Ward vs. Kessler. Does Ward even stand a chance?

I think Ward can outbox that ass all night. I think Kessler is the best fighter in here but that cupcake hes gonna fight for his title defense is not gonna get him ready for Ward. Ward can win based on swtiching stances, great footwork, and exptional speed. Kessler has alot more power and the expericene, but I think Wards speed and switching from southpaw to conventional is gonna give Kessler alot of problems. plus the fight being in Cali, Kessler will need to beat Ward convincely to get the decision, or just KO him out.

 

:good This may, in fact, be the toughest fight out there for Kessler.

 

wards only chance is if kessler falls and breaks his leg.

 

Ward is going to give Kesler fits when they fight. He has the speed and athleticism to make it tough on Kessler. Kessler had trouble with Calzaghe's handspeed so I'd expect him to have some of the same trouble with Wards. I'd still make Kessler a small favorite because of Kessler's big fight experience but with his style and homecourt advantage I think Ward is a live underdog here.

 

Ward doesn't have the power to hurt Kessler the way Calzaghe did. Kessler is also pretty fast himself its not like he's a lumbering big guy.

 

i see kessler winning a clear UD or by KO but being competitive for the first 6 rounds or so

 

Kessler was the most competitive fighter of Joe's career since Eubank, despite the difference in speed. What he couldn't handle was the combination of speed and workrate that only Joe possessed.

 

Smart money goes to Kessler strait up. If Kessler becomes a large betting favorite closer to fight night however, it wouldn't be a bad idea to put some change on Ward winning in 12.

 

You have to favor Kessler but it wouldn't shock me one bit if Ward updates Kessler in a UD like 7-5 ish. Ward is a very solid and well rounded fighter. Seems to do everything well. Not a gifted athlete like a Andre Dirrell but still talented. You watch him and you say, "Yeah, this guy gets it."

 

I've seen 3-4 fights with ward on youtube - he looks very confident and have a good rytm in his movements. But to be honest by looking at his fight list only Miranda is really worth mentioning - else noboby is in top 15-20 (I think). Still beating Miranda by "only" points tells us that he is not the aggressive power boxer. But he has proved he has the frame and force to resist good power which Miranda consists. Else the win against Miranda tells nothing about wards real boxing skills. Remember it is always easy to look good against mid level boxers. And don't compare amateur boxing with prof.
Personnally I think it will be a quit easy UD for Kessler - something like (119 - 109) x 3 (or maybe late tko for kessler). I would be VERY surprised if ward wins this one - but as always - let the best man win.
THAT IS WHY THIS 6PACK TOURNAMENT IS SO ****ING GREAT.

 

Coming in with this type of mindframe will only get Kessler whooped and embaressed...No way in hell is Ward is a walk in the park for Kessler as you're trying to imply...Ward has a solid chance at pulling off the upset against Kessler...Ward has the skills, footwork, and hunger to give Kessler hell...Ward has shown that he can take a good flush shot by taking Miranda shots and keep on coming...I'm not saying that Miranda is on the level of Kessler but Miranda is known for his power.

Kessler has shown that he has a hard time to change gameplans if his orginal game plan isnt working.

I fully expect Ward and Kessler to be a competitive fight, not some blow-out like you're trying to imply!atsch

 

I agree:good

 

I'd say the Hopkins fight was more competitive but thats not too important here. You're right Ward doesn't have the combination punching that Calzaghe did but the speed hurt Kessler as well and Ward has that. Obviously Ward isn't on Calzaghe's level yet and so I think Kessler beats Ward. But Ward matches up well with Kessler and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Ward takes a decision.