Sullivan Barrera is Andre Ward hardest fight of his career (more details)

Ward will have his personal referee, judges, boxing commission, home town, etc. to help him out if needed......................Ward is afraid to fight outside his home town..................Ward can't lose that fight, it's impossible..................

 

Kessler and Froch had all the characteristics that you listed, and they got easily outpointed by Ward. Barrera is just another slugger who fights in straight lines. Ward fights the same opponent every time.

I'll tune in to one of his fights when he finally decides to take on someone who can box.

 

I didn´t say he is poor in any department. The thing is, if Barrera can´t move fast and smart enough, he will end up being smothered. If his hands aren´t fast enough, he wont connect. Watching his fight it comes obvious that he needs to come middle range to connect (compare to Dirrel who throws from outside). In addition, he seems to wait quite some time before he throws. This doesn´t look good at all. Ward will throw that jab on his face and body all night long. Barrera has to reset constantly and he is not a type of fighter who creates his opportunities by attacking/stepping to a range and out, he is more wait and seek type of fighter - Wont work against Ward.

That was my first impression. I hope you are right and fight will be competitive.. and fair.

 

On paper and having watched footage of Barrera I don't see why everyone is giving him no chance. Ward didn't look his best against Smith and this is not and easy fight.

I understand Ward being the favourite but I don't understand how people are criticizing him for taking this fight. It isn't the easiest by any stretch.

 

So.... What did you see?

 

So did his hand speed and footwork play any role in this?

 

Barrera spent a lot of time just frozen staring at Ward and not throwing punches. In the corner Sanchez asked him to punch more but he just kept doing the same thing. He was so slow handed when he did punch. Ward showed good defense and blocked and rolled shots. Looked very good and strong at LHW but still lacks that hard power shots. Neither guy hurt each other with any shots. On the inside Ward always got the upper hand but Ciaz was fast to break them. Ward hit Barrera low a few times and at the bell. A casual fan would have called it a boring fight.

 

Huh, yup. Drive is there, but he just didn't have the talent to match wits with Ward. Not much power, as I thought.

Gonzalez/Ward would've been a better fight. Gonzalez would've lost, but I think he would've gave Ward more work than Barrera.

 

I haven't seen the fight but I did think Barrera was far too basic and easily shutdown.

But ward still gets beaten by the legit 3 imo