Quote Originally Posted by Rantcatrat View Post
There's a couple things worth mentioning that haven't been mentioned. (1) Ward has never been outboxed. In his whole professional and amateur career, literally, he has never once been outboxed. In contrast, Froch has been outboxed on a few occasions if not for whole fights for a few rounds in a row. Even Brian Magee outboxed him for a bit as wild as that may be. (2) For all the supposed power Froch has, he hasn't knocked out anyone in two years and the only really elite level boxer he has knocked out is Jermain Taylor.

My strong belief is that it is absolutely necessary for Froch to rattle Ward early on and then at least superficially dictate the pace for some of the middle rounds. Ward won't wilt like Jermain Taylor in the final rounds so if Froch allows Ward to build a lead, he won't be able to catch up. He needs to cut off the ring well if Ward runs like Dirrell and he needs to play very rough, perhaps borderline illegal, on the inside. Rattling Ward first is key though.
That doesnt mean hes not powerfull. He is strong but he just doesnt have the reflexes or "athletesism" to make that strength count. Look at the opponents he has faced over the last few years, they havent had it easy because Froch can impose his strength and will on them. Ward will struggle to do anything because Froch will be trying to hurt him and doesnt get discouraged by getting caught and Ward doesnt really have the power to hurt Froch.