ANDRE WARD BEATS UP ALLEN GREEN

Andre Ward W 12 Allen Green SCORES: 120-108, 120-108, 120-108

It might have been ugly, it might not have been the most exciting fight ever, but it got the job done. Andre Ward smothered, and plain roughed up Allen Green Saturday night. He landed first, and beat Allen Green to the punch all night long. When he got close and it looked like Green was going to open up he just held on. He smothered Green giving him no room to punch, or even mount an offense. Ward looked like the man in there with Allen Green looking like a boy. Allen Green was again full of excuses after the fight. When he lost to Miranda it was because he was sick, and when Saturday night he over trained. The biggest difference in this fight wasn't speed, power, or ring experience. It was simply heart, and desire, Ward had the drive to win, and Green did not. When people make Allen Green fight he folds up. He didn't mount much of an attack when Ward took the fight to him. Andre Ward got to fight in front of his home crowd yet again, and he shined. Is it fair that he gets to fight every fight at home? Of course not, but don't hate the fighter hate the game. Dan Goosen gets it done, and that is a credit to him and his negotiating skills. The scary thing is I don't think it would make much of a difference where he fought. I take that back If he fought in Montreal against Lucian Bute it might have a slight effect. If Ward can keep boxing, he can win this tournament easy. His team puts together a good game plan for each fighter, and he follows it to the "T". I think Andre Dirrell can give him a much better fight then Green did.

ANDRE WARD OR ALLEN GREEN?

Andre Ward (21-0, 13 KO) VS. Allen Green (29-1, 20 KO)

Andre Ward is Ring Magazine's #2 ranked super middleweight, and the man to beat in the Super Six Boxing Classic. He truly has a golden armature pedigree, with a record of 114-5, and a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics. Like many I wanted to see what this golden boy could do as a pro. After his seventh professional fight, I thought I was just watching an over hyped young kid that wouldn't amount to much. I was wrong when reading that knockdown he suffered at the hands of Darnell Boone. It could have been a huge negative, that could have effected him the rest of his career. It was a wake up call to Andre, and he grew after that fight. Until his one sided drubbing of power-puncher Edison Miranda, many thought he was not fighting up to his full potential. That is when I became a believer in his skills as boxer. Right then I knew he would be able to compete with the best, and knew for sure he would get world title one day. It wasn't until he easily beat Mikkel Kessler that the boxing public gave Andre his due props. Right now he is flying high with his recent victory in the tournament. It could all come crashing down with one punch from Allen Green, but it probably wont.

I enjoyed watching Allen Green when he was coming up through the ranks. He had power, boxing ability, and was just plain fun to watch. He was knocking guys out left and right until he ran into Edison Miranda. He thought his power would scare Edison, and he wouldn't have to fight. He was sorely mistaken, because Edison is a tough competitor. He even knocked down Edison in that fight, and I though he had chances to take control of the fight but he did not. When he pushed Edison, he got pushed back, and his heart got tested. He failed to prove he was man enough to beat a fighter who showed real heart. When he tasted Edison's power he quit throwing punches, and ran for the rest of the fight. They both fought Edison, Andre destroyed him, and Allen got beat to him. Just when people were writing off Green he surprises everyone with a hard fought victory over previously unbeaten Tarvis Simms. Since his loss to Miranda he has reeled off 6 straight wins, the last being his best.

POWER: Green
SPEED: Ward
BOXING ABILITY: Ward
AMATEUR BACKGROUND: Ward
HOME TOWN CROWD: Ward
CONFIDENCE: Ward

Allen Green his definitely the one who has something to prove, and that can be dangerous. You don't want to fight a man who has something to prove, because they want to win at all costs. The only way he will be able to land a serious power-punch is if Ward gets complacent, or if he can throw combinations. Ward will be too quick to land power combination punching, and Green will be worn down by the middle rounds. I don't see Allen Green being able to catch up to Ward's footwork. Ward will keep him of balance, with his ability, and out of position all night long. He will have problems with Ward hand-speed, as well. When he tries to reach with punches because he is out of position he will get countered by Ward's crisp, clean shots. This will frustrate Green, and he will get careless trying to land that one big punch. When he does this Ward will capitalize and end this one-sided fight. When Ward gets the late round T.K.O., It will thrill the Oakland crowd. If this doesn't happen Ward will win a landslide unanimous decision.

