Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward: analysis and prediction

by Daniel Ciminera: So the fight is upon us, fight 3 of the super six tournament. Mikkel Kessler, the World Boxing Association champion, versus the relatively inexperienced American prospect, Andre Ward. As the old saying goes, “styles make fights”, and this is no exception.

Kessler, the more experienced of the 2 men, and reigning champion who’s only loss in a solid career came at the hands of an in-form, magical Joe Calzaghe back in 2007. The Dane’s style is very cagey, and deliberate, some calling it “robotic”. However, what he lacks in outright flair, Kessler makes up for in power and accuracy (Calzaghe commenting on Kessler’s power after their 2007 bout said he was one of the hardest hitters he’d fought. Also Kessler’s punches landed percentage was higher). While it is often said that Kessler hasn’t fought anybody of note, sorry to come back to him again but, the same was said of Joe Calzaghe. It may well be that the media and casual boxing fans, particularly stateside, may just not recognize the quality of opposition Kessler has faced here in Europe. His most recent contest, after almost a year out of the ring was against challenger Gusmyer Perdomo. While Kessler wasn’t on top form, he did look confident and dispatched the Venezuelan a minute into the 4th round.

By contrast, the young American, Ward has a more explosive style utilizing superb side to side movement and great hand speed. Ward is being touted by many as the favourite, especially in the states. The reasons for this are that many feel Kessler is over rated and untested other than his loss to Calzaghe, and that he is “slow”, “robotic”, and “easy to hit”. Ward’s own camp even claiming that he is perfect for their man because “he comes right at you” and “marches forward in straight lines”. They may well be correct, and his style may well be a good match for Kessler. However, Ward’s most notable opponent so far, by a long stretch is Edison Miranda. Yes, Miranda is a puncher and yes, Miranda gave Abraham a decent contest, even breaking the German based fighter’s jaw. But, the throbbing great thumb in this train of thought, is that Miranda was knocked out in a thrilling bout with Kelly Pavlik, a one-time favourite in America who was touted as the man who would take over the division. I on the other hand, don’t rate Pavlik at all.

Therefore in conclusion, I have to go 100% with Kessler beating Ward. Ward has said himself he is lucky to have been given such a great opportunity in being included in the super six tournament. While I think Ward is a definite star in the making, I don’t think people realize the gulf in experience and quality between him and some of the other fighters, especially Kessler and Abraham. Ward however, will have the home crowd, something Kessler is very accustomed to and will use it to his advantage. In the same way, his aggressive style may impress the home judges and sneak himself a decision, but for me, Kessler is too accurate, too powerful and most of all, too experienced. I predict a late stoppage or decision for Kessler.

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