Ward vs Anthony Dirrell is a VERY competitive fight

[BoxerDood]

I honestly think this is the fight that will show how good Ward really is. Hes going up against a fighter just as quick, if not quicker, a harder puncher and a guy who can box and brawl. He's never faced anyone like Dirrell. I believe his experience will play a big role, as Anthony hasn't faced anyone of name yet, but he is very capable of pulling the upset. I always liked Anthony more than Andre because of his style and versatility. I really don't know who I want to win.

[jrosales13]

I honestly think this is the fight that will prove if Ward is the real deal or not.

I wasn't aware that people still questioned if he's the real deal or not.

I thought it was pretty obvious by now that he's the truth.

[BoxerDood]

I wasn't aware that people still questioned if he's the real deal or not.

I thought it was pretty obvious by now that he's the truth.

We all know he's really good, but can you really say he's a GREAT fighter at this point? As in somehow who will carry the sport after Floyd and Manny retire? Of someone we can make a good argument for beating one of the great fighters of the previous eras? I'd say he's two or three good wins away from showing us that. I need to see him beat someone who isn't stiff or limited, for example one of the Dirrell brothers, Bute, Cloud, Dawson, Sillakh, etc. He's probably the best in the division (although Bute has a good claim too), but there's still more he can do to show us just how great he really is.

[Biolink]

You are a very hard man to please. Ward has flat out embarrassed a lot of top fighters with his boxing skills.

[BoxerDood]

You are a very hard man to please. Ward has flat out embarrassed a lot of top fighters with his boxing skills.

Dude, I've acknowledged that he's very good. Hes one of my favorite boxers. By real deal, I mean a great fighter. As in someone who can carry the sport after the two greatest fighters of our era retire. Someone we can argue would beat the top fighters of previous eras. I'd say he's two or three good wins away from that point. Either of the Dirrell bros, Bute, and maybe someone at LHW.

I guess I need to edit my post since everyone wants to nitpick at my choice of words lol

[daggum]

if ward is smart he will quickly retire and join the ranks of ottke/calzaghe as the greatest super middles of all time. why risk losing now? the more you fight the greater your chances of losing are. calzaghe knew this. if you retire undefeated you can become fantasy boxing champ and beat everyone!

[Evil Abed]

I favored Dirrell at the onset of the Tourney.

I now favor Ward considerably.

The experience of the tourney has pushed Ward to the next level.

Dirrell has only taken steps back or at best, has stayed the same due to his injury and inactivity.

[BoxerDood]

I favored Dirrell at the onset of the Tourney.

I now favor Ward considerably.

The experience of the tourney has pushed Ward to the next level.

Dirrell has only taken steps back or at best, has stayed the same due to his injury and inactivity.

Wrong Dirrell brother. This is about his mandatory defense against Anthony, not Andre. But I do agree with you though.

[MonsieurGeorges]

if ward is smart he will quickly retire and join the ranks of ottke/calzaghe as the greatest super middles of all time. why risk losing now? the more you fight the greater your chances of losing are. calzaghe knew this. if you retire undefeated you can become fantasy boxing champ and beat everyone!

i dont even know you but you have been on this calzaghe for so long now what keeps you going

[MonsieurGeorges]

how does everyone feel about anthony dirrel's "chin" or overall ability to absorb damage? i think that is the main thing. he seems fragile compared to ward, after the way he handled froch even more so