Los Angeles, CA- Thank goodness that the stars have aligned and blessed the boxing world with a super middleweight tournament that will host matches between six of the sports best at 168 pounds . Americans and former US Olympians Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs), Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) and Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) represent talent form this side of the pond. Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs) of Germany by way of Armeinia,WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KOs) of England, and WBA champ, Denmark’s Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 30 KOs) round out the pool of talented and accomplished pugulists. Ward who is the most inexperienced of the bunch, appears to have the most talent , winning a gold medal in Athens in 2004. Based on the overall qualities of the combatants expect Ward to come out on top. He appears to be the most dynamic, even if you question his level of expereince at this point in time. While this tournament may sort out who the best fighter is at 168, there are some possible matches in other divisions that should keep boxing fans pallets salivating in the upcoming 18 months if they come to fruition.
Chris Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs) vs David Haye (22-1, 20 KOs) Heavyweights
Both are fierce inside and outside the ring. Both are expected to fight either Klitschko in the upcoming months. Haye, the former undisputed cruiserweight (200) champion however has proven nothing at heavyweight yet. He looked above average in stopping a faded version of former contender Monty Barrett, but his mouth has done more work than his fists have recently. A fight against Arreola, if he can win, would be a major statement and qualify him as being a top heavyweight. However there are still question marks about his chin, something that the big punching Arreola can and will test if they should square off. On paper it appears to be an exciting matchup. Arreola, who is the “real” heavyweight would be expected to win, but Haye’s speed and power should give the Mexican American problems.
Edwin Valero (25-0, 25 KOs) vs Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KOs) lightweights, 135 pounds
This would be the classic puncher vs boxer style matchup. Guzman unfortunately has been inactive and has had problems with weight. Valero has had difficulty securing fights with a top level opponnents. Edwin has yet to step in with a top level foe since winning a title at 130 pounds. Both guys are unbeaten and that adds to the intrigue, as well as Guzman’s boxing ability, sturdy chin and quickness.
Yuriorkis Gamboa (15-0, 13 KOs) vs Juan Manuel Lopez (26-0, 24 KOs) featherweights, 126 pounds
Both posess speed and power. Gamboa has the quetionable chin and less pro experience. However Gamboa is the man with loads of amateur experience and the Cuban pedigree. The much taller Lopez a WBO world champion currently laboring at 122 pound plans to make the move up in weight within the next 12 months. This one could be a throwback fight. It’s a can’t miss if you are interested in the lower weight classes. These are the two biggest punchers the sport has had in the lower weights in many years and some ones O will go, most possibly by KO.
....source
....source