Taylor's corner needs to bring some salt because Ward is going to pepper him for as long as it lasts. Jermain has no chance whatsoever unless Ward just doesn't show up.
What sucks for Jermain's health is that Ward isn't a big puncher. I see Ward landing at will over a long series of rounds and maybe getting a late stoppage. Jermain is in for more punishment, and I won't enjoy seeing it happen at all.
Taylor is much better with his jab, speed, and overall fluidness. He also has the right punches to pull off the upset. Ward will win the decision, but Taylor will do a FAR better job than Kessler. Taylor would also be more vocal about all the BS headbutting and clinching tactics. We'll see what Ward does once the ref takes a point away...how will he adapt? If you looked at Berto in his fight with Collazo (when a ref stopped a clincher from clinching so much by taking a point away) he was forced to stick strictly to boxing...he was nearly KTFO. Will Ward be in the same shoes? :think Will the ref even deduct points? :think PS...remember people...this is the guy that beat Hopkins (who uses very similar tactics and gameplans) twice.
I dont think it'll be a KO, infact after tonight I think Taylor will give Ward more problems than Kessler did. However, it seems clear that Ward will probably outpoint him. Im more interested in Froch/Kessler now. Im dreading Froch's next outbusrt. It will probably include an insult aimed at Ward and Dirrell, how he will walk through Kessler, how he is the 2nd coming of SRR, how he is better than Haglers love child, and finally how he would have managed to outbox Ward, and will do so later in the tournament! He genuinely makes me cringe when I see him being interviewed and making these ridiulous claims, however, I cant stop myself from watching them. He is a personified car crash in every sense!
I wouldn't be surprised if JT bails on the tourney now, even though he's a warrior, I think he'll get wrecked in this one. It won't help his legacy.
He beat Hopkins 3 knockouts ago...and that win was contraversial. We dont even know if we will see the same Taylor we saw against Abe ever again...let alone the undefeated man who fought Hopkins years ago... Lets be real...
He will be back for that belt. He is a lot more skilled than Kessler and many had him winning against AA at the time of stoppage. Taylor at least can throw combos and has awesome experience. Harder fight than Kessler thats for sure.
I think this is a much better matchup for JT. Ward is not a big puncher and that is usually what does Taylor in. Jermain is a much better athlete then Kessler and has better hand speed. If JT's heart and mind are in this...he will give Ward some problems. Either way I think it goes the distance.
Taylor is not a big puncher either, and he has a glass chin too. Don't be surprised of Ward knocks Taylor out.
It's sad to see JT continue....If he takes this fight than he probably gets knocked around 7 or 8...If andre steps the pace up like he did in this fight than JT wont be able to hang....sux that one of my favorite fighters in JT has been reduced to what he is...I remember watching him when he was coming up....SAD SAD SAD