Quote Originally Posted by ryanman89 View Post
I'd agree that if Ward beats Kessler he would become a slight favourite for the tournament. But i don't see it happening, i can see Kessler stopping him. If Abraham wins his first fight in good style i think he will have the others feeling very nervous. I think Kessler's biggest worry is Abraham. Froch will also trouble him as their styles should create a real see-saw battle. If i had to bet on the fight of the tournament i would go for Kessler - Froch.
That the fight is in Oakland helps Andre but doesn't hurt Kessler. Kessler is a world class boxer who for years has fought away from home. As a fighter, not much can be more intimidating than fighting Calzaghe in Wales or Mundine in Australia to a lesser extent. No doubt Ward will be Kessler's best opponent since Calzaghe, but that doesn't say much because the class of his recent opponents was very disappointing to say the least. Prior to the Calzaghe fight, Kessler was on a tear. He dominated Mundine, Beyer, and Andrade like nobody else has. Not to make much of it, but rumor also had it that he took the better of Bika in sparring. Now what? He fights Sartison, Haussler, and Perdomo. Something tells me he hasn't been the same since fighting Calzaghe. On the other hand, Ward hasn't fought anyone even near Kessler's level. Miranda was a good win, but Miranda had been broken by Pavlik by that point. Ward has the movement and speed to give Kessler problems. Kessler has the punching power and discipline to give Ward problems too. I think you have to favor Kessler in the fight, but not be surprised if Ward pulled the upset. And now that I consider it - that is how a competitive boxing match should be.

As for the most anticipated match of the tournament, I have to go with Kessler v. Abraham or Ward v. Dirrell.