Andre Ward TKO 10 Allen Green

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND: COBRA GETS STUNG

Mikkel Kessler W 12 Carl Froch SCORES: 115-113, 116-112, 117-111

The home team keeps the advantage, Mikkel Kessler keeps it perfect. Every hometown fighter has won when they have had the opportunity. Dumb Out Fight Sports scored the fight 115-113 for Froch. It was a very close contended match with a ton of action, Kessler being the aggressor. Many people are asking why Froch didn't put an exclamation point on the fight so he couldn't win. I think we have to credit Kessler for that. He worked hard, and when the hometown crowd goes crazy it is in your favor, because it can sway judges. Even though Kessler was more aggressive he was often tagged with counter punches. This was a seesaw battle and it could have gone either way, and Froch should have known that. When you are in the other guy's home town you have to take the fight to him. It you don't pitch a shutout, or score a KO odds are you will probably lose a decision. It happened to Dirrell and know ironically it happened to Froch. I think Froch deserved the decision but I wouldn't call it a robbery. If he gets hit as much as he did against Kessler than he will get knocked out by Abraham. On the other hand if he can make King Arthur miss, and make him pay he can win. We know he has power and can hurt Abraham, or anyone in the tournament for that matter. His best asset in the ring however may be his big heart, and belief in himself. He truly believes he can beat anyone in the world, and that alone can carry him to victory. We have to remember Froch comes on at the end of fights so he will be there untill the final bell.

KESSLER OR FROCH?

This should be an easy pic but Froch always seems to find a way to win. No matter how ugly he looks in the ring flailing away with his wild punches, he still get the job done. There are some questions to ask of both fighters before you pick the winner. Many think that Froch talks too much and has his mind on other things (Calzaghe). He always does this before, during, and after a fight. It is part of who he is, it is how he pumps himself up, or tries to sike the other guy out. I would only be worried and think something was wrong if he wasn't talking trash, or being a loud mouth. He is so wild you would think he would get caught by a technical boxer, but he really hasn't, yet. Mikkel Kessler on the other hand looked slow, and old in his last fight against Andre Ward. In the sport of boxing you can get old in one night. Did Kessler get old in the ring on the night he fought Ward? Or, was Ward just that quick, and overall better than him. I'm not sure which one it was, probably a little bit of both. Froch brings tremendous pressure and every swing he takes is with ill intent. If Kessler can get his jab working early and gain Froch's respect early he can win an easy fight by just out boxing the Brit. If he folds however, it wont be pretty for Kessler. Froch will destroy him with his power if he can break the pressure with his jab. I think if Mikkel can resemble his former self even a little he will win. He fought a good fight against Joe Calzaghe, and Froch is no Calzaghe. I know, I know it was a long time ago, but I think he can do it. He is looking to prove himself in there after his last one-sided loss in the tournament. I think he is good enough to KO Froch but he will probably win a decision. Even though Froch got the win in his first fight in the tournament against Andre Dirrell he looked horrible,and most thought he lost. I think Kessler will get back to his original form and win a split decision against Carl. I think this fight can go to either man and it will go to the man who wants it the most. I am going to say that this will be the most action packed fight in the tournament thus far, Kessler will pick up the points in a close and probably close win.

