. --------- How is anyone picking either Ward or Donair? The're both fabulous fighters, but both faced opponents who basically showed up for the paycheck. You might as well nominate Wlad.
Donaire is the frontrunner, by quite a bit. The other guys can only hope Arce beats him, which is some steep odds
Gotta flip a coin between Ward and Garcia. Hell of a year for both. Probably gotta give it to ward though on the strength of competition.
might as well give it to bradley for beating pacquiao. donaire is the right answer here and the more deserving one. 3 fights against ranked super bantams in vazquez jr. and mathebula and the top super bantan in nishioka. if he beats arce, no way he should not get the Fighter of the Year award.
How can he clear LHW with 1 fight that wasnt at LHW ? Garcia for me, although if Froch beats Mack he's in with a shout
For me, Sergio Martinez. He beat Macklin, who is entirely under-rated at Middleweight considering he beat Sturm in all but the final result. Then to dominate Chavez Jr - a giant at the weight, so thoroughly was impressive. Donaire has been active but looked average against Vazquez Jr and Mathebula. Garcia scored two thrilling knockouts, but Morales was well past his best. Ward has only had one fight, and, as superb as it was, that isn't enough for me.