|
 |
|
| Can the Euros get off to a 3-0 start in the Super Six? Ya know, TSS readers mostly don't care about nationality. They just like to watch good fights...doesn't matter where the fighter comes from. |
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
 |
Kessler, Ward React To Saturday's Fights
Kessler & Ward Weigh In On Saturday’s Results
Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward were just spectators and fans on Saturday night as their fellow Super Six World Boxing Classic competitors battled in the first stage of the groundbreaking tournament, but the two fighters have plenty of thoughts about the exciting fights.
Kessler is eager to begin the tournament and enjoyed what he saw ringside at the o2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, but Ward, who watched the fights from his training camp in Oakland, Calif., admits that he now feels a little added pressure to represent America after his fellow countrymen Taylor and Dirrell lost in Group Stage 1.
"I think that both fights Saturday night in Berlin and Nottingham showed the great potential of the Super Six,” Kessler said. “Both Abraham-Taylor and Froch-Dirrell left no doubt why these guys are a part of the Super Six tournament - they are all great fighters. I am really looking forward to enter the tournament now!
"I enjoyed myself at the o2 World Arena with a brilliant Super Six setup, a great fight and, of course, tactical notes for my future fights against Taylor and Abraham later on in the tournament. For now though, my focus is on the fight against Ward Nov. 21. I have a great feeling about that fight and the tournament in general."
With Taylor losing by 12th round knockout and Dirrell winding up on the losing end of a split decision, Ward is the sole unbeaten American in the tournament.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to Jermain,’’ Ward said. “I thought he was fighting well through the first half of the fight. Abraham came on late and started to close the show. I think the punch he got hit with was a technical mistake. I think he thought Abraham was coming with a looping right hand, the kind of right hand that Abraham was throwing all night. This time he brought it down the middle and Jermain squeezed his gloves together and closed his eyes so he didn’t see it. Nevertheless, it was a great win for Abraham to start off the tournament and the Super Six and I congratulate him. I’m happy that Jermain is up and doing well and happy he’s doing better.
“I felt like Dirrell definitely won the fight and I felt like he deserved the nod. This fight is definitely going to take Dirrell to another level because he knows he can compete at the highest level. I definitely feel like I’m back in Greece all over again and even though the Americans fought well, unfortunately we were unable to get a victory in the first two fights. I’m definitely inspired to bring America their first victory in the Super Six tournament.’’
Kessler feels the added pressure now that his fellow Europeans have earned points in Group Stage 1.
"Of course I feel the pressure, now that Abraham and Froch have won their fights - but with a 43-fight record - I know all about pressure - you learn to live with it,” Kessler said. “The Ward fight is not different from any other fight at this level. I have my routines, and I know exactly how to deal with pressure. But, of course, a 3-0 European lead would make a statement on the global boxing scene."
|
RG - rolling, rolling, rolling:
|
Andre "SOG" Ward is going to do a OakTown beatdown on Kessler come November 21. Enough said for now. Holla!
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 11:37:53 AM
|
|
dp69 watching slumdog millionaire:
|
ward is gonna get KTFO...ward is a BUM....holla back!!!
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 12:31:47 PM
|
|
brownsugar:
|
I wish it was Ward against the power punching Abraham,.. he'd use a variety of tactics to break down his guard,.. and he's one of the few guys in this tourney who is tough minded enough to take the fight inside with Arthur,.. which surely would be a scary proposition if a fighter wasn't sure of his reflexes and countering ability.. AA is probably the most dangerous fighter in the tourney,.. but only because of his power,.. he's an outstanding fighter by any estimation,.. yet he has severe flaws that nobody has begun to exploit,.. I see Ward eaking out an extremely technical and tactical victory of Kessler,.. who is a straight up one-two puncher and skilled boxer,.. Dirrell is a mixed bag,.. tremendous ability,.. but weak overall body strength gives him advantages and liabilities in his next fight,.. if Dirrell can use his excellent countering abilities of the frequently over-reaching AA,.. he could surely make it interesting... and possibly hurt the tough Armenian,.. at anyrate,.. I think he'll do better than JT...
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 12:50:09 PM
|
|
Voicebox:
|
One of the funny things I noticed about this tournament is that all three of the Europeans are noticeably harder punchers than their American counterparts. Ward, Dirrell, and Taylor all rely on speed, jabs, and boxing ability. That is not to say that Kessler and Abraham do not have good boxing skills, but their styles rely on stronger punches, where as Froch's is almost entirely based on his ability to give and receive a punch. I feel it gives the Europeans an edge in the tournament. On another note, am I the only one that's really looking forward to seeing Froch duel either Abraham or Kessler? I think no matter which way it goes, their styles clashing with his will result in ridiculously entertaining fights. Granted, I don't think Froch would win either fight (especially if it isn't in Nottingham!) but the brawl either fight produces will be a classic.
