Im torn on Kessler and Ward. I think if this happened a few years ago, I have Kessler clearly. But as he has been taking on glorified journeymen, Ward has steadily been getting better and better. I just dont know how Mikkel is going to react to such a drastic step back up in class. I think because of this, Ward may surprise him...and I think he can beat the rest of them as well. What has me torn is, Kessler is a very talented fighter. So there is a chance that his lack of high level competition may not effect him. If it doesnt, and he comes in and beats Ward, I also think he beats the rest of the fighters in the tourney as well. I think there fight will be the most telling.
I'm going with Froch but I can see any of the other 5 winning. Make that 4, I just can't see Dirrell winning. Other than those comments I think it is going to be extremely close with some excellent fights including several potential Fight of the Year candidates. It's going to be GREAT!
Whoever wins the Kessler/Ward first round fight goes on to win the tournament imo...if i had to bet, i'd go with kessler, but i'm hoping ward takes it.
Arthur Abraham is the best smw right now. No one can outbox him, no one can take his power, and he is in the prime of his life. King Arthur will go down as a great fighter when it is all said and done lol, and you guys don't even know it lol... Watch!
I'm voting for Abraham, but man it's a well matched compitition IMO. I like Froch as well, he is well conditioned and has heart.
When the going gets tough Taylor starts to buckle. He is a hell of an athlete, but can't take solid shots in the late rounds. and I do question his heart.
I'm a Kessler fan, the guys I fear is Ward and Taylor, Froch will be a day in the field, AA Kessler will box his ears of, Direll Kessler by Ko. Ward we dont really know, and after a year with inactivity could be a problem for Kessler, Taylor is great, all his loses where close, so I wont write him of.