I'm not a big Ward fan, but he has proven to be that damn good.

He went 115-5 as an amateur. Started as an amateur in 1994. Didn't lose a fight after 1996. So went undefeated after his first 2 formative years as an amateur.

Won a Gold Medal.

Beat Kessler, Green, Bika, Abraham, and Froch in his last 5 fights and won easily in all fights.

Is he exciting? No. Is he a very smart and damn good fighter? yes.

he beat Kessler by being out of range, using his quicker feet to get into range and getting out before taking return fire.

He absolutely mugged Green. He mauled the motherfucker. When he got Green to the ropes, he would use his left shoulder and arm and angle it in a way that Green couldn't really throw while Ward could throw the right hand. And it wasn't holding and hitting. He just positioned his body in a way that limited Green, but allowed him to be effective.

grinded out the win vs the always tough Bika.

outboxed Abraham.

beat Froch clearly.

If he beats Dawson he will then have beaten the Ring champ from 175 as well (not that I'm a huge Dawson fan).