Boxing World
Spencer Fearon, Boxing Promoter
Very difficult fight for Froch as a lot has changed with the dates and the venue. Now the fight is in Ward's territory, with the way decisions are going to home fighters this must be playing on Carl Froch's mind. My gut feeling is Froch would always get outpointed by a neat boxer. Andre Dirrell in many peoples eyes beat Froch, Jermaine Taylor was outboxing Froch until he got beat. Andre Ward is a far better boxer than both those two, and that's is the major problem. The fight will be won by the first man to establish the jab. I believe Froch can do that, but will leave it too late to figure out the movement of Ward, and get piped on points 116-114. So good will be the fight and close, that a return will be order by the public. I hope I'm wrong as I'm the biggest Froch fan. Ward
Kerry Kayes, CNP Professional
I truly believe that Froch wins this, he has so much more experience on such massive fights. Yes I know Ward has been up there, but I think Froch's momentum is far bigger. Froch
Kevin James Campion, Professional Boxing Trainer
I like Froch he is great for British boxing, but Ward will box too well, he is too mobile, loose and slick, all of which Froch struggles with. Froch will get frustrated. It's in the US so won't get 50/50 rounds. Ward by Wide UD. Ward
Frank Stea, Boxing Insider
This will probably not be the most exciting fight, at least I don't expect it to be. For some reason my heart wants Froch to win, but my brain is taking Andre Ward by unanimous decision. In my opinion, the conclusion of the Super Six tournament still leaves doubt of who is the #1 super middleweight in boxing with Lucian Bute. Ward by decision. Ward
Phill Fury, Professional Boxer
I think Ward wins a unanimous points decision, I think he's going to be too fast and have too much skill for Froch, but will be a good hard fight. Ward
Brian Magee, Professional Boxer
This is going to be a close call but I think Ward will nick it on points, that slight edge he has with his speed and movement will see him edging in front throughout fight. Froch is a good fighter and is strong, but Ward has matured in the super six with great wins, I think he's hardened up now and wont crumble under Froch's attacks, but will comeback with fast counters. Ward
Kyle Hit'em Whitham, Professional Boxer
Tough to call, I'm not sure why Froch is not a worldwide global name. He's a great champion and to fight the people he has back to back. In this fight though I would love to see Froch bring it home but think Ward will win on points, hope I'm wrong. Ward
John McCallum Jnr, Professional Boxer
I think it will be a great fight, a real 50-50 fight. Ward is a real good boxer with a lot of skill, I hope he wins for british boxing, but I can see Ward outpointing him. Ward
Ashley Treasure Theophane, Professional Boxer
Carl Froch and Andre Ward are the two best 168lb fighters currently in the world. Will Froch grind down Ward or will Ward outfox Froch? It is a close fight and can go either way, but I side with Andre Ward as he is the better all rounder. I won't be shocked if Carl pulls it off though. Ward
Jamie Smigga Smith, Professional Boxer
I think Froch wins in a war, Wards a good boxer, but I think it means more to Froch to win this battle. Froch
Billy Irwin, Professional Boxing Trainer
I think Ward has the style to give Froch problems. He's a better version of Direll. I aad Froch at my gym for two weeks before he fought Taylor and wasn't impressed. He does many things wrong, but somehow finds a way to win. I pick Ward by unanimous decision with a couple shaky moments. Ward
Austin Trout, Professional Boxer
I believe Ward wins by UD. Froch is a good fighter, but Ward is too smart and too skilled for Carl. Froch will try to make it ugly, but I don't see it working. Ward
Tim Kudgis, ATG Radio
I feel this is going to be a close fight. Froch will bring the fight to Andre, but his aggression will be neutralized by Ward's superior boxing skills. Though I feel Froch's relentless attack will win rounds. I predict Ward via UD 7 rounds to 5. Ward
Corey Washington, Professional Boxer
Andre Ward by unanimous decision, eight rounds to four. Ward will use all of his skills and outbox Froch. Ward's speed and power jab to the body will give Froch problems. Ward
Callum Johnson, Professional Boxer
