Yeah, that Andre Ward is boring. The guy's skilled and has a high work-rate. And you can't see why a fan appreciates or thinks he isn't boring. You shouldn't act surprised if others think your less of a fan because of it.
What I've seen from Ward is a guy FOR THE MOST PART, who holds, butts, elbows, hugs, hooks his arms around the other fighter and seems to prefer not to risk pressing his advantage in going for the KO. And the KO is part of this sport, however people want to spin it. These are my OBSERVATIONS. They're not based on nationality, race, religion, bloodlust, anti-Oakland sentiment, prejudice against guys named Andre, secret love of the UFC or any other red herring thrown my way. I'm not saying others can't appreciate Andre. If you do, fine. I don't enjoy watching the man fight, period. And for the record, I've been watching boxing for too long to be overly concerned about another person's assessment of my ability to properly enjoy boxing, man.
I was praying Son of Ottke would get KTFO last night. I don't think Froch will be able to cope with his constant spoiling (if he gets to the final) Dirrell managed to frustrate him with all his non stop ***** moves.
1. I think your problem is more of an issue of the KO or lack of pressing for the KO and not the dirty stuff. Unless you want me to remind you of some of what your favorites like Duran, Hagler, and Tyson did. 2. That is kind of what you said, at least it sounded that way. I don't know why we're arguing. In fact, I'm not sure why you're responding if you're not concerned about my assessment. Take care...
Big words for someone who is just 'observing' None ****ing sense bro, you aint fooling anybody with your 'I been watching boxing for 30 years.' If you can't appreciate what Ward did tonight, then plain and simple, boxing needs less fans like you. . . that way more fighters will want to put on boxing clinics and become 'crowd pleasing' in our eyes rather than brutes who end up brain dead. Maybe we need more fighters like Victor Ortiz and Andre Ward who know what is best for them.
I don't give a damn about entertainment when the objective of the sweet science is to win. Not every fighter will be a Gatti or Mexican. But we should appreciate a great performance when we see one, so I don't see the point exactly to criticise Andre Ward when he actually came to fight and box well. Mosley on the other hand is an example of somebody that simply didn't want to fight. There's a difference between the two
One more time and I'm done. Ward's style is boring to me. I don't like his hug and hold defensive style. I don't like the rhythm of a fight that has to be broken up by the ref every few seconds. And despite your championing for a kinder, gentler boxing of the future, he'll never be a superstar who draws huge followings. Yes, I do like boxers who go for the KO, and who are offensive minded. Boxing still has KOs. But that doesn't mean I'm a blood-thirsty animal. Because I also appreciate good defensive fighters -- see Hagler, Leonard, Mayweather, Pernell, Roy Jones (early jones), Toney. I'm not trying to FOOL anybody by saying I've been a fan for a long time. I have. I'm not HIDING any agenda. I don't like Ward's style for reasons I've stated many times. If you want to get all Dr. Phil on me, good for you.
See, that's a legitimate point. I totally agree with what you're saying. Comparing Andre's will and focus vs. what Shane showed the other night, there's no comparison.
Ward does what works for him. Home town fights, low risk style winning 12 round decisions. But it works. It fills the bank account. You think Ward or his kids care if his fights are unappealing? The checks pay the mortgage and that's all that matters for him at this stage in his life. It's obvious that Ward doesn't care about making new fans nor about conquering the boxing world internationally.
Ward fights very good. His tactics works for him. Boxing is winning fights not entertaining some internet kids. I like the way Ward outboxes AA. Great boxing skills, great tactics. Ward is a very very good boxer.
Rabbit punching will be the way to beat him, and if you time him right and catch him as he's ducking, it's a perfectly legitimate way to do so. It wouldn't surprise me if he's beaten soon in that very way.
Personally I admire wards technical approach to a fight, he does everything to win the fight without bringing into the fight any passion. This however does make him less exciting to watch for casual fans. I think he will give Froch real problems with spoiling tactics. Froch needs to follow Calzaghe's example against Hopkins, against a spoiler you need to make yourself the general in the ring and dictate the fight. Early call but whilst I have come to like Froch, Froch will lose to Ward. (would prefer Froch to beat him, just because he is a more exciting fighter to watch)
Ward was excellent last night. You expect him to give way his advantages and brawl with Abraham? I enjoyed the fight, Ward put on a fantastic 'boxing' display. It may not tickle your fancy cause you want to an all out war but this is boxing homie.