By: Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (Nov 21, 2009)
Tonight the Showtime super-six boxing series continues when Mikkel Kessler faces Andre Ward in a 12-round W.B.A super-middleweight title fight. Ward is a former gold-medalist that will be facing the toughest test of his career when he faces the imposing champion from Denmark. Ward has home-field advantage in this bout fighting in front of his hometown crowd of Oakland but he might not need it. The Andre Ward vs. Mikkel Kessler Odds have Kessler as a -220 favorite.
Analysis: Mikkel Kessler is a muscular boxer\puncher with excellent power, technique and stamina. Kessler has beaten a high level of competition and his only loss came in a close fight with former pound-4-pound fighter Joe Calzaghe. Kessler is a pressure fighter that works behind a fast and heavy left jab that is among the best in the business. Kessler can punch with both hands and has a straight-right that can separate men from their working brain cells. Kessler works the body effectively and wears opponents down with his pressure and physicality. Kessler is somewhat mechanical and can be hurt but has shown a solid punch resistance throughout his career. Kessler works behind a high-guard with his chin tucked to his chest making him a difficult target to tag cleanly. The Andre Ward vs. Mikkel Kessler Odds Over\Under is at 9.5 rounds with the OVER at -240.
Andre Ward has all of the tools that you look for in a top-flight young prospect: Long amateur career, fast hands, good reflexes, natural instincts and poise. Ward does not have the experience that Kessler has but it can be argued that his boxing I.Q is on a higher level. Ward is a patient, intelligent boxer that can switch-hit from southpaw or orthodox stances with equal effectiveness. Ward is a sharp if not devastating puncher that has some of the fastest hands in the sport. Andre has excellent footwork and his athleticism is elite. Ward has only an above-average chin but he is a slick fighter that has shown he can deal with adversity. Ward showed in the Edison Miranda fight that he can fight equally as well inside or outside and has underrated physical strength.
Andre Ward is a rising star in boxing and speed kills. Kessler is bigger and stronger but he is not a very fluid athlete and he will not have the benefit of hometown judges helping him for this fight. Ward is slicker on defense and he will be able to stand his ground and gain Kessler