It's the best fight this year in my opinion. A real 50-50 fight with two of the best fighters in the world at any weight. I think Carl could win, which will be an upset in a lot of people's opinions. But Ward is a special talent, so it's a rough one to call. I'm going with Froch just to do enough and take a close decision. Froch
Vincent Cleverly, Professional Boxing Trainer
Ward to win this one. I just think he will have to much class and speed for Froch, and won't tire in the later rounds like Taylor. Ward is a true super middleweight unlike Taylor, Ward could even win by TKO in the last two rounds. Ward
Drew Docherty, Professional Boxer
I think Carl Froch because he is relaxed with the hands down. His defense is hard to penetrate, Ward will tire and Froch will knock him out in my opinion, Froch KO round eight. Froch
Rick Glaser, Professional Boxing Businessman
Ward out slicks and out speeds Froch to win a decision. Ward is way too smart and fleet of foot to get caught up in a trap. Andre is a pure ring general, and will prove that on December 17. Ward will be in the Hall of Fame someday, and will become the greatest 168 pounder ever. That doesn't sound like a man that will be denied on December 17. Ward
Jane Couch, X-Professional Female Boxer
Froch hopefully KO round ten, but probably on points. I think Ward has under estimated Froch, and Carl is a great athelete. I'm 100 percent sure he will beat Ward. Froch
Edwin Rodriguez, Professional Boxer
I think that Carl Froch will win by a late stoppage. Andre ward is a great fighter with good ability to adapt, but Carl Froch is too strong. Froch
Monte Barrett, Professional Boxer
I think Ward by decision. He has great basic fundamentals and awareness in the ring. Froch makes to many mistakes for a good counter puncher. Ward
John Dunleavey Boxrec/Frank Maloney Promotions Writer
Ward will box well for the first four rounds, but Froch will rally back and wobble Ward in the middle rounds. There will be a few close rounds and it will be a very close decision to Ward I believe, but I hope i'm wrong. Ward
Ashley Sexton, Professional Boxer
I really fancy Carl Froch to box the ears off Andre Ward for a comfortable points win. Froch
Tom Gray, Secondout.com writer
Andre may not always be in exciting fights, but he has too much speed and intelligence for The Cobra. The American will keep this long and tie Froch up when he gets close. Despite the hype, I see the final of the super six being a bit of an anti climax with the more gifted fighter prevailing in a quiet affair. Ward on points. Ward
Chris Steel, Professional Boxer
I think stylistically Ward has the skills to win a decision but if it becomes a physical gritty fight then Froch has the edge. It all comes down to whether its a tactical fight or the fight Froch wants. I think Froch got into his head a bit at the press conference, I think Andre is rattled a bit by Froch's confidence. My head tells me Andre wins a decision but I'm going to go for Froch by late KO or close points decision. Froch
Joe DeGuardia, Boxing Promoter
This is a good matchup with interesting styles. Froch is one tough fighter, but in the end I think Andre Ward's boxing skills will earn him a decision victory. Ward
Paul Butlin, Professional Boxer
I'm looking at very hard fought fight with lots of work rate from both fighters. I've got a feeling Froch will stop Ward in the later rounds. Froch
Jolene Mizzone, Vice President of Operations at Main Events
I think that Andre Ward has much more experience than Froch and has faced the better oposition. He is going to outbox Froch easily. Also, Ward's mental stage in the ring out does most fighters today. Ward to win by UD. Ward
Cornelius Bundrage, Professional Boxer
I like Ward because he's a Christian, but Froch is unpredictable. I can see Ward pulling the fight off in an ugly fashion. Toss Up! Ward
Ringnews24.com Writers
James Tonks
