DON’T DOUBT ANDRE WARD

Hi Dougie,

I hope all is well with you. Was reading this article today in regards to Andre Ward and was curious to get your thoughts from it as well.

Did Andre Ward Miss His Prime During Long Layoff?

In the article, the author brings up valid points into whether or not Ward can still be that same fighter we saw who dominated during his three-year campaign during the Super Six Tournament. Speaking of the Super Six, can you think of a fighter since the start of the century who’s had a more impressive three year run than Ward did between 09′-12′?

While I agreed with the author’s points in general, I just have a hard time counting out Ward. The one point the author stressed was obviously Ward’s inactivity with only two fights in the past four years. So it made me immediately think of The Greatest’s inactivity from 67′ to 70′. Now let me be clear that I would in no way try to put Ward in the same class as Ali but I think it’s fair to compare both men’s slick boxing styles and underrated power.

I personally believe that Ward can pull off a second act to his career that might have some similarities to Ali’s. But again, Ward has to prove it first starting next week against Sullivan Barrera and in my opinion I differ with The Ring’s rankings in still believing he is currently a Top 10 P4P fighter (subjective opinion I know) but nonetheless.

Would really like to get your opinion if possible and as always thanks again for all you provide to us the fans. – Eli

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the former super middleweight champ, Eli.

Don’t worry about having a different opinion on Ward’s pound-for-pound status than THE RING. We could be overrating Ward. And we could be underrating Barrera, who isn’t rated among the magazine’s top 10 light heavyweights.

But I don’t think so, not from what I’ve gathered from their last fights. I’ve never been all that impressed with Barrera (and I’m not one of these nerdy ass Cuba-amateur-boxing groupies that tend to make a lot of noise on social media, so I’m not giving him the benefit of the doubt with my eye test). He looked solid scoring a fifth-round technical stoppage of former title challenger Karo Murat in December. That’s it.

Barrera has solid technique, good balance, a decent jab and a very strong looking build, but he’s not all that athletic for a guy who looks like a badass athlete if you know what I’m sayin’. His hands are heavy, but so are his feet. He doesn’t appear to have world-class speed or very quick reflexes. And his defense could be better. I couldn’t believe an out-of-shape-looking Murat was able to repeatedly nail him with sloppy hooks.

The author of that Bleacher Report column (Kelsey McCarson – who happens to be a swell guy) isn’t being a cynical a__hole when he says we may never see the razor-sharp version of Ward that dominated top 168 pounders five years ago. McCarson’s being real. But even if Ward is only 75 percent of what he was during his super middleweight peak, I think he can handle Barrera. He may not be able to physically impose his will on Barrera, but he should be able to neutralize the Cuban enough to win comfortably on points.

I hope it doesn’t seem like I’m crapping on Barrera. I don’t think he’ll embarrass himself next Saturday. I’m sure Abel Sanchez will have him in tip-top shape and give him a good game plan to follow. I’m hoping for a competitive fight. I think it will be interesting but I’m not expecting fireworks. Ward didn’t wow me at all with his late stoppage of Paul Smith last summer but he showed that he’s a versatile boxer who knows when to punch, when to move and when to smother his opposition. He looked a step slower than he had against Edwin Rodriguez in 2013, but he still moved and feinted very well and he’s still got one of the most educated jabs in boxing.

I’ve never been accused of being a Ward cheerleader but I think he’s going to be OK against Barrera.

Speaking of the Super Six, can you think of a fighter since the start of the century who’s had a more impressive three year run than Ward did between 09′-12′? I’m assuming you mean since the start of the 21^st Century, Jan. 1, 2001 (otherwise I could probably come up with 20 better three-year runs than Ward’s very good 2009-2012). How about my mythical matchup king, Joe Calzaghe? From 2006-2008, the Welsh hall of famer beat Jeff Lacy, Sakio Bika, Peter Manfredo Jr., Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr., during which time he won all four major 168-pound belts (which earned him undisputed/RING champion status) and the lineal/RING light heavyweight title while collecting the scalps of two American legends (B-Hop and RJJ). He was also able to pack Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against his one soft touch (Manfredo) and Kessler.

