Andre Ward’s Last Victim

Before the tournament begun, I was convinced Andre Ward was going to emerge the champion and a top star in boxing. Not only has he beat opponents that have all brought different styles and game plans, he has utterly dominated them. Mikkel Kessler, the original tournament winner favorite, was stopped by the young Andre Ward. Andre destroyed Allen Green, roughed it up with Sakio Bika, and then eliminated Arthur Abraham from the tournament. Ward’s final victim was determined last night in a packed ballroom in Atlantic City.

Saturday night, Glen Johnson faced off with the younger and taller Englishman, Carl Froch. Although I personally dislike the way Carl speaks and carries himself in interviews, no one can argue with this man’s heart and will to win. After a shaky first few rounds and a look of uncertainty, Froch finally began opening up, and although was constantly hit with a powerful Johnson right hand, came right back with fast flurries that showed he is a true warrior. Froch is a confident champion, and an entertaining fighter, but I find it hard to believe that he has the formula to beat Ward. Halfway through last night’s battle, I felt pretty confident that my original pick, Ward, would beat either Froch or Johnson, regardless of the outcome. Froch and his trainer have a formula. I believe that this will be a difficult fight for Andre, but I have no doubts that he will come out victorious. Regardless, I see big things for both Ward and Froch, win or lose. The tournament has done great things for boxing in general, not just hammer out a solid champion at 168.

The Super Six, with all its injuries and road bumps, has proven to be monumental for boxing. Carl Froch, the pride of Nottingham has fought the majority of his career in Europe. Glen Johnson is “The Road Warrior.” He is a glorified journeyman, an incredible warrior. He is a fan friendly fighter and the perfect personality for boxing. He is tough, confident, will fight anyone anywhere (for the right figures) and continues to put on great fights with younger fighters (he is 42). He is based in Miami but has fought all over. Even though Frochand Johnson are two world class warrior’s, neither of them have a huge following in New Jersey. If you couldn’t tell, the ballroom was packed. I’ve been to that ballroom and it holds a good 3,000-4,000 people.

We have seen a fight before, when two fighters from different geographical locations were taken and placed in a stadium in which neither of them had a following. Although both of them were unifying titles and the number one and two boxers in their division, the show (and fight) bombed in all ways imaginable. That fight was Bradley-Alexander, and was flooded with promotional money and help from HBO. Showtime took top boxers from different geographical locations; put them in Atlantic City (which is better than a random spot in the Midwest) where neither of them have a proven and built following, and filled a nice sized ballroom that was present for an amazing war. Not only for the incredible matches created, the Super Six has been fantastic for boxing and boxers careers, and I truly hope that Showtime continues this style of tournaments to help build stars and put on great fights.

Now we wait until the final. Froch-Ward. I got Ward. I am convinced he has what it takes and although we see a great champion in Froch, I am convinced he does not have the formula. What a great idea it would be to start a new Super Six style tournament on the undercard….