Ward vs Kessler: 3 Days out, your prediction and analysis

edit

 

Same as before. Good match, natural talent vs a solid champion with far more valuable experience as a pro. I slightly favor the experience of Kessler, being at world-beating level since 04, champ in every year since 04 with only a slight pause after losing to the now undefeated and retired champ. These super sixes are toss-up fights. That's why they're great. Ward is a very creative and fluid athlete. He might surprise people. Then again, he might fall apart because he's not ready for this yet.

 

After looking at some more tape I'm actually starting to lean towards Kessler by KO/TKO.

I wasn't sure how he would beat Ward, in my mind, but now I'm starting to lean towards a stoppage.

 

First three rounds close. In the fourth Kessler steps it up, as he likes to do, Ward catches a big right hand and gets down. He either stays down or switches to survival mode which would lead to a clear Kessler UD.

 

Greetings,

I watched Kessler for many years, i do not know much about Ward, only what i have read on the internet, and a few youtube video's, and with that as my only knowledge of Ward, iam picking Kessler without a doubt, i can see Ward is fast, but it doesn't look to me like he has any weapon which might stop Kessler or lead to a decision in favor of Ward.

From Roskilde DK, Kessler by KO round 4

Wish you all a pleasent boxing evening saturday night, we will have a party!

 

If Ward had like 5-6 more fights and atleast 2-3 A or B+ fighters on his record, i would fancy his chances against Kessler better! But Kessler is simply to much for Ward right now imo!
Kessler will win this one by 8 round KO! To strong, to experienced and to good for Ward to handle so soon!

 

Ward certainly has the tools to win a decision against Kessler,but i'm more intrigued by how Ward will react if Kessler manages to find the target with any regularity.
Its pretty much a 50/50 on paper,with Ward having the silky skills,quick hands and good movement.Kessler although pretty predictable is very very strong and fit at the weight,has bags of experience at this level and has the power to stop most opponents in the division.
I think this fight will be decided by mental strength.They are both good enough at what they do to nullify the other guy,but at some point in the fight there mental toughness will be tested,Kessler may find Ward too hard a target and lose heart,or Ward may find he's not fit/elusive enough to stay out of range and will have to eat Kesslers big shots or have another plan.

Kessler split decision :good

 

I have a feeling this will end in controversy. Ward landing three punches and the referee stopping the fight, or Kessler getting robbed.

I really hope this one won't go to the judges.

 

The first rounds will be a bit tactical...Ward will try to land low and Kessler will try to get his jab working.After 4 rounds Ward will try to throw quick combination and then going for the clinch to gain new power...and then a quick combi again and a clinch...using his fast hands to gain a points advantage. The final rounds will be war..with Kessler as the chasing man. Final score Ward UD

 

I'm with you.

In fact I think Kessler stops him late.Ward won't be able to keep him off.

 

Kessler has never gone for the KO. It is not his style and he has only ever done this once (Against Calzaghe round 5-6 onwards) because his corner told him that the fight was too even. We saw how that lowered his output and speed - and made it easier for Calzaghe to win the rounds. Secondly - Kessler has never ever stopped a fast fighter - and he will not in this fight.

 

I've seen Ward against Miranda and I thought he was garbage if I'm being honest. Not in a he's absolute **** sort of way, because he obviously has some talent and mobility, but he has a garbage style, throws shitty punches and in general isn't my cup of tea.

If Kessler contrives to lose to this guy, I''ll be shocked and slightly irked, simply because he's so annoying, holding and hitting like a girl. However, his strong points match up well against Kessler's flaws, so I can see the possibility of an upset, especially with the home town judging, and their likely propensity for interpreting holding and smothering as "craftsmanship".

 

kessler UD