Mikkel Kessler W 12 Carl Froch SPLIT DECISION

LUCIAN BUTE: le champion superbe imbattable

Lucian Bute TKO 3 Edison Miranda TIME: 1:20

The Bell Centre in Monteral Canada was packed with fight fans cheering for their victorious hero Lucian Bute. The power punching Edison Miranda was supposed to be a tough test but Bute made it look easy. The speed difference was apparent from the opening bell, and that gave Lucian a definite edge. His foot work was superb as well, and it frustrated Miranda. Bute was beating him to the punch in every exchange. He was just too fast, and skilled for the power punching brute from Columbia. This was supossed to be a Transformed Miranda because of his new training from Joe Goosen. Bute never gave him a chance to do anything new because he wasn't there to hit. I knew that Bute would win but I had no idea it would come to quick. In the third round Edison's frustration was apperent when he got hit and was trying to show Bute he was fine. He was not fine and because of a mix of his frustration, and Bute's precision counter-punching the fight was over in an instant. Miranda charged after Bute wildly and Lucian landed a perfect uppercut right on the button. That punch sent quickly sent Miranda to the canvas face first in a heap. Even though Miranda beat the count, referee Ernie Sharif called a halt to the bout. Don't worry it was the right decision, because he was out on his feet, and put no argument forward. The huge Canadian crowd was sent into a frenzy when the fight was deemed over. Bute has an awesome fan base in Canada and they will support him to the end. Max Kellerman said Bute remined him of Tommy Hearns. I thought that was a bit of a stretch but after the fight he said he has been watching a lot of tape of Hearns. Everyone is talking about the Super 6 Classic boxing tournament but Lucian is the real super one. I definitely think Bute is the best 168 pound fighter in the division right now. Who ever wins the tournnament will have to face the great Bute if they want to call them self the best in the super middleweight division.

ANDRE DIRRELL EXPOSES ARTHUR ABRAHAM

Andre Dirrell W DQ 11 Arthur Abraham TIME: 1:13

Scores at the time of the DQ: 98-91, 97-92, 97-92 ALL IN FAVOR OF A. DIRRELL

Andre Dirrell made Arthur Abraham look one dimensional during his awesome performance last night. He won almost every round by out boxing and counter punching the power punching brute. He showed that he had the skills and mental toughness to compete and win on a high level. He stuck to his game plan and totally dominated Abraham. He won all but maybe one round against the undefeated German. Abraham complained of low blows that were on the belt-line, like he does in every fight. He was getting destroyed by the younger, quicker, more talented boxer, and that is why he resorted to hitting when his man was down. Before this fight I had a lot of respect for Abraham as a man but not now. He couldn't just fight by the rules and take the loss like a man he had to cheat. He quit and in my eyes Dirrell should have got 3 points for the DQ loss. Another thing that makes me sick are these Abraham fans that say he would have Koed Dirrell if it would have went another round, they must be able to tell the future. They should be mad at their fighter for throwing the fight and robbing them of a chance to see him come back. I can under stand if he was in the middle of a combination and in the heat of the moment he accidentally connected. That punch was a power punch and he loaded up after he knew his fighter was on the ground. Even then I could have forgave him if he handled it like a man, but that was not the case. He tried to back peddle when questioned by Jim Gray, and wouldn't admit to anything. He even called Andre Dirrell and actor, and said he wasn't hurt. What punk, he should have just owned up to it like a man not an immature baby. I hope he gets suspended or his action, but he probably wont. He was knocked out cold and his body was twitching, and he didn't even know he won, what an actor. Abraham was exposed and he now will loose to Andre Ward and any other man in the tournament that wants to box him.

WEIGHED IN AND READY TO GO IN DETROIT

Andre Dirrell 167.5 VS. Arthur Abraham 168

Andre Dirrell

BIRTH DATE: O9/07/1983
HEIGHT: 6'2"
REACH: 75"
WEIGHT CLASS: 168 super middleweight
BELTS: NA/
WHERE: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
PRO RECORD: 18-1, 13 KO
AMATEUR RECORD: 231 wins
TRAINER: Leon Lawson
NICK NAMES: The Matrix
COUNTRY: USA
NATIONALITY: African-American
AGE: 26

BOXING STANCE: southpaw

WINS: 18
KO: 13
LOSSES:1
CURRENT WIN STREAK: 0
NOTABLE WINS: Victor Oganov TKO 6, Derrick Findley TKO 6, Carl Froch W 12
RING MAGAZINE RANKING: NA/
COMMON OPPONENTS: NA/




Arthur Abraham

BIRTH DATE: 02/20/1980
HEIGHT: 5'10"
REACH: 72"
WEIGHT CLASS: 168 super middleweight
BELTS: NA/
WHERE: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
PRO RECORD: 31-0, 25 KO
TRAINER: Ulli Wegner
NICK NAMES: KING
COUNTRY: Germany
NATIONALITY: Armenian-German
AGE: 30

