Andre Ward Vs Carl Froch: Super Six Boxing Showdown Ends Saturday Night – The Boxing Weekend
By Geno McGahee
When the tournament was first announced, I had two picks to win it. My first was Arthur Abraham, the middleweight champion moving up to participate and Carl Froch. Abraham began well with a destruction of Jermain Taylor, but then proved too small for the 168 pounders and was beaten clearly by Andre Dirrell and then by Andre Ward.
Ward, 24-0, 13 KO’s, is the current WBA Champion. He has defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, and Arthur Abraham en route to this tournament finale. His style is awkward and effective. He mauls and muscles his opponent around the ring, and nobody has been able to solve the puzzle. He plans to out-muscle Froch on Saturday night.
Froch, 28-1, 20 KO’s, is the WBC Champion, and goes by the nickname “the Cobra,” because his striking power. He made a big impression in the states in 2009 with a come from behind last second stoppage of Jermain Taylor. He would eke by Andre Dirrell in the first round of the tournament but lose a disappointing decision to Kessler in his second showing. Victories over Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson propelled him into this bout and although he is the underdog, his power is the equalizer.
Ward has been down before and Froch is a genuine fighter with great timing. If he doesn’t allow the mauling to overwhelm him, he could get the win. This is a very interesting match and both men belong in the final. Showtime’s project, for all of the bumps along the way, was a huge success and something that should be copied for other divisions.
On the undercard, two heavyweights are looking to draw some attention as Bowie Tupou, 21-1, 16 KO’s, takes on Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes, 33-1-2, 29 KO’s, in a 10 round bout. Tupou was on the fast track to the heavyweight top ten when he was shockingly stopped by the journeyman, Demetrice King in 2 rounds. He has rebounded with three straight victories but the jury is still out. Holmes is 38 years old and it is now or never for him. He lost his biggest fight, a technical decision to Brian Minto, and needs to win this fight and push for a title shot. At 38, father time is closing in.
