Knockout: 1 a: the act of knocking out b: the condition of being knocked out. This is the 
definition of knockout, according to Webster’s Online Dictionary. Edison "Pantera" Miranda (32-3, 28 KOs) may as well be a synonym for the term. Typically, his fights end up with his opponent knocked out or him separated from his senses.
What more can you ask for as a fan? Andre Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) will be shooting for the second definition – hoping to drop a third knockout loss on Pantera’s record.
Who has the advantage?
Miranda clearly has the power advantage. He’s one of the hardest punchers between 160-175 pounds. He also has a huge advantage in experience and competition. The latter advantage is the biggest hurdle that Ward will have to overcome. Miranda has fought and lost to the two best middleweights in the world in Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham. He competed well against both men, but got knocked out in two of three of those fights (more on that later). But he’s also defeated former middleweight contender Howard Eastman and rising super middleweight contender Allan Green.
Ward clearly has the superior boxing skills and hand speed. We all know the importance of hand speed in all fights, but I think foot speed will also be pivotal. Not that I’d advise Ward to turn this into a track meet, but he’d be wise to use angles and movement to keep Miranda off-balance. Ward should also have the "home fight advantage," fighting in his hometown of Oakland, California. However, if he chooses to try to impress his fans more than win the fight, he may find himself on the wrong side of the knockout definition.
Ward’s chin has been checked a couple of times early in his career against lesser competition. He’d be wise to protect it against a puncher like Miranda. I trust that he will. As has been the case before in Miranda’s biggest fights, I expect to see Miranda, not Ward, on the wrong side of the knockout.
That is what makes this fight interesting since I am not sure that Ward has the fire power to KO Miranda; in addition can Ward stay mistake free for the length of the fight to win a decision and avoid being “knocked senseless”.
This is your classic chin-check matchup Joe B. Does Ward get his chin-checked and does he have enough firepower to check Miranda’s? ha, ha
I think the most important and realistic question would be can Ward get Miranda’s respect to even be able to outbox him. That being Jalil has often said speed makes a fear of men and that is the one attribute that should favor the young Andre Ward.
Joe, I think Ward will … speed, speed, speed … Miranda has a puncher’s chance…and you know that typically means he (Miranda) should lose.
It will come down to Ward’s recouperative powers should Miranda land and drop him. Miranda is an animal of a finisher.
If Ward can survive and his defense is 100% he might win should Miranda start to “run out of gas” in the later rounds.
Can Ward handle a “war”. Miranda’s been there.
Ward should win, but it won’t be easy.
Very good point. I just think Ward can avoid the Miranda bomb … but that’s what is the appeal of this fight as J. Boylan stated earlier. Should be a decent scrap. I just do not see a distance fight.