Abraham - Ward Fight Thread

[El Kabong]

Miles people also forget that Froch got dropped by Taylor....seriously hurt by him. Glenn Johnson is not someone to be looked past.

He went night and day with Clinton Woods three times. Johnson is a solid fighter and a very crafty old vet, but stopping Green in a very close fight hasn't really told us anything more than he can beat a contender in the division. Froch is a step above that. I see it being fairly competitive early, but Froch will want to impress the faithful and he will likely end Johnson's career.

Froch could and should beat Johnson but Roy Jones Jr should have too. Froch is vulnerable and Johnson is dangerous!

[Mars_ax]

Just wanted to add to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't recall seeing even one of Ward's fights when I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or damn, was that entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

BTW, like someone already said, AA is done, put a fork in him, anyone who can box a bit will always beat him.

See you next weekend for Hop-Pascal.

[Majesty]

Just wanted to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't think of one of Ward's fights that I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or that was entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

And what makes someone the next big thing in boxing? Isn't it supposed to be about who you beat and a legacy? Or is it about how exciting your style is? Wards style gets it done against the best the division has had to offer thus far. Sometimes it isn't about "wow that was a great entertaining fight" sometimes its about "wow, I was not expecting that guy to be dominated as badly as he was." and these are the top fighters in the division and Ward has rarely lost a round to them. Regardless on the opinion of his style, his dominance is something that cannot be ignored and he's still only 27.

[CFH]

Just wanted to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't think of one of Ward's fights that I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or that was entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

And what makes someone the next big thing in boxing? Isn't it supposed to be about who you beat and a legacy? Or is it about how exciting your style is? Wards style gets it done against the best the division has had to offer thus far. Sometimes it isn't about "wow that was a great entertaining fight" sometimes its about "wow, I was not expecting that guy to be dominated as badly as he was." and these are the top fighters in the division and Ward has rarely lost a round to them. Regardless on the opinion of his style, his dominance is something that cannot be ignored and he's still only 27.

I think the ceiling for Ward, in terms of popularity, is someone like Hopkins. He has a boring, ugly style and people aren't going to pay to watch it unless it's a superfight.

[El Kabong]

That's a sad reality for Ward seeing how he was supposed to be the next RJJ. I wish he had a better style.

[El Kabong]

....So did Bowie Tupou win?

[Gandalf]

Just wanted to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't think of one of Ward's fights that I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or that was entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

And what makes someone the next big thing in boxing? Isn't it supposed to be about who you beat and a legacy? Or is it about how exciting your style is? Wards style gets it done against the best the division has had to offer thus far. Sometimes it isn't about "wow that was a great entertaining fight" sometimes its about "wow, I was not expecting that guy to be dominated as badly as he was." and these are the top fighters in the division and Ward has rarely lost a round to them. Regardless on the opinion of his style, his dominance is something that cannot be ignored and he's still only 27.

I think the ceiling for Ward, in terms of popularity, is someone like Hopkins. He has a boring, ugly style and people aren't going to pay to watch it unless it's a superfight.

True, he's very good at what he does, but the style is repetitive and not going to make people sit back and say 'wow'. He obviously grafts in the gym and does what he does very well. As you point out, he is clearly much more like Hopkins than someone like Jones Jr or Manny Pacquiao. He is never going to be one of them, but there is no shame in that as smarts and intelligence are clearly good enough to make him one of the best in his division. Ward has a decent all round game, works hard and wins rounds. It has worked so far against rather predictable fighters, but the first true test is really with Froch who isn't easy to read at all. Froch is unorthodox, hits hard and has now shown that he can adapt. I can't wait for this showdown and I am sure Froch will get rid of Johnson.

[MMASUX]

Just wanted to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't think of one of Ward's fights that I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or that was entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

And what makes someone the next big thing in boxing? Isn't it supposed to be about who you beat and a legacy? Or is it about how exciting your style is? Wards style gets it done against the best the division has had to offer thus far. Sometimes it isn't about "wow that was a great entertaining fight" sometimes its about "wow, I was not expecting that guy to be dominated as badly as he was." and these are the top fighters in the division and Ward has rarely lost a round to them. Regardless on the opinion of his style, his dominance is something that cannot be ignored and he's still only 27.

I think the ceiling for Ward, in terms of popularity, is someone like Hopkins. He has a boring, ugly style and people aren't going to pay to watch it unless it's a superfight.

As much as i like Ward i completely agree. Very much like Bhop, but doesn't have the mouth like bhop to sell and generate intrest in his fights.

[Master]

At one stage he was going to be the new Roy Jones Jnr but he may end up the new Bernard Hopkins which is not bad but it is not great either.

[Spicoli]

Man, its not like he's doing a Dirrell or A Harrison out there. Think he's getting a bum rap and while his style may not put you on the edge of your seat there must be something said for a guy who picks a guy apart, fully and completely. He wasn't on the backfoot all 12 and it is quite entertaining to see a guy lure an opponent in and gradually turn aggressor and do exactly what he wants, when he wants. He gets compared to Hopkins but Bernard had a huge transition from early attacker to sharpshooter and yes at times, to a boring arrogant guy insisting on painting with water colors when we wanted industrial sprayers. But hey, its worked for him now, preserved the goods to have him on the cusp of history. They cant all be free swinging full throttle offense machines. Ring generalship is a great thing to watch, I believe Ward has a good bit of that. I couldn't stand the guy before the tourney, but I'm a fan. Dude is wise beyond his years and a tricky shifty boxer. He has a ways to go and time will tell but skill speaks for itself.

[amat]

I'm in agreement with spicoli and I wish I had patented the "bhop not rjj" phrase. He may not talk like Hopkins ( hall of famer btw so its not like this is a bad thing) but he has a better local following here then Hopkins ever had. Pacquiao he is not but he is one of the best at just winning fights that you will see. Martinez and donaire are more flashy and exciting but wards thing is winning and I bet he continues that for a while. He has a mean streak in him too and that I find fun to watch when he gets fired up he will outfight you and outbox you.

[HattonTheHammer]

I'm in agreement with spicoli and I wish I had patented the "bhop not rjj" phrase. He may not talk like Hopkins ( hall of famer btw so its not like this is a bad thing) but he has a better local following here then Hopkins ever had. Pacquiao he is not but he is one of the best at just winning fights that you will see. Martinez and donaire are more flashy and exciting but wards thing is winning and I bet he continues that for a while. He has a mean streak in him too and that I find fun to watch when he gets fired up he will outfight you and outbox you.

wont have such a "meanstreak" when the cobra isi teeing off on him for fun. All that came out of saturday night is that even a lethargic fighter like abraham can occasionally catch ward off guard when coming in

[ninjaspy3]

I'm in agreement with spicoli and I wish I had patented the "bhop not rjj" phrase. He may not talk like Hopkins ( hall of famer btw so its not like this is a bad thing) but he has a better local following here then Hopkins ever had. Pacquiao he is not but he is one of the best at just winning fights that you will see. Martinez and donaire are more flashy and exciting but wards thing is winning and I bet he continues that for a while. He has a mean streak in him too and that I find fun to watch when he gets fired up he will outfight you and outbox you.

wont have such a "meanstreak" when the cobra isi teeing off on him for fun. All that came out of saturday night is that even a lethargic fighter like abraham can occasionally catch ward off guard when coming in

And the Froch vs Kessler fight proved that you dont have to be a power hitter to beat the Cobra.

[Mars_ax]

Just wanted to this thread that Ward is a nice enough guy, and he's a good boxer, but I don't see this dude ever being the next big thing in boxing. I can't think of one of Ward's fights that I came away thinking, wow, that was a great fight, or that was entertaining.

I wonder how much Ward got paid for the AA fight, whatever it was, it was too much.

And what makes someone the next big thing in boxing? Isn't it supposed to be about who you beat and a legacy? Or is it about how exciting your style is? Wards style gets it done against the best the division has had to offer thus far. Sometimes it isn't about "wow that was a great entertaining fight" sometimes its about "wow, I was not expecting that guy to be dominated as badly as he was." and these are the top fighters in the division and Ward has rarely lost a round to them. Regardless on the opinion of his style, his dominance is something that cannot be ignored and he's still only 27.

Ward is a good fighter/boxer, with a great defense, and he's managed to dominate most of the competition so far, just saying, his style isn't exciting or entertaining enough for me to have much interest in watching him fight. I mean seriously, who do you hear saying: "Andre Ward is fighting tonight, can't hardly wait, drag up the popcorn & beer, and Katy better bar the door, it's gonna be great!"

BTW, that S.O.G. shit is enough to gag a fucking maggot.