I felt it necessary to give Manny Pacquiao his own thread on Saturday night after he dominated Miguel Cotto, and I feel it equally necessary tonight. Andre Ward just thoroughly outclassed, out-boxed, and outfought Mikkel Kessler in front of his hometown fans, and I doubt even those who picked him to win expected to see that level of thorough domination. I also give props to Kessler, for he didn't quit, even though he was often being made to look like a sparring partner, or much less a human punching bag. Mikkel couldn't land his jab. Andre was utilizing lateral movement, and his sharp accurate counters were finding the mark almost at will. It must be said that Kessler looked flat from the outset, but we must pay tribute to a young outstanding fighter in Andre Ward, who came out of nowhere to do a similar demolition job over another good fighter in Edison Miranda. I have no time for people attributing this victory to the accidental headbutts. Kessler was outclassed even before they emerged, and he didn't seem to have the capacity to change up what he was doing to cater to Andre's counter-puncher style. We have a new star in the making with Ward, he's slick, handsome, and the man has bags of talent. I make him the favorite for the whole tournament. Well done Andre Ward.
My thoughts exactly. They were nasty head butts but I don't think it would have changed the outcome. Props to Ward, I think he should be the favorite to win the whole thing (or at least should be in the top 2)