BOXING STANCE: orthodox

WINS: 30
KO: 25
LOSSES: 0
CURRENT WIN STREAK: 31
NOTABLE WINS:Jermain Taylor KO 12, Edison Miranda TKO 4, Sebastien Demers KO 3
RING MAGAZINE RANKING: 6
COMMON OPPONENTS: NA/


Prediction: Andre Dirrell W 12 Arthur Abraham

Although Arthur Abraham is the undefeated favorite in this fight I think Dirrell's boxing ability will tell the tale in this one. First off Andre Dirrell should be undefeated and deserved a win against Carl Froch in the first round of this tournament. It doesn't matter if it looked like he ran in that fight, he out boxed Froch all night long. If you don't agree then you have no idea how to score a fight. Arthur has many positives going for him including, power, toughness, durability, a good chin, and a great attitude. How ever his body is open for attack and his defense can be exploited. He is a two way fighter, meaning he is either on offense or defense, and that means he is predicable. He has many flaws as well that I believe Andre can exploit if he is smart and sticks to his game plan. When King Arthur throws his punches he over commits himself and is somewhat wild. If Andre can wait in the pocket he can easily counter Abraham. If he catches him coming in with a counter he can hurt Arthur. What did we learn about Arthur in his last fight? He has power and can change a fight with one punch. The only problem is he did it against a washed up, shot fighter in Jermain Taylor who was way passed his prime, it also took him 12 rounds to do so. Taylor barley even through a right hand or power punch the whole fight. When Taylor jabbed and threw punches Abraham just put on his earmuffs, which left his body wide open. Dirrell on the other hand out boxed a dirty undefeated champion on the biggest stage of his life. He made Froch look like a sloppy amateur and left him off balance all night. He got robbed in that fight, and now has something to prove. He is a way better skilled technician then his opponent. He is also way faster on his feet, and has faster hand speed then Abraham. He is also fighting in his home state of Michigan, witch should be good for him. If he can box for 12 whole rounds he will get a well deserved win and move on in the tournament with gained confidence. If he does not and is not focused even for a second it could be an early night.

FIGHTER PROFILE: VERNON PARIS

BOXER: Vernon Paris
NICK NAME: Ice Man
RECORD: 19-0, 13 KO
HEIGHT: 5'7"
WEIGHT CLASS: Jr. welterweight
NATIONALITY: American
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
FIGHTING STANCE: Orthodox
LAST WIN: W 6 Corey Alarcon SCORES: 59-54, 59-54, 59-54
NEXT FIGHT: March, 3, 2010, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI.

Vernon Paris (19-0, 13 KO) vs. Oscar Leon (28-11, 18 KO)

Vernon Paris can be Detroit's next champion if he keeps on his winning track. His next opponent is Oscar Leon on the under card of Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Dirrell match up on the Super 6 Boxing World Classic. If people don't know who he is they will after this next fight in Detroit on a world stage. The man he is facing is tough journeymen and has fought many big names including, Chris John, Humberto Soto, Anthony Peterson, Derrick Gainer, and, Ed Paredes. He needs a guy who wont just lay down, and hopefully this is the guy. Young fighters need to step up their game and fight better opposition. Vernon is talented, fast, and looks to close the show every time he gets into the ring. He would be much further in his career, but every time he gets to that next level something bad happens to him. He was shot and almost killed in Detroit during a murder attempt back in 2006. He was also critically injured when he was stabbed after not long after that. He still lives with bullets in his leg and back, from the shooting he suffered in 2006. Many people have concentrated themselves with the negative things that have happened to him. Lets look at the positives with Vernon, he is rededicated and undefeated. When many people would have given up long ago, he survived and is making the best of his boxing talent. Every fight I have seen Vernon in amazes me because I catch him doing something new each time. He is a serious threat to anyone who he will face at 140, and can be a champion if he wants to. Vernon is not a young fighter who only fights once a year or a couple times a year he has already fought 2 times this year and is slated to fight again in May. Detroit needs something to get behind and Vernon can be it. I can remember how crazy the city got when Tommy Hearns was on top of his game. Don't get me wrong I'm not comparing the to, I'm just saying what if.......

