Ward vs Froch: Picks and Predictions From the Bad Left Hook Staff
by Bad Left Hook on Dec 17, 2011 3:17 PM EST
in Boxing Fight Previews
Email
Print
After two years of top matchups, delays, postponements, injury withdrawals, "injury withdrawals," and more drama than TNT, the Super Six World Boxing Classic concludes tonight in Atlantic City.
Two years ago when the tournament started, Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham were installed as the betting favorites to win the whole shebang. But here we are with Andre Ward and Carl Froch, the American and the Brit, the two standouts of the tournament.
Ward has joined many pound-for-pound lists in the last two years, and his tournament wins over Kessler, Allan Green and Abraham have been dominant, and when he lost a tournament fight due to Andre Dirrell's backing out, he didn't match himself easily in a "filler" fight, taking on tough and rugged Sakio Bika in what was actually a tougher fight for him than any of the tournament bouts.
Froch continues to surprise many. In the tournament, he has defeated Andre Dirrell, Abraham and Glen Johnson. He also lost in Denmark to Kessler, in what was by far the best fight of the tournament.
More Ward vs Froch Coverage From Bad Left Hook
Video: Fight Camp 360 Ep. 10 / Fight Camp 360 Ep. 11 / Staredown
Quotes: Team Ward / Team Froch | Press Conference Gallery
Scott Christ
Carl Froch is a good fighter, but never in any fight to date has he been exceptional. I don't think Ward is quite the super talent he's occasionally sold as being; he doesn't have eye-popping talent and he's never going to be a superstar. I have been a Super Six critic along the way, and this fight seems like most of them to me: Sure, they're highly-ranked and that's nice, but is this really a good fight? Will it have much action? Will it be truly memorable? If I'm totally honest, I think we see one of two things: A dirty fight without much clean punching, or a snoozer where Froch gets too tentative and can't connect as Ward mugs him inside. I like Carl Froch a lot -- I think he's an interesting guy, a serious overachiever, and a guy who has real balls in and out of the ring. As a personality, he's one of my current favorite fighters. But I do not believe he has the style or the skills to beat Andre Ward, particularly if Ward gets in close. Froch will be there, but this is the fight where it's going to truly be a bit too much for him. Ward is simply a better fighter, in my estimation, but Carl Froch has proven myself and many others wrong repeatedly. Ward by decision.
Nick Foxx
I just have this feeling that Froch will try to go in there and box with Ward--at least the first few rounds--due to his potentially misguided estimation of his own ability vis a vis Ward. What Froch *should* do is throw caution to the wind and try to bomb Ward out, get him fighting on his back foot and pressure and outwork him. I just don't know if Froch has enough to beat Ward here--stylistically, the matchup seems bad for him. I'm going with Ward by decision because I almost can't see the fight going any other way. Ward by decision.
Andrew Fruman
I think we're going to see a messy fight, with a lot of up close mauling. From a distance, I think Froch is actually the better fighter. He's got underrated skills from range, most notably a good jab - a punch that Arthur Abraham had some success with against Ward in the early part of the semi-finals. However, in close, Ward has the edge. It's not that his inside skills are brilliant, as he uses some rather unsavory tactics in close, but they're certainly very effective.
Ward has the quickness to close the gap, and that's going to be key as it will be difficult for Froch to keep the fight at a range where he'll be able to operate at his best. I think he'll be employing a similar strategy to the one that worked against Kessler. Jump in, and start mugging. Froch is going to be ready for it, certainly more ready than Kessler was, but it's a difficult style to fight against.
Ward by 116-112 type scores. I hope I'm wrong though, as I'm not a fan of Ward's tactics. Ward by decision.
Oli Goldstein
I think this is going to be a real fight. Both guys might set out to box, but once they start landing, I expect it to become action-packed and dirty. If Ward leads with his head, expect Froch to lead with his in return. If Froch hits low, Ward will reply with his own. These guys are just too tough, too driven and too focused for it to be anything but a fight, and as such, I think this could be by far the most entertaining fight of Ward's career. I'm in agreement with Virgil Hunter when he says that Ward's fights have basically been dull because of his opponents - as soon as Ward starts whacking them around the ring, they've given up. Carl Froch, though, is not that man, and he'll be fighting with Ward all the way. I've already explained why I don't think Froch is the perfect opponent for Ward as many have suggested; however, I am backing the American to win a close, competitive decision after a good fight. I expect to see a lot of momentum shifts, with neither guy able to enjoy periods of sustained dominance, but I think Ward's quicker hands and tighter defence sees him just about edging this one. Ward by decision.