Since Carl Froch has stepped it up to 'World Class', he has had six fights, against Pascal (Not Super6), Taylor (Not Super6), Dirrell, Kessler, Abraham, Johnson and now he faces Andre Ward. A lot has been made of Froch's power as he entered the tournament with 19 KO's coming from 23 wins, but from the six fighters listed above, Froch has only been able to produce a TKO in the 12th round against Taylor. Froch is a fighter who to a certain degree rely's on his power, and to be honest its not showing the way I think Froch would of hoped against 'World Class' opposition. Froch has more to his game which many over look, possibly due to Carl always talking his power up. When Froch took on Taylor he was seconds away from losing and he used his experience not to rush in and pick his shots wisely to finish off Taylor. Froch then showed us all he doesn't need to rely on his power by putting on a boxing masterclass against the German Arthur Abraham. Froch has been blowing hot and cold in his last six fights, having not looked at his best at times and then showing glimpses of brilliance. I'm left asking myself which Froch will turn up? Dirrell set a blue print on how to beat Froch with his hit and run tactics to get out of range and to frustrate Froch into making mistakes. Ward I believe will use the same tactics, but with more workrate than Dirrel failed with, I also expect Ward to tie Froch up on the inside as Ward won't want to exhange inside with the Cobra. Ward and Froch both having very good stamina, I think this fight is going to go the distance and be very close on the judges scorecards. However Froch's defence and low hands are going to be his failure in this fight, Ward by two rounds. Ward
Gav Bridges
I've been sat mulling this one over for months now, and still I can't say just who will win! On the one hand, we have a guy who hasn't tasted defeat as a Pro, or at any level, for many a year. On the other we have possibly the most obdurate fighter of the past decade. In some aspects, the very definition of the Unstoppable Force versus the Immovable Object. It will be a very brave man to call anything other than a points victory here. So what are the keys to the fight? One key in my eyes - André Ward's mindset. Ward can make the title his by getting on his bike, keeping a good safe distance all night, and accumulating the points in quick bunches of punches, in and out. But will his ego allow that? Ward can be dragged into a fight, and then we get his street nature out, the cheeky butts and sly elbows are a favourite tactic of his when things get a touch too close. But he couldn't pick a worse fighter to try these tricks with than Froch. The Granite Man from Nottingham just doesn't get phased. A tendancy to start slowly, a habit of cruising a touch too often, one thing Carl always brings to the table is the fight. If Ward is to start throwing some dirt, he will get it back and then some. Froch is no angel, make no mistake. Have we seen him go through a fight without the odd rabbit punch thrown in for good measure? In facing Ward he will have to increase his output a good 10,15%. Even then he will still have to keep plenty in the tank to take advantage of any opportunity he has should Ward step off the gas or get stung. A real 50/50 affair, but enough of me getting splinters sitting on the fence. I see Ward running away with the first couple of rounds, a topsy turvy battle through the middle section, but by the championship rounds that incredible stamina of the Cobra will take the ascendancy. So as I previously said, it will take a brave sort to call a stoppage. And that's where I'm going - a Froch win, 11th or 12th stanza, not too dissimilar to the Taylor fight. But what I will say with unnerring certainty is I expect nothing less than fight of the year, maybe the decade. Froch
brooklynbrawler
Ward has been favoured far too heavily in the Super 6 tournament for my liking. Despite being part of a tournament enforcing many "away days", he's yet to fight outside of his home state, either in or out of the Super 6. I have a feeling that for Froch to win, he's going to have to get the knockout. He's proven more than capable of outboxing Ward, with the Abraham display. He's also more than capable of knocking Ward out, but to be honest, I don't see it coming in this fight. Ward is a smart fighter, and he'll do more than enough to avoid Froch's bombs. He's not the cleanest of fighters though, and I have a feeling that this will turn into a rough, dirty kind of fight, with a lot of holding and a lot of spoiling. Froch has the highest workrate of the two, and for that reason I think he should win a rough-house fight, Let's hope Ward isn't given one last gift. If he beats Froch handily, then he'll finally have earned respect, and will walk quite easily into the divisional number one spot. Froch
