Andre Ward v Allan Green
It’s never easy being the new boy as Allan Green’s set to find out tomorrow night, when he takes on Super Six tournament favourite Andre Ward in Oakland, California.
This is the final bout from the second round of fixtures and a victory for Ward will see him sit proudly atop the league table and assure the WBA super-middleweight champion of his route through to the semi-finals.
There is no question that “The Son of God” is set to give Green a real baptism of fire. In Ward’s last match he defied the odds and critics to overcome the ever-destructive Mikkel Kessler by out thinking and out boxing the Great Dane.
On the night Ward surprised everybody by putting in a busy and awkward performance and was all over “The Viking” like fleas on a tramp. It was thought as a ‘slickster’ Ward would come unstuck against the hard hitting Dane, but he frustrated the former champ who found him impossible to close down and was reduced to flailing shots wildly as Ward picked him off. Eventually a bad cut to the left eye for Kessler curtailed things, but there was no question that it was Ward’s fight.
Originally the increasingly erratic Jermaine Taylor was scheduled for tomorrow night’s fight, but “Bad Intentions” decided to withdraw from the tournament, probably a wise decision given his form and Ward’s rise.
So incomes Green who is very much Green by name and green by nature by virtue of the fact that he has never gone a full 12 rounds before. Despite being some four years older than Ward, Green goes into this bout the less experienced man, but “Ghost Dog” does have pedigree in the form of an impressive record of 29-1 with 20 KO’s.
It’s going to be a contrasting clash of styles. Green’s main strength would in fact be his strength. He has explosive power that he can roll out seemingly at will; he packs a tremendous left-hook which he is unapologetically vicious in dishing out and anyone who saw his two round destruction of Carlos De Leon Jr will testify his right hooks not bad either. He also has a very strong jab which he uses well to break into explosive combinations.
Ward on the other hand is one of the top all-rounder’s in boxing today. He has it all in his locker, he can stay on the outside and pick off rivals, scrap it out on the inside, throw combinations, strong jab, quick hands, the works. The only real criticism you can have of him is he lacks a proper destructive punch. He is not the sort of fighter you would expect to come out and throw a venomous haymaker in the opening few rounds to see off an opponent early doors.
Against Kessler, Ward showed that he can raise his game against the bigger names and has really made a name for himself this tournament. Prior to that fight the only opponent of real note he had beaten was Columbian Edison Miranda, who he just beat by tight decision and who interestingly is the only man to beat Green. Ward is a clever fighter and the 2004 Olympic gold medallist got his tactics spot-on against Kessler, it will be interesting to see what approach he takes against Green. Will he engage him toe-to-toe or try or stay out of reach and pick him off over the 12 rounds?
This is anything but a certain victory for Ward though. Green is quicker than Kessler with better footwork and he can match Ward in terms of movement, meaning S.O.G may have to go to the inside which will give Green the opportunity to make him feel his heavy shots. Green may rely on trying to drop Ward in the early rounds, but the Oakland-native will be too canny for this, however he could take on some damage and his chin will be tested.
What Ward has to do is fight his own fight, he was slick against Kessler but he will need to be tough tomorrow night, prove he can take a few punches and land combinations and flurries to counter Greens big shots. As a newcomer to 12 rounds, Ghost Dog’s picked a bad fight to make his introduction, Ward will take it late and will surely capitalise as Green inevitably tires.
A win tonight would put Ward up the top of the league table qualifying before the final round of fights takes place. There were accusations of hometown decisions in both the Carl Froch v Andre Dirrell and Kessler v Froch fights, so Ward will certainly be pleased it is he who is fighting in his own backyard tonight. Although it makes you wonder why the Super Six wasn’t fought in neutral territory.
Overall though the Son Of God will be hoping that Green doesn’t turn the bout into a holy war and that he can exorcise his opponent with a performance of biblical proportions.
Prediction: Andre Ward unanimous decision
This is going to be a very tough fight for Ward. Green will be out the blocks looking to exert his power early, but Ward is an excellent starter and should prove too tricky for Green to inflict any of his bombs.
Should Ward get caught with a few his unbeaten record could be in trouble, but ultimately he should be able to outbox his less technical opponent. Ghost Dog’s lack of long fight experience could cost him and it would be no surprise to see him tire as the rounds clock up, allowing Ward to pick him off in the last few stanzas.
S.O.G’s superior experience and adaptability will see him through and he should come away winner in a tight and exciting battle.
Tags: