Comes down to Ward's chin, which is still a somewhat unknown component of his to be honest. I think he has the skills to win a couple more rounds than James, not sure on the whiskers though...
Interesting fight, style wise, all the mauling, butts and hook and hold is opening up the door for a 101 of Toney in fighting. So does Ward maul or look to box in and out. Ward is pretty quick and has really good stamina, so he'll win rounds on the back of that. We've mainly seen Ward against European styles and brawlers, no one like Toney at all. Ward also very much has a winners mentality and a work ethic I'll be a cop out and say it's razor thin decision either way, perhaps controversial. I hope Dawson-Ward comes off this year, would be great
That's fair. Your guy telling you it's okay though? Mine is. I was interested to see what you would say, sad to see you sitting on the fence
Ward has the boxing skills and speed to win when the fight is fought on the outside and I think can hold his own in the inside, though losing more than winning there, in the end this means he wins a close one. If his chin holds up that is.
I do think it'd be close though, Toney looking brilliant at times but coasting too much. Ward does make a few mistakes I think he'd pay for and I don't think he can do what RJJ did, he certainly sees himself of more of a BHOP than a Jones. He doesn't really like to stick and move too much, so Toney will have plenty of chance to fight inside Who've you got in a Dawson-Ward clash?
I think Ward is wrong for Toney. He doesn't need to come to Toney much to score and I think his movement and handspeed gives Toney enough problems to bank rounds. Ward 8-4ish for me.
I analogize this fight to the two Montell Griffin bouts. Ward has all the tools that Griffin had, and probably a tad more/does it slightly better. Hence, I see this as a competitive and close bout, but ultimately with Ward coming away with the decision.
I think Ward has the physical ability and skillset to seriously challenge Toney...and would likely outpoint him...But...Toney might take him out too. Before the weight issues Toney was an absolute beast at 168. On the fence....until further notice. I do like Ward over Dawson btw...
I think workrate issue is a bit overplayed in here. Toney's stamina looked pretty convincing in his best fights against Barkley and Williams. And Ward faded a bit against Froch in championship rounds in my opinion. Ward does remind of latter days Hop, I'm not sure if that's enough to beat prime Toney. Ward was dropped earlier in his career and he doesn't look as tough physically as Hopkins.
Best for Best isn't Toney in the Griffin fights, I think he's behind late on the cards in a close fight and takes a late stoppage.
Toney did not have d time 4 this certain author so this author sees d Griffin in Ward :yep //////////////////////////// u mean Hopkins' mastery ? who is more masterful ? I suppose u take Hopkins over Toney as well ? I wonder what Hopkins had that shot Holyfield did not .
Good post and he definitely was. In about the 10th or 11th round (I think, haven't watched it in a while) Ward was visibly looking up at the clock and looked eager for the later rounds to end. That being said, apart from his overhyped stamina, Ward is everything I think he's cracked up to be. Close fight.
