I think it would be a good fight but the thing is - is that Ward isn't like anyone that Kessler has ever fought. He's not a power puncher and he's more of a boxer. When Kessler fought Calzaghe, Calzaghe came forward and put pressure on Kessler, he forced Kessler to be the boxer. In the case of Ward, Ward will play the role of the boxer and give Kessler more movement and angles. Ward is an accomplished amateur and knows how to score points _ when it comes down to it, I think that Ward will build up points and take a decision win. Its very possible and given that people are given Kessler so much respect that many people are going to be surprised. Ward's team wouldn't have taken the fight if they didn't think it was a winnable fight for Ward. Thoughts ... ????
If he's overmatched he wouldn't participate in the tournament, they have a good chance like the rest.
Facing a competent guy like Kessler in his first fight of the tournament was always going to be a difficult assignment for Ward, & for any other SMW for that matter! However, while people may be quick to discount Ward's chances of victory over Kessler, we should remember Mikkel has been inactive of late, so could be rusty! Ward is coming of age imo, improving, so while it would be an upset if he beat Kessler, I wouldn't be as surprised as others would be!
He has more world experience than Kessler ... despite it coming from the amateur ranks this guy is well traveled and being a gold medalist has seem every style there is imagineable. He knows how to rack up points and i'm sure he knows how to coast when ahead. Many people haven't seen or don't appreciate those type of styles ... guys like him, Floyd, Berto, Gamboa, DLH, Klitschko, and Chambers ... are guys who focus on racking up points and no matter if the KO is there or not does what it takes to get a clear points victory. I think he's in a good position, maybe the best chance to knock off Kessler.
Kessler and Ward both have tune-up bouts on September 12th. Though Kessler's tune-up is actually a mandatory defense.
Kessler is in a mandatory title defense ... both of those guys can get knocked off _ if they aren't focused on whats in front of them.
Im with you Fitz after watching Ward dismantle the Pantera Live I wouldnt count Ward out. Especially after the long layoff Kessler had and his loss against Joe that can be studied on.
Most people are writing him and Dirrell off, I agree he has a good chance to win, but I still think Kessler will beat him. Ward is too young imo.
Age has nothing to do with it ... he has something that Kessler has never seen ... here's a boxer who won't press the issue and won't lay down ... he would adjust like Calzaghe but won't leave himself open for any unneccessary punishment.
I think you are pretty much right he is overmartched. Ward might be the real deal lets see. This might be the biggest fight for Kessler since Calzaghe. EDIT. I Meant he is NOT overmatched. sorry TYPO
it just might be his biggest fight since Calzaghe ... and this will be his American debut ... Its not fair that HBO isn't showcasing this fight.
Showtime is backing the whole tournament. But Kessler has fought on US TV previously, and in the US previously, so it's not his debut.