How do you rate the top Super Middleweights?

Our very own Bobby Palmer after February had it:

1. Andre Ward (WBA)
2. Carl Froch (WBC)
3. Lucian Bute (IBF)
4. Glen Johnson
5. Librado Andrade
6. Arthur Abraham

In those rankings Dirrell or Kessler aren't included though...

 

dirrell hasnt fought in a year...he's supposed to be coming back soon though?

i think that top 3 is still ok. is kessler not in as he was considered to be retired?

 

For the purpose of this I say we include both Kessler and Dirrell.


1. Andre Ward (WBA)
2. Carl Froch (WBC)
3. Lucian Bute (IBF)
4. Mikkel Kessler
5. Andre Dirrell
6. Glen Johnson


I think that's how I've got it.

 

I agree with Bobby P if we are excluding Dirrel and Kessler

 

Maybe you should do a top 3 only to stop all this confusion....:tong

 

Kessler should clearly be above Bute IMO after beating Froch. How can you beat somebody miles better than anyone Bute has ever faced and be below him? It's almost like punishing him for fighting top fighters.

That said, my prediction for Bute/Kessler will probably surprise people should it go ahead.

 

will it only be revealed if the fight goes ahead?

 

It's hardly going to be a surprise now.

 

You're becoming a bit of a hater.

Firstly the removal of him in your avvy.

Then the picking of Froch.

Now Bute?

Behave

 

Bute beats kessler

froch beats bute

 

Personally I find it impossible to rank due to the number of half inactive boxers in and around the division as well as guys like Bute who's only fighting fringe top 10 boxers at best.

These are my thoughts on the top guys in the division now though:

Andre Ward:

* If he continues to have all the advantages given to him, I personally think he can beat everyone in the division.
* He'll decisively outpoint Arthur Abraham when/if they meet in the S6 semi final.
* He will beat Carl Froch in the Super Six final, mainly down to the fight being in America.
* I think he'd potentially lose to Lucian Bute if he had to fight in Canada, but would most likely win at home or a neutral venue.
* He'd beat Mikkel Kessler again, even if he had to fight away from home.
* Andre Dirrell wouldn't fight him but it would be a terrible fight (similar to Bradley/Alexander) where the styles don't mix well at all. Ward would just about edge it.

Carl Froch

* Should beat Glen Johnson and make it to the Super Six Final.
* A fight with Andre Ward would be close, but Ward is smart enough to outbox Froch similar to the Jermain Taylor fight, with the difference being that Andre Ward is stronger and fresher and able to see out the full 12 rounds.
* He would beat Kessler in a rematch, even if it's in Denmark again.
* He also beats Bute if he could somehow get the fight to take place in England. If it's in Canada, Froch gets outboxed and drops a decision. If it's in the US, it's a genuine 50/50 matchup IMO.
* He'd get beaten and frustrated by Andre Dirrell again if he ever comes back.

Mikkel Kessler

* Kessler will lose to Bute if that fight gets made next.
* I also think he'd lose if he fought Froch or Ward again (as mentioned above).
* This may sound harsh but I even think he'd lose to a fit and focussed Kelly Pavlik should that fight ever happen.

Lucian Bute

* Wouldn't be easy but I think he beats Kessler in next fight (if it happens)
* Home advantage is such a big factor in a really close and competitive division. Bute sells the most tickets out of all of them and this could be crucial in any future fights.
* It would be real pick 'em fights against either Froch or Ward as the Super Six winner if every factor was even.
* Whatever the case with the super six fighters, Bute needs to fight someone decent next. Even if it means he has to move up for a Dawson or Pascal fight. I don't wanna see a Brian Magee or Jesse Brinkley against him again.


Of course just my opinion and most of my predictions will likely be wrong as usual but it's a good division that's for sure :good

 

I don't think anything changes after last night

 

How do you have it with Dirrell and Kessler included, Bobby?

 

1. Andre Ward (WBA)
2. Mikkell Kessler
3. Carl Froch (WBC)
4. Lucian Bute (IBF)
5. Andre Dirrell
6. Glen Johnson
7. Librado Andrade
8. Arthur Abraham

 

I'd agree with that!