Ward was worried about Bute and didnt want to face him and Im sure there was good reason for that. Ward hasnt faced one top fighter that hasnt been clowned. Ward hasnt faced one top undefeated fighter Ward hasnt faced an undefeated champ. Well Bute isnt any of those things now, and Ward lost a golden opportunity to take on Bute when it mattered more. Ward isnt a big puncher and I doubt he could manhandle Bute like Froch did. Froch didnt outbox Bute he steam rolled Bute and Lucians chin couldnt stand up to it. Ward doesnt have that snappy a punch. I think it would be a close fight where Bute could very well win. I would have picked Bute before the Froch loss and dont know yet what type of damage that may have done to Bute, but if it hasnt ruined him too much, I would say close fight either way, though I dont think Ward will ever want to go near Bute. He didnt want to when he was offered the fight in Oakland