Froch v Ward: A Prediction

Photo credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME – By Marcus Sales: After 2 years, the Super Six tournament to determine the number 1 168 pound fighter in the world comes to it’s conclusion tonight. Do we have the two best Super Middleweights facing off at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City? Some would argue not, but I think there is no doubt.

So what will unfold tonight? It’s almost cliche now to say this is speed v power, the 21st century technician v the 1970′s throwback fighter. Ward can fight, make no mistake. He showed against Kessler that he will stand and trade and he bullied Kessler in that highly impressive performance. Yes his boxing skills are undeniable, but I believe it is his physical strength that may surprise some come tonight.

Carl Froch. Incredible run that has seen him dispose of Jean Pascal, Andre Dirrel (although that decision was slightly controversial) Jermaine Taylor, Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson. Make no mistake, Froch deserves to be here and he is very much in this fight. He throws punches from awkward angles, which may unsettle Ward. He is so strong on the inside and although I don’t like the phrase ‘granite chin’ there is no doubt he can absorb heavy shots and come back with his own. He can also box. He proved as much against Arthur Abraham and I personally feel he handled Abraham better than Ward did.

So what happens when these two warriors square off? Froch carries his left very low and does on occasions throw his jab slightly out of range leaving himself exposed. Ward will punish this. His right hand is one of his strongest shots and if Froch makes the mistakes I have just described, Ward will have success. I feel that Froch won’t be able to outbox Ward at range and so has to rough him up so to speak. He needs to get inside Ward and take him places he has never been. I think a superstar will be born tonight. Unfortunately for British fans like myself, I think that superstar will be Andre Ward.

I see him being too sharp with his right hand, I see him standing toe to toe if required and having success. Froch will leave everything in Atlantic City, I just feel he will fall slightly short at this final hurdle. I see Ward by unanimous decision of something like 116-112, 117-111. One thing is for sure, a great fight between two men who just want to prove that they are the best. If only two men in the welterweight division possessed such mental traits.

5 Responses to “Froch v Ward: A Prediction”