This obviously relates to the super middleweight tournament. Although there are some seasoned pros in the competition, I believe that the superior boxing skills lie with the two Andres. This is by no means intended to be a thread favoring American fighters, however the way I see it is that the two most skilled and least tested guys are Dirrell and Ward.
As it's currently slated, the match-ups are as follows:
For Dirrell: Froch, Abraham, Ward.
For Ward: Kessler, Taylor, Dirrell.
I think both men win their first match. I think both are in tough in the second round, however if each prevail the final fight will have a lot of steam.
I can see some real potential that one of the Andres will rise to the top.
I actually don't see Dirrell beating Froch. He has the talent to do it, but he hasn't fought anyone on that level yet and has not had to face adversity. Froch has wins over a current light heavyweight champion and a former undisputed middleweight champion so hes proven himself. What if Dirrell puts out all of his energy early( because he fights extremely tense and that can zap energy) and Froch is still bringing the fight to him late?
i thought everybody was gon fight everybody..hmm.. that changes things.
i think both of em win their first fights, not sure about froch-ward though. in the second round dirrell beats taylor and ward gets knocked the hell out by abraham. last fight beween themselfs could go eighter way.
Only way Kessler beats Ward is if he knocks him out, he's too stationary.
i like both guys think ward will be a great fighter in years to come but right now kessler has the power and expierience to deal with a guy like ward,just my opinion though
Dirrell and Ward haven't faced top opposition in their careers yet. I woudn't be surprised if they both get beaten pretty comprehensively.
Dirrells last fight - Derrick Findley - Potential next fight - Carl Froch
Wards last fight - Miranda - Potential next fight - Mikkel Kessler
The step up is huge, especially for Dirrell. At least Ward has a semi-decent win over the very average Miranda.
That's an interesting perspective, however I tend to get the impression that Ward has a tougher math-up with Kessler than Dirrell does with Froch. Stylisticlly, I think Dirrel has a very good chance of victory.
Dirrell and Ward haven't faced top opposition in their careers yet. I woudn't be surprised if they both get beaten pretty comprehensively.
Dirrells last fight - Derrick Findley - Potential next fight - Carl Froch
Wards last fight - Miranda - Potential next fight - Mikkel Kessler
The step up is huge, especially for Dirrell. At least Ward has a semi-decent win over the very average Miranda.
I thought you were referring to the matchups I listed.
In any case, I'm not expecting either of them to come out on top. I was just raising the possibility, as I see each guy as a little bit of a wild card.
And rightly so. Anyone can win this tournament IMO. That's one of the things that makes it such a great idea.
What does that have to do with what I said?
I thought you were referring to the matchups I listed.
In any case, I'm not expecting either of them to come out on top. I was just raising the possibility, as I see each guy as a little bit of a wild card.
How can you set fights in stone like that, it makes no sense, you lose money like that.
That's not the point, I was just naming the matchups. Ward and Dirrell are the two '04 Olympians, and the only two medalists from those games so it's a natural comparison.
As I said, I am currious to see how far these guys will go, not becuase they're American, but because they're good, pure boxers.
i see dirrell beating froch. i think wards toughest test will be the first fight against kessler.
Well if Kessler is to be upset in this tournament, the first fight will be the best bet considering he's only fought 2½ rounds in the past 1½ years.