Or how about Manny Pacquiao? From 2008-2010, the controversial congressman of the Philippines beat Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Josh Clottey and Antonio Margarito; beating two future first-ballot hall of famers (Marquez and De La Hoya) and winning major titles at 130, 135, 140, 147 and 154 pounds in the process. PacMan also became an unlikely pay-per-view powerhouse during this run (especially the De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto and Margarito events). He even managed to draw 50,000 to Jerry’s World against his “soft touch,” Clottey (a top-five welter contender at the time).

I personally believe that Ward can pull off a second act to his career that might have some similarities to Ali’s. I also think it’s within Dre’s considerable ability. Let’s just hope that he knows when to end Act 2. Ali did not.

THE PLIGHT OF RIGO CONTINUES

Hi Dougie,

Hope you’re well,

Want to get your thoughts on the Guillermo Rigondeaux visa fiasco, who does this man have as advisers? The Three Stooges? He needed a visa to get from Miami to Russia, why didn’t he have it in place for the UK before he left the US? As someone who has traveled a lot to a variety of places that need visas it really isn’t that hard with some basic planning. It’s not like he was only given a week’s notice for the fight!

I am one of those who did want to see the winner of Scott Quigg/Carl Frampton take him on but he if he can’t even be bothered to turn up for a fight that would help showcase his skills in the UK and make us want to see the match up why would Frampton and his team bother in giving him the fight! I fear he is going to be one of those “I wonder what would have happened ifÔǪ” fighters who never really truly achieved the greatness they deserve and frankly he has no one to blame but himself.

As far as Frampton Vs Leo Santa Cruz, I think this will probably be the better fight and certainly one I’d be happy to pay for, maybe Rigondeaux can fight Quigg for the ‘vacant’ WBA belt. Apparently Quigg is going to be out of action for 6 months which should give him enough time to get a F###ing visa! – Chris

If Rigondeaux can get Quigg – or any other legit top 122 pounder – into the ring, I’ll pay attention to him. If not, I will continue to ignore him.

I don’t feel sorry for him and I don’t think the boxing world owes him s__t. (In fact, I think he’s a tad overrated, but that’s a different subject.) There’s no doubt that he’s managed by boobs, but I also believe that he has had a hand in the gross stagnation of his boxing career and must be held accountable as much as anyone else.

You want my take on Rigo and his career? I can sum it all up in seven words: I don’t think he gives a f__k.

I fear he is going to be one of those “I wonder what would have happened ifÔǪ” fighters who never really truly achieved the greatness they deserve and frankly he has no one to blame but himself. Does he really deserve greatness?

As far as Frampton Vs Leo Santa Cruz, I think this will probably be the better fight and certainly one I’d be happy to pay forÔǪ I like this matchup for two reasons: 1. because I know Santa Cruz won’t pull a Quigg and hold back on the pressure and volume punching, and 2. because I have a hard time picking a winner. I know that Frampton has the talent and boxing ability to outbox Santa Cruz in spots. I don’t know if he can do it for 12 rounds. (Actually, I’m pretty sure he can’t; which is OK, it just means he’s going to have to fight in spots.) I know Santa Cruz can hurt Frampton if he can corner him or get him up against the ropes. I don’t know how long it will take for him to cut the ring off on the Belfast boxer.

UPCOMING FIGHTS, OLD FIGHTS

Hey Doug…

How’s it going?! Hope all is well with you and your family.

What do you think of the fight between Ward vs Barrera? Do you think Barrera will try and put pressure on Ward the way he has been doing in his previous fights? This guy doesn’t seem to fit into the mold of Rigo and Erislandy Lara. He pulls the trigger and mixes it up! Will Ward’s ring rust catch up to him in this fight? Who do you have winning this fight? Some people tell me that Barrera only has a couple of notable fighters on his resume..a shop worn Lacy and an ok Murat..but the guy only has 17 pro fights! This is a huge challenge for him I think even though Ward has been inactive. A good barometer for Ward as well I think!

What about the GGG vs Wade fight? Wades fight against Soliman has many questioning his chances against GGG. Maybe by the way he is talking he feels he has nothing to lose and that maybe the way he fights. I’m not saying this is the best thing for him but we may see some fireworks for as long as it lasts! What do you think? Are you covering either one of those fights?