THE SUPER 6 IS ABOUT TO TURN GREEN

Allen green is now in the Super 6 Boxing Classic and will face Andre Ward on April 17Th in Oakland California. Allan Green was originally slated to fight Sakio Bika for the spot in the tournament but Bika had to pull out. Allan green is more then happy to get a chance at fighting in the tournament for the WBA Super middleweight title. Allan green has plenty of power just ask Jaidon Codrington or the 19 other fighters he has knocked out. He will have a tough night ahead of him if Andre Ward can stay true to form and box. This is a big chance for Allan Green to prove he is a different fight then when he fought Edison Miranda. He could have won that fight but it seemed he was afraid to trow punches even though he knocked Miranda down in that fight. He ran the whole fight after he felt Miranda's power so people questioned his heart. Since then he has collected 6 straight wins in a row and all of them coming by way of knockout except 2. His most impressive performance came in his last fight against Tarvis Simms where he won a unanimous decision. I don't expect Green to win against Andre Ward but I have to give him a punchers chance.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

JERMAIN TAYLOR IS OUT

Jermain did the right thing and got out of the super six classic, super middleweight tournament. He lost 4 of his last 5 fights, 3 by vicious knockout. It would have been a shame if this great tournament had been tainted by people talking about Jermain Taylor. B-Hop was right because even though Jermain got the decisions Hopkins took his heart. he did take Jermain's heart.The guys that are fighting on February 5Th to take Taylor's spot are Allen Green and Sakio Bika. Allen Green is coming off a good performance in October over Tarvis Simms. Sakio has strung together 6 straight wins since his one sided decision loss to the division's best fighter Lucian Bute. There fight should be entertaining and the winner will have to keep their celebration to a minimum because for their effort they will have to take on Andre Ward.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

AND STILL ...................

Robert Stieglitz is still the WBO super middleweight champion after delivering a 5TH rd TKO in Germany tonight. Ruben Eduardo Acosta the 11TH ranked challenger didn't do so well as a late replacement for the hard-hitting Edison Miranda. Robert Stieglitz defended his belt for the first time in dominating fashion. He used both a head and body attack to dismantle and destroy his challenger. I know Edison would have put up a better fight. Only time will tell how long he will hold his title band how good he really is. With the way the super middleweight division loos right now there are plenty of options for the WBO champion. Sakio Bika is fighting Allen Green early next month so he could get the winner of that. Edison Miranda will be looking for a fight when he gets well, Bute and the Super 6 guys will be out there as well.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

ROBERT STIEGLITZ READY FOR SATURDAY

On Saturday Ruben Acosta will be stepping in as a late replacement against WBO Super middleweight champ Robert Stieglitz. Robert Stieglitz was supposed to defend his version of the super middleweight strap against Edison Miranda, who had to drop out because of the flu. Stieglitz is making his first defense of the WBO belt since he won it in a late round stoppage against Karoly Balzsay. I would have loved to watch Edison Miranda fight instead of Acosta but that is how life goes. I'm interested in seeing what Joe Goosen training can do for Miranda now that he is training with him. Miranda bounced back after his one sided loss to Andre Ward with a first round KO against Francisco Sierra. We don't know how good Stieglitz is or can be all we can do is watch. Robert has a bunch of options if he can win this fight including a rematch with Blazsay, a fight with Miranda or the best guy in the division Lucian Bute, or even the guys after they are done with the tournament. Who would have thought so much attention would be on the super middleweight division? The thing that amazes me most about the current state of the super middleweight division is not how talent rich it is, nut that everyone is willing to fight each other. When Roy Jones ruled the roost he wouldn't fight the other top super middleweight of his time Dariusz Michalczewski. European fighters would only fight Europeans and Americans would only fight other Americans. It is a breath of fresh air that Showtime has put together a tournament like this. Even the guys not in the tournament are talking about guys in the tournament. For years we have had good fighters at 168lbs but they were never willing to fight each other.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

BUTE-FUL WIN IN QUEBEC

Lucian Bute answered any questions that may have been lingering after his last fight with Librado Andrade by knocking him out in four. Even though he looked a little nervous against Andrade he was still his slick self. Every time Andrade rushed in with his constant pressure Bute was able to check him with his right and get back to a safe distance. He was landing his left almost from the bell and as the fight went on he started to land quick combos. When Bute was against the ropes he landed a quick left hand that Andrade walked right into with his pressure style.Andrade was dropped by a punch he didn't see and he winked at the champ when he was on the canvas, so I knew he would get up. Librado wanted to show he wasn't hurt by the punch that knocked him down so he tried to go on offense and he forgot to guard his body. You are always told to attack the body especially against a man who can take your best shots and that is just what Bute did. The punch that knocked out Andrade was an almost perfect body punch that landed directly in the stomach. I as did everyone else ithat was watching that he would not get up from this blow. Everyone in the whole world has their minds on the Super Six Classic to see who the best super middleweight is. The best super middle weight in the world might not even be in that tournament. Regardless what you think the winner of the tournament wont have claim to the super middleweight division until the fight Lucian Bute.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC : GROUP STAGE 1

Standings after group stage 1
FIGHTER RECORD POINTS

Arthur Abraham 1-0 3

Carl Froch 1-0 2

Andre Ward 1-0 2

Jermain Taylor 0-1 0

Andre Dirrell 0-1 0

Mikkel Kessler 0-1 0

What did we learn after watching group stage one? Who is the favorite after group stage one? We have learned what we already knew that the tournament is good for boxing and fun to watch. A lot of questions have been answered and some verdicts are still out. It seems that the knock out losses, and tough wars with Bernard Hopkins have finally caught up with Jermain Taylor. I thought he could have been the dark horse in this tournament because he had something to prove after losing to inferior opponent Carl Froch. Jermain looked nothing like his former self in the Arthur Abraham fight. He looked old and as we all know you can get old in one night in this sport. Arthur Abraham can hit hard and he did what he had to do against Taylor in winning and getting the KO but I think he has many flaws. If Taylor would have been younger or even threw some punches he could have won. I see many chinks in King Arthur's armor that will be exploited by the Andre Ward and possibly the young Andre Dirrell when they fight. Like I said Taylor is old and should save himself and us from any further embarrassment and get out of the tournament, but he wont. The world saw what I already knew that Carl Froch is just a big puncher with no real skill. He looked like an amature against Andre Dirrell flailing wild punches like a mma fighter. Andre Dirrell got stuck with a horrible refferee and Carl Froch got away with a home town decision. Andre has a tough draw in the second round but if he can box for twelve rounds he can win. As bad as Kessler looked against Ward I'm still going to pick him to beat the unpolished Froch. Kessler was the biggest disappointment in stage 1, by loosing his title and looking bad doing it. He was beaten easy by an unproven young American gold medalist easy, and not really putting up a fight. Andre Ward could be the next big American boxing sensation if he can win this tournament and then beat the winner of the Bute VS Andrade. There are big names at 168 and 175 if he moves up. He has been improving each time out and I knew he would be a problem after he beat Miranda easy. He will now be the man to beat and if he can keep improving and boxing the way he did against Kessler he can win the tournament easy. Expect the standings to change in the next stage but I guess we will have to wait until January to know for sure. I will talk about group stage 2 and there match ups in the coming weeks so be ready for that.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

BOXING WEEKEND REVIEW

Mikkel Kessler (42-1-0, 32 KOs) VS. Andre Ward (20-0-0, 13 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Super Middleweight 168lbs
BELTS: WBA Super Middleweight World Title
WHERE: Oakland, California on SHOWTIME

Andre Ward tech. W 11 Mikkel Kessler 98-92, 98-92, 97-93

This fight was easy for Andre Ward and that is saying something because he beat a decorated veteran. He now has the WBA Super Middle weight title to add to his Olympic gold and he also picks up 2 points in the super 6 tournament. I was not surprised that Ward won but I was surprised how easy it was for him.


Marcos Maidana (26-1-0, 25 KOs) VS. William Gonzales (22-3-0, 19 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Jr. Welterweight, 140lbs
BELTS: Interim WBA Jr. Welterweight World Title
WHERE: Sunchales, Argentina

Marcos Maidana KO 3 William Gonzales

Marcos Maidana picked up where he left off in his first fight since stopping upcoming prospect Victor Ortiz by knocking out William Gonzales. Now the interim WBA champion has put himself in prime position because he is now the mandatory defense for the winner of the Amir Khan Dimtriy Salita fight. If he displays the power he showed in the Gonzales fight and the heart and determination he showed in the Ortiz fight he could be a problem.


Giacobbe Fragomeni (26-1-1, 10 KOs) VS. Zsolt Erdei (30-0-0, 17 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Cruiserweight 200lbs.
BELTS: WBC Cruiserweight World Title
WHERE: Kiel, Germany

Zsolt Erdei W12 Giacobbe Fragomeni 114-114, 115-113, 115-113

Everyone that wanted to see Zsolt Erdei get beat because he didn't defend his 175 lb title against quality opponents or even attempt to unify them will have to wait. The new version of Sven Ottke who wouldn't fight anyone at 175 has moved up to cruiserweight and got a close decision against Giacobbe Fragomeni. Erdei used his boxing skill and movement to frustrate the Italian untill the middle rounds when it became a fight. It was nip and tuck at the end with both men having their moments only after Erdei began to tire. I was rooting for Zsolt to get knocked out but he didn't he eked out the decision. The only thing I now wonder is who he will duck at cruiser weight.


Jorge Barrios (48-4-1, 34 KOs) VS. Michael Lozada (33-5-1, 26 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Lightweight 135lbs
BELTS: Vacant WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Title
WHERE: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Jorge Barrios TKO 5 Michael Lozada

Jorge Barrios is not going away quietly and has picked up his second win since being KOed by Rocky Juarez. People forget Barrios was in control for most of his fight against Rocky until he got KOed late. He always shows good power and fights hard and nothing was different in this fight as he got the Stoppage in the fifth. He didn't turn on the burners until the 4Th and when he did Lozada had no answer. The loud mouthed Argentinian adds another win and hopefully he can get a bigger fight soon because if anything else he is entertaining.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

ANDRE WARDS OFF KESSLER WITH EASE

I said if Andre could keep improving like he did against Miranda and box for twelve rounds he would be a problem. Although I picked Mikkel Kessler to win this fight and the whole tournament I also said the winner of this fight would be the favorite to win the whole tournament. We knew Kessler started slow and Ward had to stay away from his power while putting early rounds in the bank. He did that and he never looked back frustrating the champ from Denmark and not ever allowing him into the fight. I thought it was a mistake that Ward was moving to Kessler's right but he was too quick and it didn't matter. Kessler looked afraid to throw his world-class jab because he was worrying about getting caught. This made it almost impossible for him to land his powerful right hand. Andre Ward's speed was too much for Kessler to deal with but this alone wasn't the deciding factor in the fight. There were two other elements that made the fight easy for the young American and hey were inside fighting and the accidental headbutts. Every time Kessler got in rang to throw his power and close to Ward, Ward clinched and held, but only after he unleashed his own lighting fast arsenal. This disrupted Kessler's rhythm and timing all night long and because of this he was unable to sustain his own attack. The clashing of heads was really caused by a clash of styles and Andre Ward leading with his head. Although they were unintentional they caused cuts and made Andre's punches that much more annoying. Kessler was buzzed a couple of times but he was never truly hurt badly in the fight. The bottom line is Kessler was beat to the punch all night long and couldn't get into the fight and that is what lost him the fight.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

MIKKEL KESSLER VS. ANDRE WARD: SUPER 6 MATCH UP THIS SATURDAY

This week end on Showtime we get to watch another great match up in the Super 6 tournament between Mikkell "The Viking Warrior" Kessler and Andre Ward. This should be an exciting match up and I think that the winner of this fight will be the favorite to win the whole tournament. When I heard about this tournament and who was in it I immediately picked Kessler to win the tournament. I also knew he would get a hard first round match up because of his stature in the 168lb class. Andre Ward has begun to show signs of improvement and is starting to show he was worth all that hype. Andre Ward is riding high after his one sided wins against Edison Miranda and Shelby Pudwill. Ward will have a home town crowd in Oakland and that could be in his favor but I don't think it will help him against "The Viking Warrior". He will have to earn Mikkel's respect early and box for 3 minutes of every round, with out getting caught with any power. The Denmark native Mikkel Kessler has been a force in the super middleweight division for a long time and he has an impressive resume to prove it. He has fought the best the division has to offer and he has only one loss against "Super" Joe Calzaghe the best 168lb fighter in recent years. He has a win over Librado Andrade who is considered one of the better fighters at this weight and who is fighting Lucian Bute. I think that Kessler will be too strong for the young Andre Ward and he will catch him with some power and put him down. Not only can Kessler hit hard he can box as well and that is why I'm picking him to beat Ward. Wards chin wont hold up with the relentless pounding he will take from Kessler and he will lose in a late round stoppage. If I'm wrong and Andre can out box him he will be the favorite to win the tournament. What ever way the fight goes their next fight wont be any easier. I am glad that this tournament was made because it is great for the sport and that fans.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

DUMB OUT EXCLUSIVE WITH ANTHONY DIRRELL

This week we went to Flint Michigan to hang out with up and coming boxing sensation Anthony Dirrell. He told us about getting into boxing in Flint, and boxing his brother Andre back in the day. After hanging with this young star I can see that like his brother a world title shot is in his future. He spoke on his heroic bout with cancer, his family and his faith in God. If you liked watching his brother Andre box in the Super six Tournament then you will like Anthony. Andrea Dirrell might be more popular right now and he may have more speed but Anthony has more power and one day soon everyone will know his name.

HE'S BACK! EDISON MIRANDA WINS BY 1ST ROUND KO

It did not take long for Edison"s power to show up against Francisco Sierra last night. After a great right hand at 2:16 of the first round the fight was over and they were crowning Miranda the new WBO NABO champion. Apparently Joe Goossen's training has kicked in and is having a positive effect on Pantera and we can see why he has such high praises for his new trainer. When you have devistating power and a great story like Edison it is almost impossible not to get big fights, so expect to see him on the big stage very soon. This win is big for Edison and he has many possible options ahead of him in the near future. He has stated that he wants a third fight with Arthur Abraham and what a better way to get that then jumping in the Super Six tournament if Jermain Taylor jumps out. What ever the case may be Miranda has a bright future and will have big fights soon enough, I just can't wait to watch.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

SUPER SIX TOURNAMENT STARTS OUT WITH A BANG AND A THUD:

Arthur Abraham KO 12 Jermain Tylor

The first round of fights in the Super Six Tournament started Saturday night and it was as good as anticipated. Jermain Taylor looked old and unsure of himself he barely even threw a right hand he is done. Artur Abraham had a hard punch but he also has many flaws that better competition will exploit. When Abraham throws his punches they are wild and he is wide open for a counter, he also has no body defense. I picked Taylor to win but in boxing you can turn old in one night and that is what happened to him. He has had too many wars and it has drained him, he is no longer the Jermain Taylor who was the middleweight champ. The good thing about this tournament is the Knockout bonus, It was evident King Artur was tyring at the end to pick up his bonus points. I don't see either fighter going deep into this tournament especially Taylor.

Carl Froch W12 Andre Dirrell

Froch looked amateurish when he was constantly out of position throwing wild punches at the younger, faster Dirrell. I thought as many did that Andre Dirrell earned the decision for out boxing and landing the cleaner more effective punches. It seemed that Froch got a home town decision, for sure he got home town refereeing. He fouled so many times by holding and hitting, rabbit punching and just plain rough tactics the whole night I can even begin to count. Instead of Froch loosing points for his illegal activity they took a point away from Dirrell. The reff took a point for leaning on Froch which he didn't warn him for, He warned him for holding too much and even thoughts warnings were excessive. If Andre would have been a little more busy and trew more combinations he would have won by a landslide. The scores were off with one judge seeing the fight for Dirrell and the other two seeing it for Froch, it was a 4 point swing in Froch's favor. I was impressed by the young Dirrell and thought he won but that is boxing and you never know how the judges will score the fight especially in Europe. I don't think Froch will hold his title much longer and he wont win this tournament. I think it is funny that he was calling out Super Joe because he isn't even close to his level. Andre Dirrell has a bright future in front of him and he is young so he can learn from this fight.

Over all the fights were fun and exciting and I can wait for the next group to lace up their gloves and start throwing. My final analysis is Abraham is overrated, Taylor is shot, Dirrell got robbed and Froch is just plain wild. Having said that watching a tournament like this brings great excitement with its colorful characters who aren't afraid to put it all on the line.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com