Boxing Preview Analysis: Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward

ByLee Bellfield


© Tom Casino / Showtime Boxing

The first stage of the exciting Super Six Super Middleweight tournament concludes tonight when the recognised number 1 in the division, Mikkel Kessler, meets Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward for the WBA title in Oakland, California.

For the Dane Kesslerm it’s his second spell as a World Champion. After unifying the WBA/WBC titles with a swift victory against Markus Beyer in 2006, Kessler gave Joe Calzaghe arguably his toughest test en route to losing a competitive 12 round points decision in Cardiff in November, 2007.

This is still his only defeat in 43 fights.

Kessler is strong and tough. A solid super middleweight with proven pedigree.

In Ward, he meets an Olympian unbeaten in 20 fights. A pro for five years, he is unbeaten in 20 fights
with 13 knockouts.

Although Ward’s pro resume is quite modest, he does hold a win over the respected Columbian Edison Miranda
over 12 rounds in May of this year. Miranda had previously shared the ring with Kelly Pavlik and Arthur
Abraham.

After surviving an early cut caused by a clash of heads, Ward boxed with poise and maturity, winning a lopsided
12 round decision.

Kessler, as we know, is many people’s tip to win this Super Six tournament. He is also the recognised number one
in the division.

Tonight though, for me, is a clash of styles. Kessler has respected power but Ward has the boxing smarts.

Kessler, although respected, has the solid European style. He does everything well but nothing too spectacular.
After early success in his biggest fight against Joe Calzaghe in 2007, he eventually succumbed to Joe’s fast
combinations and variety of punches.

Although Ward is not yet a Calzaghe, I’ve got a feeling a similar thing could happen tonight. Ward has not yet created
any big stir in the Super Middleweight division, but now could just be his time.

For Ward to win he has to box. Of that, I have no doubt. I also think he will need to raise his game if he is to
be victorious.

I’m gonna stick my neck out on this one. I feel it’s Ward’s time to shine and in front of his home fans in Oakland, I
think he will.

Although Kessler will start strongly, I’ve got a hunch that as the fight moves down the stretch, Ward will gain more
and more confidence.

That will be enough in my eyes to clinch a close but unanimous decision and a famous American win.