Much has been said about WBA Super World middleweight champion Andre Ward moving up to light-heavyweight. It continues to be a hot topic as Ward searches for an opponent to tango with him on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on November 21 at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino on November 21st.
As a result, we have provided a breakdown of Ward vs. some of the top light-heavyweight contenders.
1. Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward
– This is going to be a very close fight because their styles gel perfectly.
– Kovalev used to be a one-dimensional fighter, but now under the tutelage of John David Jackson, the Russian has improved on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game.
– Ward has been a boxer all of his life, so Kovalev will not be able to outbox Ward; it just won’t happen, but he can land quite the shot.
– Kovalev could come through with a big knockdown late which will set up a very, very tight decision on the scorecards.
2. Andre Ward vs. Andrzej Fonfara
– Ward is not a brawler, and Fonfara will come forward and try to make it a brawl.
– Fonfara-Cleverly broke the light-heavyweight record for most combined punches landed and thrown in one fight.
– Both fighters are going to get marked up in this battle one way or another.
– There will be some even rounds as there are fans that will appreciate Ward’s ability to land and slip shots while others will appreciate Fonfara’s bravery and power
– Ward will likely come away with a unanimous decision victory
3. Adonis Stevenson vs. Andre Ward
– Stevenson is a monster compared to Ward regarding size.
– The opening few rounds are going to be the biggest test as Stevenson has perhaps the strongest left hand at 175.
– Ward will outbox Stevenson at some points in the fight and Stevenson is going to crack Ward with enormous shots.
– Ward has incredible will and determination, but at this stage, a fight with Stevenson is a bad move.
– Stevenson is just too big, and it would ultimately be a lopsided 12-round decision in his favor.
4. Andre Ward vs. Artur Beterbiev
– Beterbiev is a very strong puncher, but one dimensional.
– Beterbiev has never fought an opponent that can fight back or box the way Ward can.
– Ward’s experience at the amateur and professional level makes him stand out amongst his peers.
– Beterbiev defeated Kovalev in the amateurs, but his experience at the professional level is minuscule compared to some of the top fighters.
– While it could change, right now, Ward would win a UD easily somewhere along the lines of a 9-3 or a 10-2.
Leave a Reply