Comments on: Experts Smell an Upset: Kessler-Ward Picks http://safesideoftheropes.com/2009/11/20/experts-smell-an-upset-kessler-ward-picks/ The musings of a freelance boxing writer Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:17:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Andrew Harrison http://safesideoftheropes.com/2009/11/20/experts-smell-an-upset-kessler-ward-picks/#comment-457 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:08:08 +0000 http://safesideoftheropes.com/?p=1307#comment-457 Hey Dave mate. I thought the same initially……..so much so I stuck 25 quid on him at 10-1 for the tournament!! Problem was when I came to watch a bit of footage in order to knock up a prediction, Ward looks a pretty basic guy to work out.
Maybe it’s just his demeanour that has folk tipping him, he looks like a guy ready to step up to the plate and fight the fight of his life, he seems to have some sort of invisible momentum with him.
I think he’ll start quickly and Kessler will show some rust. At some point however, the big right WILL land and it’s how Ward deals with it which is the key factor for me.
I think he gets hurt and then fights to survive which will cost him, probably in a closer decision than he deserves.
I’ll be cock-a-hoop if he wins though, he’ll certainly be less than 10-1 tomorrow morning if he does!!
If Kessler wins however……and does it easily……this whole thing starts to lose a bit of lustre for me. Abraham looks a certain finalist; if Mikkel dominates here, he’ll be nailed on to be the other guy.

]]> By: David "irondave85" Lee http://safesideoftheropes.com/2009/11/20/experts-smell-an-upset-kessler-ward-picks/#comment-456 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:02:17 +0000 http://safesideoftheropes.com/?p=1307#comment-456 Hey Haz, how are you getting on?

I’m not as high on Kessler as others (JC fans would have you believe he’s the second coming of SRR). He’s fundamentally solid, but a bit on the basic side and I fancy Ward has more variety. Having said that, I worry about the American’s punch resistance. He was dropped by a journeyman early in his career and although he’s appeared to be sturdy enough since then, one must wonder what happens if Kessler connects with one of those sledgehammer right-hands.

I think Kessler is the safe bet, but something just tells me that Ward is going to pull this off. Don’t ask me to explain it. Kessler is a seasoned, proven world-class performer and is the rightful favourite, but my gut feeling says that Ward will come of age and eek out a narrow points victory.

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