I would also like to ask you who you thought won the De La Hoya vs Trinidad fight? I thought it should have been a draw. De La Hoya out boxing Tito in the first half and whether fatigue along with Tito consistently coming forward contributed to De La Hoya not throwing many punches in the second half and Tito getting in some nice shots in the second half. Why no rematch?!

Also the Barrera vs Morales first clash! What a classic! I wasn’t disgusted with Morales getting the nod but I also thought Barrera pulled it off by a point! However I would have agreed with a draw due to the fact that they both went all out! Both those guys I believe left a bit of themselves in the ring that night!

Doug I miss the days when weigh-ins were still on SportsCenter for the big fights! The living room was packed and after getting out the VHS tapes to watch previous fights of each fighter to analyze with our very and my still limited knowledge what we thought each fighter needed to do to win! Lol

Mythical matchups: Calzaghe vs GGG , Azuma Nelson vs Loma , El Finito Lopez vs Rigo , Santa Cruz vs Marco Antonio Barrera , Lara vs Trinidad…oh and in case they don’t fight again Vargas vs Bradley!

Take care Doug….keep up the great work!! Peace. – D

Thanks D., and thanks for sharing your many questions with us. I’ll get right to them:

What do you think of the fight between Ward vs Barrera? I think it’s an intriguing matchup mainly due to Ward’s inactivity and first pro encounter with a legit light heavyweight, not because of their respective styles or ability. I’m not expecting a fire fight but I think it will be interesting, especially in the early rounds when Ward is assessing Barrera’s strengths and weaknesses.

Do you think Barrera will try and put pressure on Ward the way he has been doing in his previous fights? No, I don’t, but I hope I’m wrong. I think there’s a window of opportunity for the Cuban if he jumps on Ward from the opening bell.

Will Ward’s ring rust catch up to him in this fight? I don’t think so. I think it will be a factor early in the fight. We’ll see if Barrera can take advantage of it. If not, I expect Ward to box himself into fighting shape/reflexes by Round 5.

Who do you have winning this fight? Ward by decision.

Some people tell me that Barrera only has a couple of notable fighters on his resume, a shop worn Lacy and an ok Murat but the guy only has 17 pro fights! Those people are correct. Ward has a clear advantage in experience.

What about the GGG vs Wade fight? What about it? The card features my two favorite fighters (GGG and Roman Gonzalez) and it takes place in my hometown arena (The Forum in Inglewood). You KNOW I’m gonna be there. I’m not expecting much of a contest in the main event but I think the event will deliver in terms of a live experience.

Wade’s fight against Soliman has many questioning his chances against GGG. And rightfully so.

Maybe by the way he is talking he feels he has nothing to lose and that may be the way he fights. I’m not saying this is the best thing for him but we may see some fireworks for as long as it lasts! I hope so.

What do you think? I think Wade is a good fighter, but GGG is elite. This is a boy vs. a man, a prospect vs. a champion. I think Golovkin scores a mid-rounds TKO.

I would also like to ask you who you thought won the De La Hoya vs Trinidad fight? I scored it for De La Hoya by one point (or 6-5-1 in rounds).

I thought it should have been a draw. I would have been OK with that. Neither star really deserved to win.

Why no rematch?! Politics, greed, power trips. The usual bulls__t.

Also the Barrera vs Morales first clash! What a classic! Yes, indeed. I was there, ringside inside the Mandalay Bay Event Center, and I’ll never forget the experience. That was one of the top five fights I witnessed in the 2000s.

I wasn’t disgusted with Morales getting the nod but I also thought Barrera pulled it off by a point! The fight was incredible but I thought Barrera won clearly, by a 116-112 or 115-113 margin.

However, I would have agreed with a draw due to the fact that they both went all out! Nah. Barrera won that first fight, just like El Terrible won the rematch.

Both those guys I believe left a bit of themselves in the ring that night! You don’t have to be Eddie Futch to ascertain that! But both future hall of famers still managed to give us several great fights/performances for many years after their classic first encounter (including their rubber match).

I miss the days when weigh-ins were still on SportsCenter for the big fights! I hate the weigh-in as a big media event, but I admit that it would be good for boxing if more of the weigh-ins for major events made it on SC.

