Fight Predictions: Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Ward
Compiled by Mike Plunkett
Arthur Abraham’s challenge of Andre Ward for the WBA Super World super middleweight crown is more than just an opportunity at a major world title, it is the semi-final to the Super Six Tourney and the next crucial step in the career evolution of both men. Coming off of two straight losses in the tourney, Abraham 32-2, 26 KO’s badly needs this win, as not only is it key to his continued inclusion in the tournament, it may possibly be his last chance at a world title in a career that as of late has lost much credibility.
As for Ward, 23-0, 13 KO’s, despite being the decided favorite and with remarkable career momentum, his 4th title defense is not without danger. He will be facing a desperate former world champion bent on redemption, if not survival. RSR’s elite team of writers, interviewers and pugilistic prognosticators provide you with their expert opinions on the outcome.
Gina L. Caliboso
I have been looking forward to this fight since Abraham got a DQ and STILL makes the semifinal. I think that Andre Dirrell should be fighting Ward. Abraham is a bull of a fighter, but technically may not be able to match Ward. Ward has done a great job soundly defeating both Kessler and Green. I predict that Ward will defeat Abraham by 12 round unanimous decision, although I would love a KO or TKO by the 10th round.
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Andre Ward is on a roll as of late. I think Abraham is damaged good after his two recent losses.. It might not be the most exciting fight, but Ward by a wide UD 117-111 range.
Geno McGahee
Arthur Abraham is a beaten spirit. At one time, he was my pick to win the entire tournament, but mentally, he’s not right at this point. Expect him to become very frustrated early with Ward’s constant clutching and mauling, and he’ll never figure it out. Ward by UGLY unanimous decision in the range of 117-111. Abraham may retire after this one.
Anthony Santiago
I am in the small group that thinks Abraham wins. He is strong and he is a king and any queen needs a king, so I’m voting for him. Abraham by KO in 3 rounds.
Marc Anthony
Andre Ward is hot!! He has all the momentum in the world. Arthur Abraham, as much as I like his style and his huge charisma, he is coming in with doubt. Andre takes this with a unanimous decision. In boxing nothing is a sure thing. I will be rooting for Arthur to come and surprise people like he is promising.
Donald Stewart
I think Ward will win a very tough contest by split or unanimous decision. I have a feeling this will be a war before Carl the Cobra Froch takes the winner down in the final! Abraham will run him close but will be warded off by the better fighter.
Mike Plunkett
RSR’s ‘Fighting Writer’, Gina Caliboso makes a great point. The former IBF middleweight champion was disqualified in a Super Six Tourney bout last year, yet here we are looking to see if he can extend his stay with a high stakes encounter with the undefeated Andre Ward, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist and the current WBA Super World super middleweight champion. Some weeks back in an article the ‘Fighting Writer’ surprisingly predicted that Ward would prevail by easily stopping Abraham, but perhaps not surprisingly now calls for Ward to slick his way past the bullish Armenian. Managing Editor Geno McGahee points out that Abraham is a broken spirit and no longer mentally the supreme ring warrior he once was. Perhaps both are on to something and maybe the truth and the outcome lie somewhere in the middle. I have to wonder how much starch Carl Froch took out of Abraham, and if Ward, an adequate puncher at best, might be benefitting from work started by Abraham’s last tourney opponents. I’m going with S.O.G via 11th round stoppage, with Abraham utterly left a shell of the fighter he once was.