Matt Miller
Like most, I favor Ward in this fight, and I favor him pretty widely. Andre Ward will outsmart Carl Froch Saturday night, and I do think the fight will boil down to intelligence and strategy. While Froch can box, he doesn't have the multidimensional fight ability of Ward, who is one of the most versatile fighters in the game. Froch's one vaunted advantage--power--isn't much of an advantage. He's just not as strong or hard hitting as he projects, and Ward is certainly powerful enough to keep Froch honest. I underestimated Froch at first, but even considering he is better than I used to think, he still won't be good enough to beat Ward, who will dominate the late rounds of the fight and cruise to a relatively easy UD. Ward by decision.
Matt Mosley
While I wouldn't be shocked to see Froch pull out the win here, I just think that Ward is too slick, too quick, and too talented for Froch to get the W. Also, if Froch tries to make it a dirty street fight, I'm sure Ward will happily oblige him. I think Ward is just as comfortable in the trenches as Froch is and I can't help thinking that Froch is due a loss at this level and that he really isn't as good as the likes of Ward, and probably Lucian Bute either. Froch is a fighter who deserves respect for the way he goes about his business and I think he will bring the fight to Ward on Saturday, but ultimately I really see Ward as being a level above him. Ward by decision.
Waldo Rastel
Ward's boxing skills, especially Ward's inside boxing skills will take him to a points victory in this fight. Like many other analysts, I see this fight becoming very dirty with Ward's headbutts and Froch's dirty tactics in retaliation. I think this might be a close fight in the beginning of the fight, like the Ward-Abraham fight with Ward figuring out a way to implement his gameplan in order to dominate. Since Ward will be doing very well toward the end of the fight, I can see Froch becoming extremely frustrated and doing something rash. I really hope that this fight does not end in controversy, but I could see it happening. Anyways, Ward takes this points victory and it's not going to be pretty. Ward by decision.
61 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Interesting
Hmmm … interesting, with individuals unanimously suggesting it will be Ward via a split decision, one could be forgiven for thinking this is a fight that is predictable and can be missed (similar to my outlook on pac/marquez III and cotto/margito II – obviously proved wrong in the former). However, I think everyone who has Ward down to win my decision would still agree that this is very much a MUST SEE fight. Even though most have the same idea of the winner, everyone is keen to see this fight, because you just dont know whats going to happen, and you know that you have a fighter in Froch who is not over the hill, not sub standard, just a little less talented than Ward, with BIG punching power. Fight of the year for me in terms of anticipation. Also a little disapointed to read Scott Christ’s criticism of the tournament, for a boxing fan who has had to endure the ridiculous politics etc of our sport, surely one can just hold their hands up and appreciate the 6 best fighting each other? Not necessarily how it has panned out (inevitable injuries etc) but the IDEA … and the application, of a format where the big names fight each other in a noble manner. Thats what boxing should be throughout the classes!
Why Not?
What if Froch drags him into a war? Jermain Taylor boxed rings around Froch for 8 rounds then got dragged into a place he didnt want to be. Has Ward faced someone with the hunger, desire and power of Froch? Ok – Kessler, but I’m discounting that for the obvious headbutting which ruined his fight. Froch has too much pride/heart to just let Ward dance around him, if that starts happening, come round 8/9 he’ll start throwing the big shots, and if one or two land, we could have a FOTY
It has the potential to be a very good fight
But that will depend on what tactics Ward implements. You know Froch loves a tear up, but he is slow with a disregard for defense so Ward may well cruise to a desc.
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah … I just find it hard to imagine this image of Ward dancing around Froch with superior boxing skills that most individuals have. Froch has never been a great ‘boxer’, and he has fought slick individuals like Dirrell/Taylor, and he seems to have this way of making the fights 50/50 by just taking their punches, shrugging them off, then landing 2 big shots compared to their 5 precise shots. The fight has definately got me interested! More so than Khan/Peterson, Ortiz/Mayweather, any of the big ones this year!
Yep, Ward just isn’t going to dance around Froch – at least not successfully – and if he somehow does, it will not be aesthetically pleasing. I can’t see it happening, as I wrote about in an article earlier this week.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 17, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
I still think Dirrell won
And with a little tinkering, is the blueprint of dealing with Froch with the most amount of ease.
But Carl has evolved since. He has started using his skills a little more and although he is far from a master tecnician, I can’t see Ward pot shotting.
As for the other big fights you mention. It has been a year of upsets. Manny was meant to roll over JMM. I had JMM winning. I thought Khan was going to be fantastic. Lamont upped his game and both men gave us a FOTY candidate.
Floyd Ortiz went to plan though. We all knew Ortiz had it in him to mentally implode and he didn’t dissapoint
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Fair Enough
I think Froch won the fight, but your right, he is a completely different animal to them days anyway.
I hope you are right because I am a BIG FRoch fan.But, the odds are becoming prohibitive.
