Who wins, Ward or Froch? The experts decide - Next

Mike Coppinger, RingTV.com

Carl Froch SD 12 Andre Ward: Carl Froch isn't being given much of a chance heading into this pivotal matchup, but he deserves much credit. No fighter has faced the stretch of tough opponents consecutively the Brit has over the past three or so years.

Froch has faced Jean Pascal, Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson. And yet, Andre Ward figures to be his toughest test to date.

I think Froch's experience against top fighters, coupled with underrated boxing ability, improved footwork and jab, granite chin and steely demeanor will carry him to a hotly-contested split-decision victory over Ward.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of former WBC/IBF junior welterweight beltholder Devon Alexander

Andre Ward UD 12 Carl Froch: Good competitive fight for the first five or six rounds. But Andre Ward makes the adjustments against Carl Froch that are needed and dominates the second half of the fight.

Gareth A. Davies, The Telegraph

Andre Ward W 12 Carl Froch: Carl Froch has been through an amazing two years. I mean he's done more than many British boxers have done in a very long time given the level and standard of opponents he's faced. With his warrior-like progress, he's put it all on the line and traveled all over the world to win.

He's only lost to Mikkel Kessler once in a very, very good fight and a tough decision. That's been very good for him, but his style is the problem against Andre Ward, who I believe could go on to be the best boxer in the world.

This could be the defining fight for Andre Ward. And I think that unfortunately, for Carl, I see a points decision win for Ward unless Froch can tag him over and over again. But I don't see that happening.

Oscar De La Hoya, seven-time titleholder and president of Golden Boy Promotions

Andre Ward W 12 Carl Froch: Andre Ward is a very talented individual. His talents are just unbeleivable inside the ring.

You never expect what you get from Ward until you're inside of the ring with him, and then, you realize he's fast and he's strong -- stronger than what I thought he was.

And he's talented. I have to say that I have to go with Ward on paper, but then again, Carl Froch has that punching power to take anybody out.

And he's a fighter who will be in your face, he's never going to give up. He's going to be there for 12 full rounds. This is a good, good fight. But on paper, I have to go with Ward by a decision.

Doug Fischer, Editor of RingTV.com

Andre Ward UD 12 Carl Froch: I like Andre Ward by unanimous decision, but it's going to be a close unanimous decision, like 116-112 on maybe one or two of the scorecards, and then, maybe 115-113 on the other.

I won't be surprised if some people, particularly those fans from England and obviously Carl Froch and his team, believes that the outcome is controversial if Froch doesn't win. I think that Froch is going to win rounds against Andre Ward.

I think that there will be some competitive rounds in this fight. In many ways, this matchup reminds me of the Amir Khan-Lamont Peterson fight, because you have two, tall rangy boxers.

So Ward by close, unanimous decision, and you can add in there also, perhaps, a controversial decision. I think that in the close rounds that Froch could outwork Ward.

When they fight in the center of the ring, I think that Froch will throw and land more punches, not as clean as Andre Ward's punches. But I think that Froch's activity will allow him to win rounds and make the fight close. However, I think that Ward's going to win the fight by landing the cleaner shots.

Norm Frauenheim, www.15rounds.com
   
Andre Ward UD 12 Carl Froch: Andre Ward is the consummate tactician. He’ll have to be. Carl Froch’s toughness, smarts and durable chin will force Ward to employ all of the skills that make him a classic boxer-puncher.

A potential wild card is the condition of a cut suffered by Ward above his right eye on Sept 22. He needed seven stitches. Froch figures to test it in his attempt to draw Ward inside, where Froch is at his lethal best.

But the guess is Ward will overcome some rocky moments in the early going with lateral movement, a precise jab and dangerous uppercut for control of the later rounds and victory on the scorecards in the end.