Showtime made a mistake putting Ward vs. Kessler

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Lampley, Jul 16, 2009.


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  1. Lampley

    Lampley Boxing Junkie banned

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    Given how much time and money Showtime has invested in the tournament, it's critical that at least one American emerge as a serious contender to win the whole thing.

    Unfortunately, I think both Taylor and Dirrell have remote chances to win it (Taylor perhaps past it slightly, and Dirrell too unfocused). That leaves Ward, but for some reason he got matched against the overall favorite in his first bout.

    I'd rather have seen Ward vs. Froch -- someone he could outbox -- than the polished Kessler.

    Thoughts?
     
    Lampley, Jul 16, 2009
    Lampley, Jul 16, 2009
    #1
  2. Rumsfeld

    Rumsfeld Moderator Staff Member

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    I think Kessler will probably beat Ward, but I also believe he is one of the most overrated fighters on all of ESB.
     
    Rumsfeld, Jul 16, 2009
    Rumsfeld, Jul 16, 2009
    #2
  3. Former Dawg

    Former Dawg Active Member Full Member

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    It is a round robin tourney. Ward and Kessler both have two more fights. They best will still make it to the next round.
     
    Former Dawg, Jul 16, 2009
    Former Dawg, Jul 16, 2009
    #3
  4. Hatesrats

    Hatesrats "I'm NOT Suprised..." Full Member

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    I agree, Except for the part about Kessler beating Ward.
    Ward should handle everything Kessler can give, In route to a UD.
    (Without much trouble against Robocop)
     
    Hatesrats, Jul 16, 2009
    Hatesrats, Jul 16, 2009
    #4
  5. Arriba

    Arriba Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ward will also take on Taylor and I figure Abraham or Froch in the end.

    I really think it'll be Ward vs Kessler in the finals anyways.
     
    Arriba, Jul 16, 2009
    Arriba, Jul 16, 2009
    #5
  6. Lampley

    Lampley Boxing Junkie banned

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    True, but imagine the psychological effect it could have on Ward going up against another A-opponent trying to bounce back from his first career loss.

    Also, from Showtime's perspective, it would be embarrassing if the Americans went 0-3 in the first round.

    Don't get me wrong: I'm really excited for the tournament.

    I just want Showtime to be happy with the result so that hopefully this idea will continue to flourish in the future.
     
    Lampley, Jul 16, 2009
    Lampley, Jul 16, 2009
    #6
  7. JoeAverage

    JoeAverage Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I don't think even 0-3 would be a problem.

    "Epic comebacks' is part of the American dream. It only makes the tale greater.:good
     
    JoeAverage, Jul 16, 2009
    JoeAverage, Jul 16, 2009
    #7
  8. Rumsfeld

    Rumsfeld Moderator Staff Member

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    I would not be shocked if Ward beat Kessler.
     
    Rumsfeld, Jul 16, 2009
    Rumsfeld, Jul 16, 2009
    #8
  9. Bodysnatcher

    Bodysnatcher Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    edit
     
    Bodysnatcher, Jul 16, 2009
    Bodysnatcher, Jul 16, 2009
    #9
  10. zarman

    zarman Guest

    no way is ward beating kessler
     
    zarman, Jul 16, 2009
    zarman, Jul 16, 2009
    #10
  11. JoeAverage

    JoeAverage Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Given that 1) Ward has home advantage 2) Kessler has to cross the planet 3)Kessler has been in no-mans land since the Calzaghe fight with very bad relations with his manager and promoter 4) Kessler also has not fought anyone for a long time and is bound the feel like its a comeback. 5) Kessler will not only be outside his comfort zone with regard to time, place etc. but also with his own team as he has just changed manager and promoter.

    Given those issues I have Ward 60-40 favorite to win.
     
    JoeAverage, Jul 16, 2009
    JoeAverage, Jul 16, 2009
    #11
  12. san rafael

    san rafael 0.00% lemming Full Member

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    lmao... Funny. Showtime is actually intending to set Kessler and Froch up with these matchups, for their long term American market interests. It's probably going to work too.
     
    san rafael, Jul 16, 2009
    san rafael, Jul 16, 2009
    #12
  13. san rafael

    san rafael 0.00% lemming Full Member

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    Yep.

    And that's to go along with everything else.
     
    san rafael, Jul 16, 2009
    san rafael, Jul 16, 2009
    #13
  14. ricardinho

    ricardinho Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think it works in that if he loses it will not ruin his career as that he lost to the favorite.
     
    ricardinho, Jul 16, 2009
    ricardinho, Jul 16, 2009
    #14
  15. RightCross

    RightCross Grandmaster of Boxing Full Member

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    Its a perfect set up for ward to take over the smw division. He will beat Kessler and then will have so much confidence that he will take over the smw division.
     
    RightCross, Jul 16, 2009
    RightCross, Jul 16, 2009
    #15
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