Saturday, 8 September 2012

Andre Ward-Chad Dawson: Boxing at its best

Top of the game: Ward and Dawson are two of the best boxers in the world
By Peter Wells: Here it is. A boxing purists dream is upon us as two of the best fighters pound-for-pound step into the ring together in a fight showcased as 'Made in America'. Andre Ward and Chad Dawson are two boxers who show the world the art that is boxing. They have spent their careers perfecting the art and used their boxing intellect to win them multiple world titles. They have many similarities in the way they box but also they have the same motivations. To provide for their families and to become the best that they can be.
 
Their respect for the sport itself can be seen by the opponents they have faced. Chad Dawson has won the WBC, IBF and IBO Light Heavyweight titles, suffering just one defeat. He has ducked no one taking on Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson twice and also the age defying Bernard Hopkins. Tomasz Adamek, who is now a challenger at Heavyweight, has also shared a ring with him losing a clear decision. Jean Pascal is the only man to beat Dawson. After a very slow display from Chad he was behind on the scorecards before the fight was stopped in the 11th due to a cut on Dawson caused by a clash of heads. Chad was starting to pile on the pressure but he did need a knockout to win the fight. After that first defeat, Dawson's circle got much smaller. All the so called 'friends' had left, which has only left Dawson with a better outlook on who are his real friends. Now moving down in weight Chad faces a different challenge, but one he's wanted.

Two time champ: Dawson beats Hopkins to take back his
WBC title


Andre Ward's rise through the pound-for-pound listings has been incredible. At just 20-0 and still learning Andre Ward took the chance to enter the Super Six tournament, to face off with the best fighters at 168lbs. Ward was straight into the deep end as he took on the favourite, Mikkel Kessler. 'Son of God' shocked the boxing world, dominating Kessler before the referee stopped the fight due to cuts. Allan Green never won a second of their fight before he beat the awkward Sakio Bika on points. In the semi's Arthur Abraham took a beating before the final last December against the sensational Carl Froch. In what was expected to be a close fight turned into a one sided fight as Ward dominating from start to finish putting on one of the great boxing displays. Andre's victory was further enhanced when Froch destroyed unbeaten IBF champion Lucian Bute in 5 rounds. 

Unstoppable: Ward dominates Froch in Super Six Final
The most refreshing part of this fight is just how easy it was to make. In a generation of boxing where fighters blatantly avoid fighting other top fighters, Chad Dawson and Andre Ward again showed their respect for the sport and its fans. Dawson called Ward out after his victory over Bernard Hopkins. Andre Ward had no hesitation in answering, 'yes'. Chad Dawson was also very willing to drop down from 175lbs to 168lbs and looked good at the weigh in yesterday.

It is indeed a very fascinating fight, one that could swing either way. Ward has slightly more to lose in his unbeaten record and titles, but there is no doubt he would reign as champion again. A defeat for Dawson wouldn't hurt him at all. He could move back up to Light Heavyweight where a rematch with Jean Pascal or a clash with IBF king Tavoris Cloud wait. 
 
I expect a close fight that will go back and forth, but Ward seems to be the slicker of the two and may just do enough work to convince the judges. The result may be hard to predict but what isn't is the fact that this will show boxing at its finest. 

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