Look, I had to take Kessler coming into this fight just because he's been in there with the stiffer competition. However, Ward showed me a ton tonight:

He never allowed Kessler to get in his range and smartly - like a seasoned pro - held Kessler and avoided his right with speed and holding. Kessler looked entirely befuddled throughout the bout.

Even Kessler in defeat - as he talked to the crown prince of Jackasses, who should have been KO'd by Pete Rose and Tyson years ago - questioned his abilities after saying that Ward had a home town ref and was intentionally Holyfield-ing him throughout the bout.

I must say that I'm astonished that Kessler put up such a weak performance and I'm certain that copious amounts of pint glasses were being thrown at the HD screens a many back in his homeland.

My question: Is Ward that good, or has Kessler just deteriorated? I've always been impressed with Ward's boxing skills - after all, he's a gold medalist - but he lacks power. I don't see him fairing well against Abraham, if it comes to that.

I'm just curious to get others opinion of the performance and the resultant
havoc this creates in the tournament.