"Boxing is the red light district of sports."
—Jimmy Cannon
You only have to look as far back as last weekend
To see that odds can be misleading. And Picks for that matter…..
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, SS – I think this could really be quite a fight at times. Froch will stay with Ward like no one else has been able to, and I think Ward’s the kind of guy who will respond to any punishment he takes with his own.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 17, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I think this could be Wards coming out party
Hopefully, he see’s it as that as well
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly!
All indicators suggest this will be a war … i just hope it is a war of attrition that Froch loves to drag fighters in to … I would LOVE it if Froch starts getting to him in the 9th/10th
Agree about the format
There has been plenty of good if not top quality fights. Sure, it hasn’t been perfected. But what is at a first attempt. Shorten the format into a straight KO competition would be a good start.
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Also a little disapointed to read Scott Christ’s criticism of the tournament, for a boxing fan who has had to endure the ridiculous politics etc of our sport, surely one can just hold their hands up and appreciate the 6 best fighting each other?
They are not the six best, plus there were eight of them (one of which was Allan Green), plus the whole thing was rife with “the politics etc of our sport,” plus almost none of the fights were actually good. The idea was nice on paper. It didn’t really work though, and I was disappointed by the tournament in most ways. I’m glad others enjoyed it, but sometimes I get the feeling people just want to have enjoyed it more than the tournament earned any support with what actually happened instead of what was on paper two years ago.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Dec 17, 2011 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you, Scott
I wrote some about this in my piece yesterday, but none of that fights were really that good. Only Kessler-Froch was decent, and most were blowouts. Fight-wise the tourney is a disappointment. The main thing we got out of it is that we see who is better than we thought and who is worse than we thought.
by Kory Kitchen on Dec 17, 2011 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
No more AA
You can put that into the Positive list
I really do think we can learn and try again on the concept though.
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
Gee, Foch should not even show up. He dosen’t have a tinker’s chance. Buit who knows?
We might get a DQ on the billy goat.
"Boxing is the red light district of sports."
—Jimmy Cannon
Most analysts also picked Abraham vs. Kessler for the finals pre-tournament. I wouldn’t put too much stock into what we think. The vegas line is going to be the most accurate assessment of Froch’s chances since they stand to lose a ton of cash if they are incorrect.
"The bell that tolls for all in boxing belongs to a cash register."
-Bob Verdi
by Waldo Rastel on Dec 17, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
I'm gutted to see so many seeing Froch as the loser here. :-(
It’s not a criticism of anyone, I just think it looks shite that you all think he’ll lose. I’ve not seen much of Ward, I hear all the time how good he is, but I’ll just have to wait til I see this fight. I really want Frochy to do this and prove his doubters wrong. COME ON CARL!!!
I’d love Carl to win, Phil. He’s genuinely my favourite fighter around and has been for some time, but I had to go with my head over my heart. Nonetheless I think he’s going to come out with even more credit than he went in with, and that it’ll be a legitimately exciting, good fight, with plenty of momentum shifts.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 17, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
He has to be smart Oli, that hung ho low slung style will not work here. For me he has to listen to Rob Mac, use what he’s good at ie try to really let Ward feel the weight of his punches, I reckon people forget how naturally heavy handed he is and tend to think of his open ‘scare crow’ stance. He can box too, ok, perhaps not as skillfully as Ward, but he won’t be phased by anything or anyone. Ward, if I’m correct is fighting away (almost) from home.
His biggest problem will be if he doesnt listen to McCracken. I have seen in the past Rob telling him to get going after 3/4 rounds and Froch doesnt bother until the latter part of the fight (Kessler bout in particular). Although maybe that style suits him well, waiting until the slick boxer tires and then relying on his ridiculous stamina to come strong in the latter part of the fight.
Yes, McCracken is really patient with him, Froch sits there, listens, agrees and then goes out and does the opposite. He mustn’t do that tonight.
Ha
Almost reminds me of that Brian Clough quote
We’l sit down, have a chat for twenty minutes and then decide I was right!
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Sheen can act his arse off
Got the voice down to a T
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
For Froch to have a chance, I think he’s gotta dictate from the outside. The jab has to be his best friend. I think once they get inside that range, Ward has a massive advantage.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
He'l have to double and triple the jab up as well
Especially early on. Really try and stick it in Wards mug
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
During this tourney, Froch has proven he’s world class – he is a grade A tough SOB.
But, I think Ward is also very tough, and he’s more skilled than Froch. I think the deciding factor is that Ward can get very dirty and rough house very effectively. I think Ward takes this by UD.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
hmmm
I still think Ward has enough to deal with Froch. But I do think it will be a very good fight. It won’t lack for drama and I smell controversy, as has been the norm for 2011
Fouls and tight cards. I see Ward earning a M decsision after getting off the canvas.
