Their respective fights this month: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP5i2fBY1io http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYS4b7pGj7c
Tough fight to predict. Beterbiev needs more experience for sure, the more experience he gains the more dangerous he becomes. Ward will not want to be on the inside against this guy. I thought Smith slightly stunned Ward in the the 7th round. I'm not convinced Ward will be able to handle the power of Artur or Sergey. Also, contrary to popular belief I don't feel Ward is that much faster than Kov or Artur (who has deceptive speed). I think it's funny that people try compare Ward to Floyd when they are nothing alike, except both are extremely intelligent in there. Ward doesn't have the reflexes Floyd has and is not as athletic as Floyd. He relies on other things to stay away from harm. He tends to leave that lead left in his opponents face; he just leaves it there (I'm not even sure if that's legal) without throwing a punch (I don't know how to really explain it, lol). He ducks below the waist, well Floyd and Rigo do that as well but Ward does it more than usual. He didn't hold against Smith because he didn't have to, but he usually holds and headb*tts (lol). These are things his future opponents have to look out for. I think the referee could be very crucial against Ward in the future; his future opponents need to get a ref that won't allow Ward to get away with certain things. Ward always finds a way to win and is a great fighter without a doubt. I will definitely be rooting for Artur though. I know there will be some people b*tthurt about my post, but it's my opinion.
Either Ward UD or Beterbiev late-ish KO (round 7 onwards). It's tough to predict, mainly because Ward isn't really proven at 175 (although he's much more proven than Beterbiev overall) and Beterbiev whilst facing some good opposition already in his career, still only had 9 bouts with no actual top opponent on his resume (yes he's got a couple of "fringe" names). The reason I don't think Beterbiev can knock Ward out early is because as far as I remember, against Page he struggled to cut off the ring early in the fight and needless to say Ward's footwork and defense is far superior, I definitely think he survives the early rounds.
I'll be honest, Beterbiev didn't look fluid against Johnson, he didn't throw enough punches and at times was lost on how to initiate his offense. But he has great power and fundamentals, he also fights rough and dirty on the inside. He's all wrong for Ward who might be harboring a glass jaw.
Artur is still wet behind the ears. He needs more experience before putting him in with the top tier. He looks like he has the necessaries give him time to prove it. In saying that I do not think there is a chance in hell of Ward stepping in the ring with Artur. He hits too hard
Yer my memory's hazy now, either way you know what I meant. I thought he looked kinda crude before the KO.
If Ward decides to come to 175, I am sure that he will be ready. He doesn't make decisions with his heart but with his head. Right now, I don't see any of those gents at 175 out boxing him. He just needs to bulk up and get comfortable at the weight and it's on and popping.