Another downfall for Froch against Ward. He starts off too slow

[BattlingNelson]

Aye. Ward doesn't have just Plan A or B. He has a C, D and E. He adjusts to every style thrown at him. Not a fan of the dirty tactics he employs at times, but you can't deny the mans speed and skill. Almost as complete as a fighter you'd want.

Yeah. Ward is a great talent. Excellent speed and wonderful skillset. I am not sold on the adaptability that you and others praise so much. I Think hé fightes in much the same way all the time. Only against AA did I see him with a more cautious approach and that was well after the blueprint of beating him had been laid out.

I am sure Ward noticed what Kessler did that caused Froch problems; fighting off the backfoot and being punched to the Body. I Think this suites Ward well. I Think Froch Will have to come out and punch hard from the get go. Hé needs to keep Ward honest and time him with uppercuts.

[slicksouthpaw16]

I am sure Ward noticed what Kessler did that caused Froch problems; fighting off the backfoot and being punched to the Body. I Think this suites Ward well. I Think Froch Will have to come out and punch hard from the get go. Hé needs to keep Ward honest and time him with uppercuts.

But that's the thing, Kessler didn't fight off the back foot. He was being aggressive and won the fight on activity (even though it was still somewhat controversial). Froch couldn't miss with the jab early on and only lost the fight IMO because he was outworked, something i see him easily fixing if they ever had a rematch. If Ward fought like Kessler did and was aggressive throughout, he'd be giving up his advantages and would surely lose.

[BattlingNelson]

But that's the thing, Kessler didn't fight off the back foot. He was being aggressive and won the fight on activity (even though it was still somewhat controversial). Froch couldn't miss with the jab early on and only lost the fight IMO because he was outworked, something i see him easily fixing if they ever had a rematch. If Ward fought like Kessler did and was aggressive throughout, he'd be giving up his advantages and would surely lose.

What I meant was that Kesslers pressure forced Froch to work off the back foot, and that that was the key to Kesslers success. Ward has noticed that as well and pressure will be his gameplan (as always).

[slicksouthpaw16]

What I meant was that Kesslers pressure forced Froch to work off the back foot, and that that was the key to Kesslers success. Ward has noticed that as well and pressure will be his gameplan (as always).

Well that was Froch's game plan from the beginning. Watch as the bell sounds for the first round, Froch immediately starts circling and sticking his jab. I was reading his comments before the fight and he stated that he could beat Kessler by using his jab alone. I was impressed by Kessler's toughness as i never seen him show that much heart, but i wouldn't at all say that Froch was "forced" on the back foot.

As strange as it sounds, i think if Froch had actually fought as a stalker, he could have stopped Kessler IMO. Hes the harder puncher and more prone to shootouts than Kessler is.

[BattlingNelson]

Well that was Froch's game plan from the beginning. Watch as the bell sounds for the first round, Froch immediately starts circling and sticking his jab. I was reading his comments before the fight and he stated that he could beat Kessler by using his jab alone. I was impressed by Kessler's toughness as i never seen him show that much heart, but i wouldn't at all say that Froch was "forced" on the back foot.

As strange as it sounds, i think if Froch had actually fought as a stalker, he could have stopped Kessler IMO. Hes the harder puncher and more prone to shootouts than Kessler is.

Kessler had never been as aggressive as he was against Froch. He is normally more of a boxer-puncher, but maybe the eyeinjury forced him to attack rather than picking his shots. In any case Froch looked uncomfortable to me being punched to the Body and pressured back.

As you point out, Froch was at points outjabbing Kessler which was a surprise as Kessler is a Master jabber. Frochs skillset is often underrated.

In the end though, i Think Froch is tailormade for Ward.

[BarrySlisk]

Oh God, please let Nelson eat his words....

I'd give my left nut to see Ward on his ass.

[Battle*Hardened]

I don't get where the Ward is so adjustable in a fight. Can someone give me an example?

He has pretty much done he same thing since he started the super six, and kept at it the whole time. The only fight that veered off that was against AA and the path was already well established on how to beat him.

I have yet to seem these so-called adjustments though. I just see him implementing his rough tactics and doing that throughout the entire fight.

[IronDanHamza]

I've never seen Ward deal with too many good boxers, and Froch showed against Abraham, Kessler and even Dirrell in some moments, that he can box if needed. I'm wondering what will happen if Ward is losing the jabbing battle early. I think if Froch boxes and mixes it up by being aggressive in spots (like when Ward is on the ropes) and sticks to this game plan, then i could see the judges giving him the nod. If its close and with fair judges, Ward is going to have a hard time getting the nod since Froch will do more damage when he lands.

Kessler is a better boxer than Froch.

[jazluvr]

Ward will win the tourney, and he could beat Bute too. I'm willing to bet on that.

[IronDanHamza]

Froch should focus on fighting better going backwards. As always Ward will come charging in. Froch must utilize his reach and uppercut and be prepared for Wards roughhousing, which I Think hé Will not hesitate to retaliate IMO.

Nevertheless speed is the key in this fight and is the main reason I foresee a comfortable decision win for the yank.

Not happening.

Andre Ward isn't Brian Magee.

Froch doesn't have the skills or timing to hit Ward with that telegraphed uppercut coming in.