I still think that Andre is going to win Showtime’s "Super Six" middleweight tournament. However, it’s no longer a Dirrell but rather a 
Ward. They’re the two best supper middleweights, not named Lucien Bute, but I have to give Ward the slight edge at this point.
Here are the upcoming matches, and my predicted outcomes:
Andre Ward (22-0-0, 13 KOs) vs. Andre Dirrell (19-1-0, 13 KOs). This fight will a boxing purist’s dream but perhaps a casual fan’s nightmare. Expect a lot of feints, blocked/missed punches and ring generalship. The more consistent ring general, Ward, will emerge victorious via a razor-thin decision.
Carl Froch (26-1-0, 20 KOs) vs. Arthur Abraham (31-1-0, 25 KOs). This may end up being the most exciting matchup of the series, with all due respect to the Froch-Kessler fight last year. "Exciting while it lasts," as I expect Abraham’s superior boxing technique to lead to a resounding knockout of Froch.
Allen Green (29-2-0, 20 KOs) vs. Glen Johnson (50-14-2, 34 KOs). In the least interesting fight of the series, you have the two replacements facing off. Neither man has a chance to win the tourney in my opinion, but I’ll go with the warhorse Johnson in the mild upset.
Mikkel Kessler had to back out due to injury. And Lucien Bute, arguably the sport’s best super middleweight, is boxing on the rival network (HBO). Not all of the top super middleweights will be duking it out over the next several months on Showtime. However, the winner of this tournament will undoubtedly be the best, most battle-tested 168-pounder in the sport.
What more can you ask for?
That’s interesting. I didn’t know kessler pulled out. I’ve had my head in the sand for a while. When was the last fight Glen Johnson had at 168 lbs? And if I’m right and it was galaxy years ago then how does he qualify to enter a 168 lb tournament?
Have great respect for The Road Warrior but do you hear what I’m saying?
@darren We’re on the same page re: Glen Johnson. Making matters worse, he just lost his most recent bout! With fighters dropping out like flies, I guess they wanted the next best available name who was willing to fight at 168. Chad Dawson woulda been ideal, but it’s unlikely he’d one 1) return to fight on HBO and 2) drop back down to 168.
You know what, I am not sure that Johnson EVER fought at 168? Wasn’t he a former middleweight before jumping up the light heavyweight ranks? If my memory serves me correctly, he was bludgeoned by Bernard Hopkins at 160 pounds many years ago.
look for Dusty Old Roads, I mean Road Warrior to shake things up! if Johnson can make and maintain the weight, he’ll be pretty formidable he should be stronger, faster,and pretty hard to stop. i agree that Chad appears to have been the obvious choice but it’s the invisible man that often times gets it done.
@jabbo — dude, you could be right but after his fight against Cloud, I am very skeptical that Glencoffe has much left in the tank. And what little he had left will probably be burned off trying to get down to 168!
well you know old roads has a chin of steel and” huley guley” style coming at cha all the time style that could really make this interesting! Yess! I.m pumped! @Ja Dawson
@jabbo I’m not as hyped but I’m happy the old war horse gets another payday…and I think he can win this one…after that, I think the story ends.
agreed.@Ja Dawson:
gotta admit i just like the fact that johnson’s enteringing into the tournament pot really sweetens the pot thats all.
@jabbo Speaking of which, you see that Dirrell is out of the tourney now? It’s turned into a joke.
now thats just “sucks” Dirrell is such a wild card it’s a shame that he’s not fighting. But I have the feeling that there is something that we don’t know is afoot. @Ja Dawson
@jabbo I hate to say that you may be right…I hope we are, because that means Dirrell isn’t really that injured…more to come, I’m sure.
Allan Green is a 2 1/2 to 1 underdog going into this fight. Thats why I thought it was way off. Ja you bring up a good point. But that’s not enough to convince me he isn’t going to beat an old Glen Johnson. He must have talent or he would not be in this thing. Glen Johnson has also proven over the years, that he can’t win a decision either. Plus there is the whole weight issue for Johnson. I don’t like his chances.
@Jeff I have been fooled too many times by Allan Green to pick him (sorry). Of course, he should probably beat Johnson on paper but paper don’t win titles.
Allan Green should seriously think about retiring or at least, only fighting B-level fighters Jeff. For all his potential, dude just doesn’t have “it.”
I think I am going to retire too from second guessing your predictions. I clearly must have been drinking at the time. I think I need to follow boxing a bit more closer and get my head of the sand. To think I am now questioning you on Pacaquio’s chances to win this fight.
@Jeff Hey man, it’s fun to have competing predictions, as lomh as they are logical. 🙂 Yes, I just don’t see how Margarito can win, unless perhaps Manny breaks his hand(s) on his head in the early rounds.