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 12:53:52 PM
|
|
brownsugar:
|
the fighters in this tourney are so close in skill,.. anybody could win on any given day,.. that's what makes it exciting,.. I think Ward is tailor (not Taylor) made for this,.. with the Olympian gold metal victory still fresh in his mind,.. and the fact that he hasn't lost a fight in 14 years,.. speaks volumes about his tenacity and flexibility,.. Kessler is good,.. but maybe a little overrated... Ward will be sparring a lot,.. running up hills with logs on his back... and visiting the labratory to architect a winning strategy... I saw Wards trainers tell him to turn up the heat in round 10 in one fight and Ward fought like it was the first 3 rounds all the way to round 12... Ward has gone down,.. but like Calzaghe,..he recovers fast...Dirrell,.. well,.. we'll see,.. I still like him,.. but I want to see how he does against the free swinging AA....
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 01:20:31 PM
|
|
#1 PacFan "KO's Cotto in 7":
|
I'm picking Ward to win this by UD. Brownsugar is right Ward and Abraham would've been an interesting match up. You know what? They going to fight in the finals.
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 03:14:11 PM
|
|
MisterLee:
|
@ voicebox... it is mistaken, most pple think of andre ward as a pure boxer, but here's what he got: he's very rough inside and even wrestles, potshots, and even does the ricky hatton shuffle, where he's in the pocket and he shuffles twice to the side where he can lay a left hook with all his leverage into the guy's solar plexus, he pot shots, he switches to southpaw and orthodox, he can box on the outside and counter, he can also push the fight and pressure, and about 12 of his last 14 fights came by way of KO. He's forever learning too, his last fight agst pudwill he was doing some floyd mayweather shoulder rolling and left hooking, and some Roy JOnes lacy triple hooks. If anyone would push a fight, it's ward, but it's the rep he has of being a pretty boy or olympic poster boy that's put to his advantage, b/c he'll get rough and he'll knock you out. I see rounds 1-6 being even as they're feeling each other out, and ward will pull ahead in the later rounds, and soften up kessler. we'll see what happens. Holler! Andre ward 2009!
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 08:05:47 PM
|
|
Isaiah:
|
Don't you all think that Kessler is quite a huge step up in competion for Andre Ward? I'm going to go with the old adage of " too much too soon". Kessler wins a convincing UD over Ward, no doubt. Europe is kicking our butts. By the way, I've been thinking it over and I think Jermaine Taylor should be allowed to continue in the tournament. I know what you all are thinking, but hear me out. The man is still highly skilled and was very competitive in his fights with Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham. In fact, up until the knockouts, the fights were about even. Taylor is a grown man and has earned my respect and if he continues, he will still be highly competitive. Plus, wouldn't it be satisfying to see Taylor finally put a whoopin on one of these guys, such as Andre Dirrel for example?
Wednesday Oct 21, 2009 10:07:52 PM
|
|
MisterLee:
|
Yo yo... how can you say those fights were even? Both Froch and Abraham smoked Jermaine Taylor. From rounds 6 and on they both methodically power punched Taylor and broke him down, i guess they've seen thru the pavlik fight that jab jab right hand is effective agst Jermain Taylor. In the abraham fight, i couldn't find more than 2 or 3 rounds to give to Taylor. And take it from me, i'm asian, and i know when manny pacquiao's getting outboxed (like morales 1, many parts of marquez 1 etc.), taylor really wasn't the same since pavlik 1, where when he, he would rally back immediately, that his pride wouldn't let him concede to nobody, not winky, not bhop.. etc... he used to never let an opponent back him up agst the ropes, he used to throw big leather to get out of corners, now adays he just backs straight back, waits for an opportunity to counter, or just throws some weak jabs and moves and pretended it didn't happen. Old JT would have fared better agst abraham. Holler!
Thursday Oct 22, 2009 10:08:00 AM
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Angie And Goody...23 Years Later
Twenty three years later after they seconded Marvin Hagler and Ray Leonard in Las Vegas, Goody Petronelli and Angelo Dundee crossed paths again. This time, it was at Foxwoods. Photo/friend of TSS "The Iceman" John Scully reports there were only pleasantries exchanged. Goody didn't debate the split decision victory enjoyed by Leonard, which to this day Hagler disputes.
|
|
|
|
|
The Team 
Headlines 
Community 
Multimedia 
Information 
Boxing Forum 