Daniel Norris
I would love this fight to be a 12 round, classic, war, but I don't see that happening. Andre Ward is just a fantastic fighter who has all the tools in his tool box and while Froch is no slouch himself, Ward is just so good that he'll pretty much win every round. I'll give Carl a nice hand if he can win three clear rounds in his favour. The key difference between the two is Andre's head movement and Froch's lack of body work. Froch is a head hunter, and Ward will make Froch miss time and time again and will counter with straight right hands. Froch has no chance in this fight, he can't out box Ward and he can't knock him out. Froch has good power, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't have world class KO power. He has yet to knock out anybody world class. You may be thinking "Well, what about Taylor?" that's my point, it took him twelve rounds and only 13 seconds to spare to knock out a faded, tired Jermain Taylor. This whole write up makes me sound like I hate Froch, but I don't. I like Froch and he is a great fighter, but Ward is just that much greater. Story of this fight Ward jab to the body, straight to the body, Froch wings a head shot, Ward dips to his right and counters with a right hand, and he clinches. Rinse, wash, and repeat for twelve rounds. Ward by UD. Ward
Dave Murphy
One problem with Carl Froch is that while he's a better technical boxer than a lot of his critics give him credit for, I don't think he's quite as good at it as HE thinks he is. His speed in particular is not going to be the advantage that he believes, and I also think he will be overly concerned with Ward's head, which has a way of sneaking into his opponents face, just ask Mikkel Kessler. Can Froch concentrate on the fight itself and avoid getting bogged down in an ugly affair with a lot of grabbing, holding, and Andre Ward doing enough to steal the majority of the rounds on what might be favorable Atlantic City scorecards? I see this one going the distance, and I also see a lot of rounds that are hard to score. My prediction is Ward by close, controversial decision that leaves most unsatisfied, but few wanting to see it again. This is not a fight where I see the two styles meshing to give us a classic. Fortunately the attention that the S-6 has brought to the 168-pound division leaves both men with multiple options besides a rematch, the future is still bright even for the loser, while Bute awaits the winner. Ward by Majority Decision. Ward
Dave Allen
This could turn out to be the hare vv tortoise situation, with Ward fighting on the outside throwing quick combination's and then getting on his bicycle. Froch will march forward nonstop but I see him being frustated, and taking chances to land his shots. Which in my opinion will play into Ward's hand's, who has the superior foot speed and is far the better technician. The only way I can see this fight playing out is a one sided points decision for the American Ward. Ward
Lee Skavydis
I think this is a 50/50 fight. Ward has been hailed as such names as the new Sugar Ray Leonard but it's way too early for that. However, Ward has demonstrated that he can fight many ways. He can fight on the inside, outside, and he can rough it up when he needs to. A lot of people think that Carl Froch is just a puncher but they must have missed the way he dealt with Jean Pascal in the second half of their fight, Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson. Froch knows how to box, not just punch and he has the power and a strong chin. Ward has been down before by more average punchers but that happens sometimes when fighters learn their trade. If Froch becomes lazy as he has done in the past in this fight then Ward will win because the Brit cannot afford to stand there. But I don't think that will happen. Froch has upped his game since the Kessler defeat and I think he has learnt that he doesn't always have the time to stand there and study his opponents. I can't call this one. I'm just excited and I can't wait for December 17th! Hopefully the winner gets it on with Lucian Bute after to see who really is the best super-middleweight in the world, because until somebody from this tournament faces him, then the jury is still out.
