Dawson is done from HBO's perspective. He brain-farted against Pascal (who he would beat any day of the week) and when he wins, it's a dull fight. Plus, he doesn't have a media-friendly personality. Ward is the 'new guy'. Personable, religious, American gold medalist. Lampley will be all over Andre's jock the entire fight. Bet on it.
Calzaghe took the easy road, for the most, part pre-Lacy, but without a doubt he beat Hopkins - and would have beaten him even more conclusively had Hopkins not faked the low-blow in desperation to recover. If Calzaghe threw slaps, why didn't Bernard, and all his competition for that matter, simply step up and leave him KTFO? Because those slaps hurt. Roy was incredible in his prime, but it's become common knowledge that he was "supplementing" his diet (hello, JCCJr.) in a way that maximized his abilities. Even Emmanuel Steward said that Calzaghe, with his style, would have been a problem for Roy at any stage of his career.
Ward v Jr. would be fight of the year....that is, if you enjoy watching spoiled rich brats getting completely annihilated in three rounds. Ward v Jr. would end Jr.'s career
Kessler is one of my favorite fighters, but in a way he is tailor-made for Abraham. He doesn't have lateral movement to throw AA off his rhythm; doesn't have great defense; and most importantly, Kessler likes to trade, standing in front of his opponent. He won't fight AA 'safe' like Dirrell, Ward and Froch did. He could KO AA, or he could get caught flush.
I think Dawson has some mental issues going on that we don't know about, but when he's focused, he's pretty unbeatable. He only lost to Pascal because his focus was scattered and he got cut. If you watch the last part of the fight again you see pretty clearly that Dawson was about to stop Pascal. He was turning it on. I don't take that loss seriously at all - other than evidence of Dawson's lack of focus. He can't make that mistake against Ward.
Cool shots. Tjrjr.. who seemed like the bigger guy at the weight-in? I know Dawson has an inch on Ward in height, but overall, Ward has looked thicker (for lack of a better word) in the pictures I've seen. What's you're take?
Can't see a KO. Ward's defense is too good, and he won't even try to KO Dawson. Not in his gameplan. Ward will have to neutralize the reach advantage to win. Fortunate for him, Dawson doesn't fight in a style that capitalizes on that reach advantage. He's more Paul Williams than Tommy Hearns. I see this being an In and Out fight, with Ward jumping in, ala the Froch fight, getting a few points, then jumping out before Chad can catch him. That said, if Dawson is focused, he could surprise everyone. He has that kind of talent. Though he doesn't have the versatility and adaptability that Ward has. Plus, being in Oakland, the spector of home-town refereeing, allowing Ward to make it ugly and hold, and home-town judging, could be a huge factor. Has anyone else noticed that Ward seems like the bigger guy? Not height, but he's bigger all around: neck, etc. Last thought: Dawson may feel comfortable at SMW early on, but how will he feel in rounds 8-12.
If Dawson beats Ward, no matter how he does it, there's a new sheriff in town. Ward dominated all the top SMWs. If Dawson can come down 7 pounds and beat him it would be a pretty amazing feat. He'd have to be top-3 pfp, because that's where I rank Ward.
Dawson is a better, much more athletically gifted, and more complete fighter than Kessler, Froch or Abraham. If he has the right game plan- use his 6" reach advantage and distance- he should 'deserve' a decision. Whether he will get one in Oakland is another story. I don't see either guy stopping the other. Of course, this is assuming that the weight loss doesn't hurt him in the later rounds .
Martinez is one of my favorite active fighters, but I still think Junior will win. Junior will come in over 180 (and, amazingly, not be weight-drained after weighing in at 160 the day before! Go figure). Junior will get the ring size he wants: very small. The small ring will negate Martinez' ability to avoid shots. Junior will use his weight to tire Martinez and stop him late. Martinez will be punching a CW, so his punches won't have the same effect they did on Williams or his last couple of victims.
I could definitely see a scenario where Martinez comes out with guns blazing, catches Junior and hurts him, but ends up burning up all his energy trying for the KO and gets stopped late from exhaustion. Too much passion and anger isn't a good thing in the ring. It makes you fight foolish. Martinez gasses late anyway. If he tries to end it early he could be handing Junior the fight.
Of course Junior can win. The ring will be a postage stamp, like in the Lee fight. Junior will come in at 180+, but won't be drained somehow. :wtf: Martinez is pushing 40 and always gasses late in fights. Even Lee said Martinez should be prepared for how good a chin Junior has (how much of that has to do with weight and 'other things' I'll let others be the judge of). It's a lot easier to KTFO a blown-up, beanpole WW than it is a LHW (or CW, ffs). The fight will likely be decided in the last two rounds. Martinez is far more gifted and skilled, but either man could win.
Floyd's an ATG, but SRL is likely #2 all time at WW behind SRR.Floyd would have no answer for the reach, height, speed and most of all Power that SRL would bring in combination. Floyd's worst nightmare.
Barker's got skill and heart. Bad run of luck. I hope he bounces back. He deserves some more opportunities. He definitely made Martinez earn his dollar that night.
Very good fighter. Tremendous heart. Appeared limited against ATGs, but who doesn't. Best line of article: go back to 15 round fights and same day weigh-in. That is Gospel.
Can't see Martinez KO-ing 180+ pound Junior. There's a LOT of boxing $$$ to made on Junior in the future if he wins, by promoters and such. Not much on Martinez, who's pushing 40. All advantages will therefore be in Junior's favor: ring size, post-fight piss tests, etc. Sergio will be boxing an uphill battle.
Canelo is protected and has fought no one, but seriously, if Cotto really thought he could kick his ass he'd be begging for a fight, because it promises serious $$. Cotto's days of fighting 20-somethings are over.