Formula to beat Ward

huh? What elites? Ohhh... you mean the ones that participated in the Super Six? I believe Andre Ward was in that tournament, but im not sure how well he did. Was there some other elites who were rated higher than the participants? Besides Bute?

The only other debatable one was Andre Dirrell.... and he magically couldnt fight his next mandatory fight due to injury. Was that Ward's fault? No. Do you think Dirrell COULD HAVE fought Ward? Yes but copped out.

So the ONLY OTHER elite that doesnt fit the previous stereotype basically dodged Ward via injury claim. And Bute? Creamed by a guy that Ward easily outclassed....

I would like to see a Ward vs either Dirrell fight, but i think neither Dirrells looking to fight him....

 

could be someone at the apex of athleticism, lik RJJ, but that type only comes once in a generation.

Or someone who is a natural pressure fighter who has an indomitable spirit. Bika has came close to that. Then again, you'd think Miranda would fit that bill, but he got manhandled by Ward in the latter half...

Even a pressure fighter would get torn up by Ward because there is No Better In-Fighter. The pressure fighter would not be allowed to stay in the pocket cuz Ward would step in and crowd up his punching and telephone booth him to death, ala Allan Green. Thats the big problem - Ward specializes in outboxing and in-fighting. And his footwork limits exchanges and pocket-fighting. That was Froch's problem. That was Dawson's problem. Shoot, that's everyone's problem! No one can maintain a distance where they can fairly exchange with him.

And no.............. Joe Calzone would get his ass thrashed up like all the same, believe me. He REALLY didnt have anything special, anything intangible that makes him untouchable like Ward...

 

He looks vulnerable in spots when he backs straight out of the pocket. He doesn't do it too often, but as a shorter man trying to go in and out to lead & counter, a tall fighter with a range of punches coming steadily forward can neutralize Ward's footwork and force him on the outside. Keeping him at the end of a long straight jab can open up future feints for the right hand, left hook, etc., and when Ward then tries to jump in after getting frustrated on the outside, counter with a back-step plus a short inside punch. Such a fighter would have to be able to match his angles and cut him off while maintaining range. A better version of Dawson in either stance, perhaps. But these are just ideas based on the few weaknesses I've seen and the strengths he depends on. An ATG inside fighter or master boxer like Hopkins could work, but I'd rather give an answer that doesn't stray too far into the ideal and is grounded more into tactics, rather than identity.