I think if Ward goes to the canvas, he’ll stay on the canvas. Froch punches hard.
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else--James Thurber, 1939
Good point
And when he has his man hurt he can really close the show. But Ward will come of age and grind out the W
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions
I’m getting a sense in the build up that a lot of people are slightly overestimating Ward and slightly underestimating Froch.
The 2/1 odds on a Froch win by any method are incredibly generous for a top fighter. He’s got one of the best chins in the sport and can attack from unorthodox angles. Ward has never fought anyone like him, and on that basis I’m going with Froch by split decision
by Skeletor1982 on Dec 17, 2011 4:13 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Ward absolutely exposed Kessler. And Kessler isn’t the rough house character that Froch can be, but he’s a strong, come forward guy like Froch.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
And, Ward’s tactics with Kessler could have gotten him a point taken, with the right ref. I think that could be important. Both these guys can get dirty – so how’s the ref going to deal with that?
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
ha.
I don’t even know who that favors, actually.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
Probably Ward though
I think if any fighter is to do something really rash and go really low it will be Froch. Ward might just get away with the “accidental” head buts
by Sweet science on Dec 17, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
As an American,
I’m cheering for Ward. But, I have developed a soft spot for Froch during this tourney. In my opinion, he is an example of what we need more of in this sport. If Ward makes this a snooze-fest and won’t engage, I’ll be screaming for Froch to knock his block off.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
Most of the Brits on this thread has said the exact opposite than the Yanks on other threads.
It’s amazing and it lifts me because
"Boxing is the red light district of sports."
—Jimmy Cannon
The Brits
and
the Yanks have a “special relationship” (See: Bush and Blair), but we also have
a special relationship with the Japanese: So, if we beat you we befriend you—yes?
by Don From Prov on Dec 17, 2011 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Hope I'll have to eat crow later on this...
But this fight is gonna suck. Ward by boring, clinch filled, wide decision. Ward seems like one of the nicer guys in the sport, but I don’t care for his style at all. If you do, that’s fine. The bantamweight tourney was way better than this 26 month ordeal.
One thing to consider: Froch has a really good chin, and Ward doesn’t hit that hard. If Froch decides to get aggressive, I’m not sure he’s fast enough to do what Dirrell did, and I don’t think he’s got the power to dissuade Froch from attacking.
Of course, he can hold and clinch and headlock and make the fight suck, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I gotta pick Ward, but Froch has a good chance.
by Verklemptomaniac on Dec 17, 2011 6:06 PM EST reply actions
This fight could really suck, but I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve enjoyed the Super Six, I guess mainly because I’ve gotten to know the participants throughout these past years and the Fight Camp 360 has been a huge part of that. Even if it hasn’t produced super great fights, I’m still really glad they did it. These are some of the best fighters in the division and we’ve gotten some intersting match ups. I hope they do another one, but maybe single elimination. They could use Fight Camp 360 a little bit more like 24/7, meaning, get a few episodes BEFORE the fights to introduce whichever fighters they get in the future. And then, continue using it throughout the duration of the tournament (which won’t be as long because it’s single elimination). So, it would be a mix between the super middle weights and the bantanmweights. They could get maybe 6 or 8 single elimination.
"He's still a very strong fighter, but I am way better than he is" - Miguel Cotto
I huts want a good action fight
Froch, for all of his ups and downs….and abundant flaws….always brings it. With his girlfriend sating our eyes and splitting our ears, Carl can always be seen on center stage giving whatever hit is ge has.
Attitude, bravado, daring- do; he’s got them all. With one arm down and his nose prominently pointing in the same direction, he dares you to man up. And as often as not, he gets exactly what he asks….and leaves himself open for. Punches at openings galore.
But real fighters are not the sum of their skills or lack thereof. They are fighters because the believe they are the superior man. And Carl Froch believes that he is.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t get to fight a paper Andre Ward. He gets the real thing tonight. And Andre, all dressed in black and bearing Gods gifts will be ready. For a young man, he has many of Bernard Hopkins grit and caginess. In other words, he ain’t pretty and he ain’t your brother. He comes for one reason and one reason only. To win. And he has thus far always found a way.
I expect Ward to grind it out. Boringly, to find a path to victory. But here’s hoping I’m wrong and that Carl let’s his hands go, gets up if and when he falls, and throws enough caution to the wind, to win or all but die trying.
He will have to. He is not in Nottingham nor in Oakland but he is in the US. And he is the older man. Older means fewer marketable years….and in this business, that counts.
So I say give em hell Carl…but if and when you lose, give Andre his credit. Because he may very well be the better man. Tonight.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
I just want a good action fight
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bad Left Hook
Related FanShots on Bad Left Hook
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
