Kessler VS Ward

What's Kessler going to do when Ward takes away his jab and his right hand? This ain't Mundine.

 

Lose?

To me Ward is the only fighter in this class who's capable of flustering Kessler. I don't think he'll do it but he's got a DAMN good shot.

I say Ward loses a close decision in the 8-4 range.

 

I'm with you. No one is giving Ward a chance, but I think he has the style to give the robotic Kessler fits. He may not have Kessler's resume, but he is faster than Kessler, is more versatile, uses footwork and head movement well, very good defense and fights well on the outside and inside.. Kessler also showed a lack of ability to adapt in the Calzaghe fight. I don't think he will figure Ward out until it's too late.

I think this forum is going to be shocked at the result of this fight. This forum overrates Kessler immensely (mostly Calzaghe fans who are rooting for Kessler to succeed so it boosts Joe's legacy post-retirement)

 

This is a tall order for Ward. No doubt about it.

 

Spot on. Ward is going to be all over the place, Kessler won't like that.

 

I know we're supposed to look at fights on base level but...boxing would be in a much better place if Ward pulled off the upset. He's a big draw in Oakland, has olympic gold and if he pulls off the upset against the man at SMW....well you can pretty much punch his PPV ticket. He could be a really big star.

 

Ward does have the presence and intelligence. I could see it. Nonito Donaire claims Ward had a really big impact on his career. Apparently Andre Ward is a genuinely good dude. Nonito said Andre would give him money when he had nothing, and encourage him to train and build his confidence with positive reinforcement. My kind of champion.

 

This seems like an enormous step up for Ward. Kessler might be considered one of the truly great fighters in the game right now. Even if Ward could beat him one day, is that day so soon? Shouldn't he fight more lesser guys first?

If this fight goes off really close odds Kessler may be a great bet, however, I haven't seen every fight of either man, even recent ones, to really know what the hell I am talking about here, but just from Ward being hurt by such low level guys it makes me think this may be a bet I really step on if the odds are there and I feel the same way after reviewing their fights.

 

**** it im going with Andre Ward now lol

 

Nobody has a bad word when it comes to Ward. A real likable dude. He showed a lot of poise and charisma dealing with the media after his win over Edison Miranda.

 

Didn't Kessler adapt (finally) towards the last few rounds of the Zag fight? I
dn't know if falling short againt Zag makes one vulnerable to the pack.

You gotta love this tournament, these damn fights are incredible on paper.

Has Ward fought anyone remotely near Kessler's skill level? Who?
Has Kessler fought anyone near Wards? I think so.

 

Kessler finished the fight strong, but at that late point in the fight, Joe was already on cruise control on his way to unanimous decision. Kessler was most effective in the early rounds. Joe was the one who had to adapt to Kessler's style and dominated Kessler in the middle rounds. Kessler however never could figure Joe's style out. Movement and counterpunching befuddled him.

I'm not saying Ward is anywhere on Joe's level, but Ward also gives opponents multiple looks and does alot of things well similar to Calzaghe. Ward is multi-dimensional. Kessler... isn't.

As for your last questions, no Ward has never faced anyone as good as Kessler, but Kessler has only faced ONE fighter as good as Ward and that's Joe, and Joe beat him soundly... sooooo....

 

While that's truthful, Kessler has faced more good opponents than Ward has. Ward has Edison Miranda. That's about it really. On the flip side, Kess has Andrade, Calzaghe, Mundine and even Beyer on his resume. Good fighters.

Basically Kessler is more proven against good competition...on the flip side? Ward is more proven in tough gritty fights than Kessler is. Kessler seems to do well in strict boxing fights and does a good job avoiding wars/inside battles by utilizing his tremendous 1-2. Ward if he can break down the 1-2 can force Mikkel into a brawl which would give him all the advantages he needs. Force the robot outside of his normal routine and watch him flop like a fish.

This fight is outstanding. So many ****ing great ways it can go.

 

I'll be rooting for him, no hesitation...can't see it though.

 

No doubt Andrade and Mundine are credible fighters but I don't think either has the ability of Ward. People will say I'm full of ****, since Miranda is the only good win on Ward's resume thus far. But I think Ward is better than Andrade, Mundine, and a faded Beyer.

I wasn't even a Ward fan before the Miranda fight. I thought Dirrell had more potential, but the Miranda fight was so damn impressive to me the way he neutralized Miranda in every round. Although he didn't stop Miranda like Pavlik and Abraham did, in a way I was actually more impressed with Ward's effort. He absolutely dominated Miranda for 12 rounds. Even outmuscled him on the inside.

Can't wait for this fight. This is the last one in the first round right?