I've seen all of Ward's pro fights, the good, the bad, and the really, really ugly. I like him. I think he's going to be a force very, very soon. He has a good team behind him, which helps.
Andre Ward is small for a SMW, especially compared to guys like Kessler, Bute, etc. Not only that but Ward has defense problems and his chin isn't the strongest. Dirrell by KO9 or UD12, Dirrell is just bigger, better defensive, and more explosive.
He even beat the crap out of Chad Dawson in a sparring match. Dirrell could easily make 175 too, but he would get his ass whooped by Chad Dawson in a real fight.
Must be your eyes. Ward is the exact same size as Kessler. They are a little smaller than Bute and Direll though.
Ward fought bigger as amatuers Dirrell was the Middleweight bronze winner in 04 and Ward was the Lt heavyweight gold winner in 04. Its another case of a guy making a statement of fact that isnt correct...which is the norm around he now-a-days... Dirrell is a hair taller, Ward is abit thicker I dont think that either guy would have any advantage size wise... I just hope they dont fight too soon ala Jones vs Hopkins