Fans Predictions from our RN24 Facebook and RN24 Forum
Stuart Fraser, Ringnews24 Facebook
I think Ward will frustrate Froch with movement in a similar way to Dirrell. The difference is he will throw enough punches when Froch comes in to steal a tight verdict. Hope I am wrong as Froch always gives great value but I think hand speed and movement will be key in a Ward points win. Ward
Aaron Ormrod, Ringnews24 Facebook
Froch will bring the fight to Ward in a more intense way than Ward has seen before, forcing Ward onto the back foot thus not allowing him to have any real power in his shots. A lack of power brings an increase in pressure and Carl takes either a UD or late stoppage. Carl will need to use his jab the best he can though and not expect to just walk through everything, even weak shots can have an effect if enough land. This is the first big fight where Ward is not really in his front room fighting, plus I would bet on Carl having more fans in attendance despite the travelling. All this could have an effect on Ward when the going gets tough as it is sure to do with Carl vs him. Once he is taken outside of his comfort zone inside the ring as much as outside it, I feel he will fold. War Cobra!! Froch
Bobby Waterboy Swinney, Ringnews24 Facebook
I think Froch will take this one if he closes the distance with his jab uses his angles to negate Ward.s hand speed and take the fight to Andre. Froch has good power and a mental strength unrivalled by anyone in the game, Froch on points. Froch
Scott Alexander Simpson, Ringnews24 Facebook
Froch is a different fighter to when he sneaked it vs Dirrell, he has got more tools in the box and proved he doesn't just have to trade and be crude and aggressive. He has shown he can be slick again now and not easily frustrated. I think Ward will try to make this fight difficult for him with the jab and flash combos, maybe winning the the early rounds, before Froch works out how to get at him and starts to slow him down. Hooks downstairs will be decisive, and tilt the fight Carl's way. Ward will be out of there around the 9th or 10th via TKO. Froch
Darren 'Dappa Daz' Fright, Ringnews24 Facebook
I feel that ultimately Froch will come out on top due to his total dedication to his art. This man lives, breathes and sleeps boxing and adding his natural talent, unlimited levels of hard work, and his technical ability to that, I feel he is destined to win. Froch truely is a personal inspiration in my fight career as I am sure he is for plenty of other fighters out there. It will be his hardest battle to date but ultimatly he will take the victory. Froch
Derek Cuculich, Ringnews24 Facebook
I like Ward by decision. Froch is tough, and one of my favorite fighters to watch, but I don't see Ward standing and trading with Carl. I think Ward's speed and movement will be too much for Froch. UD-12 Ward. Ward
Joe KO, Ringnews24 Forum
Andre Ward has been a revelation in the super six tournament, he has stepped up to the plate and beaten everyone in front of him. He is boring to watch and does lack punching power. but I think he is a special fighter and it will take someone great to beat him. I'm a big fan of Froch but I think Ward will win via wide decision. Froch is just to slow and Ward will finish off the job Dirrell failed to finish. Ward
Londoner, Ringnews24 Forum
This is a tough fight to predict and a great result of the fantastic creation which was the Super Six tournament. You must decide what you think wins this: Ward's skill, speed and talent or Froch's power, jab and resilience? This could be a classic or could turn into a mismatch. Personally, I think Ward is the favourite but I think Froch wins this. Froch is known to have power and is also a technically gifted boxer (he outboxed Johnson and Abraham very successfully). Ward is known for his technical abilities but when he beat Sakio Bika he took a lot of body shots and spent much of the fight fighting on the inside. If Froch comes with the same gameplan Ward won't like his body shots which had Abraham wincing. Carl Froch is my favourite fighter so I do tend to back him to win. Personal favouritism definitely comes into my mind. But, this fight is 50-50 and picking Froch to win is not illogical. My prediction: Froch SD. Froch
Wheelchair, Ringnews24 Forum
Ward should take an easy points win in this fight, he'll stay on the outside and time Froch coming in. Carl's power is sadly lacking at the top level, and this will be his downfall. Ward by a dull UD. Ward
nanette , Ringnews24 Forum
