Andre Ward and Allan Green conclude the second group stage of the Super Six World Boxing Classic this Saturday in Ward’s hometown of Oakland, Calif. (10 p.m. ET, Showtime)
Ward, 21-0 (13 KOs), is a 2004 Olympic gold medalist that captured his first professional world title by defeating Mikkel Kessler in November of last year. Ward instantly became the favorite to win the Super Six after taking the title from pre-tournament favorite Kessler. Ward used his speed and jab to disturb Kessler and keep him from settling into a rhythm en route to a technical decision victory for the WBA crown. Ward faces a different challenge against the powerful Green, although the Olympian passed the “chin test” against banger Edison Miranda. Now that Ward has been dubbed the new tournament favorite, it’s up to him to maintain focus and not be upset by the eager underdog.
Green, 29-1 (20 KOs), will be making his first appearance in the tournament. Green replaced Jermain Taylor when the former middleweight champion decided to opt out of the tournament. Green has certainly shown a flair for the dramatic during his career. He’s known for delivering fight-ending blows while also prone to getting knockdown himself. Despite one career loss, a 2007 decision to Miranda, Green has gotten off the deck before to score a knockout win. Green won’t outbox Ward, so he will be looking for ways to land his leather on Ward and obtain the KO. While Green is not the betting favorite in this fight, Ward proved that odds don’t matter, especially when you have power like Green.
Inside Fights predictions
Corey T. Willinger: Ward has finally made it to the top after winning a world title, and he’s not going to give it up this fast. In Green, he’ll find a favorable opponent to follow up his brilliant performance against Mikkel Kessler. Green is a boxer-puncher capable of landing a big shot, but he’s also been timid and quick to lose interest in his opponent during his fights. If he lulls in this one, Ward will be all over him with his fast hands and turn a tactical fight into a one-sided drubbing. Ward will edge out most of the rounds through the first half of the fight before letting loose and swarming Green late. Green will see the final bell, but he’ll lose by a wide margin, 117-111.
Trent Pusey: Ward was certainly impressive against Kessler in his last fight. Green, on the other hand, while powerful has never impressed me. Green definitely has that puncher’s chance and I think it will make for an exciting chase, but Ward will get the convincing win. Green has too many holes in his offensive attack. I expect Ward to pick him apart and leave little doubt as to who is ahead when the championship rounds approach. Green will do his best to create some late-round drama but Ward is just far superior in too many facets of the sport. Ward 119-109.