Your mythical matchups:

Calzaghe vs GGG – Joe by close decision

Azuma Nelson vs Loma – Nelson by late TKO

El Finito Lopez vs Rigo – Rigo by mid-to-late KO (he’s too big for Lopez). If you’re talking about a pound-for-pound matchup, I like Finito by mid-rounds KO.

Santa Cruz vs Marco Antonio Barrera – Barrera could beat LSC at his own game (pressure fighting) if he wanted to, but I think he’d just box the s__t out of the kid for 12 rounds.

Lara vs Trinidad – Tito by late stoppage.

Vargas vs Bradley – Desert Storm by close decision.

PACQUIAO VS. GRIFFITH MYTHICAL GRUDGE MATCH

Douglas,

Got a grudge myth-match for you.

Manny Pacquiao vs Emile Griffith at 147. One who’s publicly homophobic vs one who was publicly gay. Who wins?

I myself will go with Pacman. Griffith may have been strong for a welter but we saw how easily Pac defeated the Griffith of his era mainly Tim Bradley. Not that I’m saying that Tim was as good as Griffith but Pac outfought him despite being on the decline and going through the notions. So I’m sure that the prime Pac who destroyed Hatton and Cotto would have swarmed all over Emile en route to a hard fought decision or maybe a TKO.

Remember, Emile had trouble with speed and he did lose two out of three bouts to a some Italian guy named Nino and Nino was no Pacquaio. Your thoughts? – Dave

I think Griffith would shut Pacquiao down over 12 or 15 rounds and win a clear decision. That “Italian guy” was Nino Benvenuti and he was a great middleweight champion. He was a superb boxer and would have toyed with Pacquiao before knocking the Filipino icon out cold.

Griffith was more than just strong; he was a master ring general. He knew how to contain fighters of any style and control the pacing of his fights. His conditioning was second to none (he’s one of the best 15-round fighters ever) and his chin only let him down twice in 112 pro bouts – and that was to a legit middleweight puncher (Rubin “Hurricane” Carter) and an all-time great middleweight (Carlos Monzon) late in his career. I think the prime version of Griffith at welterweight could take PacMan’s best shots.

By the way, Griffith wasn’t openly gay when he was fighting. That self-acceptance came later in his life.

FURY DON’T DUCK

Hi Doug,

I’ve read lots of stuff in your mailbag over the years, and I thought nothing would surprise me. But then you get an email from Erik who writes:

“Fury is going to actually fight a rematch with Wladimir Klitshko which no one will watch, and, outside Britain and Germany, no one will care about. We have three astonishingly good heavyweights right now and Fury elects to fight Wlad again!”

Come on, why did you go so easy on the guy? Compared to this Golovkin haters sound reasonable. I can understand people who say that Golovkin fought nobody. At least they are factually correct to the point that GGG hasn’t had fights with big names. OK, we know it’s not his fault, but facts are facts and you can interpret them in various ways.

But this??? I am not even a Fury fan. The guy goes to fight Wlad as a big underdog, wins and goes for the rematch. Personally I think Wlad ices him in the rematch. This is Wlad we are talking about, the guy who dominated heavyweight for what, a decade?

You can say a lot of things about Fury, but ducking? Fury fought Derek Chisora when I thought Chisora was going to mop the floor with him. Fury signed up to fight David Haye and went through two fight cancellations. Fury is a draw and can make plenty of money, but he chose to go for broke and fight Wlad when Deontay Wilder sat on the fence. Personally, I think Fury’s crazy, which is why he’s fearless.

Just goes on to show what distorted reality some boxing fans live in… Please help us keep our collective sanity, publish my post and support it.

Thanks Doug. – Tigran

Well, you’ve been published in the mailbag, Tigran. It doesn’t mean you’re right or that the guy who claimed Fury is ducking other heavyweight standouts is wrong, but I’m sure plenty of readers agree with you. I agree with you for whatever that’s worth.

I also think Fury’s a little bit nuts and definitely fearless. If he beats Oldman Wladdy again I think his confidence and the experience he gains (from both Klitschko fights) will make him very hard to beat.

Email Fischer at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @dougiefischer