I have waited for this fight a long time as there is big money to be made here. Ward will win this fight easy, everything speaks for it. He is much faster than Froch, Carl has a terrible defence and much lower output in punches. Ward fights in his home town, we have all seen what this can do, I mention quickly Robert Helenius! Ward beat kessler with ease and Froch got beat by Kessler. Anyone betting like me can throw alot of money on Ward. Easy points win for Ward. Ward
Meathead , Ringnews24 Forum
If Ward is half as good as the hype that surrounds him then he should win a UD. That said I truly believe that Froch is his hardest opponent. Froch knows he can't outbox Ward, so he will have to keep coming forward, Ward hasnt faced anything like that yet. This broke Dirrell, Abraham, Taylor and Pascal. It's an underated element to Froch's game. If Ward can't back him up or keep him off then Froch will get to him eventually. In summary, a Ward win via UD but I really wouldn't be surprised if Froch ground him down and got a late stoppage. One thing that I think shouldn't be missed, of all the possible outcomes to this tournament, we really have been lucky to get possibly the best fight last. Ward
LiveFight.com
Tim2366, Livefight Forum
Froch can win by decision or KO, but Ward can only win by decision. I think Froch will have to out jab and hussle Ward, but I'm fully backing him to win the super six. Froch
BoxingRugbyFan, Livefight Forum
I think Ward by decision or Froch by KO. But as Froch hasn't knocked anyone out apart from a gassed out Taylor at world level I am leaning more towards Ward UD. I'm not sure about Ward's chin, what's it like? I have only been watching him since the start of the super six, and can't recall it being tested. Really want Froch to win, though Ward has skills. Ward
Jambonhead, Livefight Forum
Froch can KO Ward, but I feel the fight will be dissapointing to Froch fans. Froch will get roughed up, fouled and have a point deducted for fighting dirty back. Froch will chase Ward around the ring for twelve rounds and win a moral victory. It would make my year if Froch could win by KO, but I can't look past him. Ward by decision, the tournment has been set up for him IMO. Ward
Keegan Jacobs, Livefight Forum
Froch will struggle with all the different angles the punches will come from Andre. Ward will offset Froch's punches with nicely timed pot shots. Countering for Ward will be on points, Ward by UD. Ward
King Cotto, Livefight Forum
I do not think that Ward will be drained within twelve rounds. But from what I have seen, he respects power a lot. Kessler was ambushed; lets get it over with. Here Ward's fear of getting floored resulted in brutal headbutting (yes, he showed boxing skills too). Abraham got the first two or three rounds as Ward was wary of his power. Then Abe gassed or switched off, whatever. There was no need for headbutting and it would have been dangerous against the smaller and bullish fighter. After all, Froch had handed out the blueprint for defeating Abe. Froch's experiences with Dirrell and Taylor as well as the knowledge of how dirty Ward can get with ref assistance will be invaluable lessons for him. Ward's faster, but not as fast as Dirrell. He is athletic, but not as athletic as Dirrell. I don't think Ward punches as hard as Dirrell either. We will see Ward either on the backfoot all night or criminally abusive, or a blend of these two. If Carl presses the action for twelve rounds he cannot help not scoring and intimidating Ward at least for large stretches, I am sure he can pull off a decision. Ward can slip and move and shoot from angles as much as he likes. He will find it difficult to score past a four inch longer ramrod jab, and an uppercut that can take his head off. Carl needs to keep a better defense in this fight. This is not athletics. Superior natural athleticism does not count for everyting. Carl by decision. Froch
jonjoe, Livefight Forum
I could see this ending early due to a clash of heads or something similar with the style of fighting that Ward sometimes adopts. I feel he will spoil a lot against Froch and it will be a terrible fight. Can't call who will win though with the clash of styles we have here.
Prediction Scores as follows
Boxing World: Ward 20 Froch 9
Ringnews24 Writers: Ward 4 Froch 2
Facebook and Ringnews24 Forum: Ward 6 Froch 5
Livefight: Ward 3 Froch 2
Total: Ward 33 Froch 18
I will update this artricle as more predictions come in.
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