Andre WArd comes out and gets a loud loud ovation. You can practically hear the tent rising over at HBO. Showtime is about to get Chad Dawson'd in a year tops.
Maybe some added pressure for Ward fighting in front of a hometown crowd and this being his big step-up.
The ref is trying to give them instructions and both fighters are trying to run away. Both fighters weigh in at 167 1/2. Miranda has a 3 inch reach advantage.
Ward comes out forward as Miranda is looking back and waiting. Ward being the aggressor as they trade jabs. Jab off continues as both fighters look a little wound up. Miranda lands the first somewhat meaningful punch with a partially blocked left hook. Both fighters clash heads accidentally on the ropes during a clinch. Andre Ward's LEft eye is CUT from the butt. Some wrestling post cut and Ward gets off with some body punches. Ward lands a LONG down the hall right hand as the fighters get tangled up. Some more wrestling as Ward and Miranda look to be trying to prove their physical styles on one another. Miranda is TURTLE shelling now as Ward and Miranda TRADE big punches. Ward JUST missed a right hand but lands it on the 2nd attempt. Ward is fighting like a mad man now with that cut. Miranda measuring and stalking for one punch. Edison takes a second to taunt and almost gets nailed as the round ends. 10-9 Ward but that cut is NASTY.
The corner is doing good work on the cut. It's not a BIG cut but it's bleeding like a *****. Miranda is a ****ing ram.