Andre Ward Wins Super Six tournament with UD

In what became the last “major” fight of 2011, Andre Ward and Carl Froch closed out the year with one of the more anticipated matchups of 2011.

However what looked good on paper and even better when the two meet for a sit down discussion with Jim Gray about their fight, didn’t translate as well in the ring.

From the very beginning, Ward demonstrated that he was the faster and far superior man in the ring. Ward connected flush with solid lefts to the head of his British foe while coming out of a clinch, a punch that would become common throughout the 12 round fight. Froch for his part made every effort to take the fight to Ward, but never was able to figure Ward out. Ward through the first 8 rounds was able to beat Froch on all facets of the fight. Along with the Left hook of Ward, he also was able to land his straight right, a punch that was effective in neutralizing Froch as the effects of the punch were on full display, thanks to the bright redness on Froch’s nose.

However in the final 4 rounds of the fight, Ward showed signs of being tired and allowed Froch to close the distance and bang a little more on the inside than Ward had allowed the previous 8 rounds. However even with the effort by Froch it became apparent by most ringside observers as well as the TV viewing audience that Ward was on his way to a victory. In the end, Ward had his hand raised in victory with a Unanimous Decision.

Froch was never in real danger of being stopped during the fight and Ward has shown that he is not a knockout artist but Ward is good enough that he can outbox and take his opponents out of their game plan. While, Ward may become one of the greats of this era, it also is still very early in his career to make such claims. He did win the Super Six tournament however; he also seemed to get a hometown discount. Ward never had to fight in Europe and all his fights were US including two in his hometown of Oakland and one in Carson California. While the outcome probably would have been the same, it would have been interesting to see how Ward could have handled a raucous European crowd, where all three fighters (Froch- UK, Abraham- Germany, Kessler- Denmark) consistently pack venues in their countries.

Which brings me to this.

While the original fight was scheduled for October and had to be rescheduled due to Andre Ward getting a cut a few weeks prior to the fight. It was a little disappointing to see such a light crowd Saturday night in Atlantic City. ESPN’S Dan Rafael announced that the attendance was 5,626. It is by no means a bad number however, this was not a HBO boxing after dark fight. This was a great tournament that had its fair share of issues but brought together some great fighters in a tournament no one thought could do well. Maybe, I am in the minority about the tournament, but regardless of the tournament and the issues it had. This was the Finale. It should have gone out with a louder bang to end 2011. While it was a good fight, it failed to bring a great crowd to Atlantic City. In the end, what should be looked at as a formula for bringing great fights and fighters to a similar format; may not happen again. That is unfortunate, because some weight classes not only have enough fighters to make it happen, but enough fans to make it worthwhile.

And Then…

Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto will square off once again in February. The first fight this past April was outstanding, my fight of the year pick. However, the first fight was held at the MGM Foxwoods in Connecticut and the rematch is going to be at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I am curious to see the crowd. Ortiz and Berto are not great seat fillers and going from a small 4000 seat arena to a venue that holds more than 17,000 seats. I am not saying these two fighters can’t fill it, I am just curious.

Bad move by Showtime Sports for tape delaying the fight on the West coast, there was no need for the tape delay and should not have happened. Showtime also failed to allow the live fans to hear the interviews with Ortiz-Berto as well as Froch-Ward.