Andre Ward: 168 lbs.
Chad Dawson: 168 lbs.
Prediction: Today’s weigh-in was all about whether Chad Dawson, who was coming down seven pounds to face Andre Ward, would be able to make the 168 pound super middleweight limit comfortably. Photos of yesterday’s final press conference started murmurings that Bad Chad was weight-drained, as he was thinner in the face than most were used to. But these photos show not only a healthy, strong-looking Chad Dawson, they show a Dawson that looks like he made the weight better than champion Andre Ward!
Tomorrow night there will be no excuses. Dawson stated in his recent interview on this site that he plans to enter the ring Saturday weighing 180-185 pounds. He should have the physical strength to fend off some of Ward’s inside dirty tricks, and his lean physique suggests Dawson will maximize his speed advantage to counter when the contest has its inevitable chess match moments.
Will these developments be enough for Dawson to pull off the upset?
It’s very possible, but I see Ward escaping with a tight decision win. Expect Ward to get rocked a few times off Dawson counters, but be active enough throughout rounds to get the nod in close ones.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YlKm3XCZPI&feature=youtube_gdata_player]**********************************************************************************
John Molina: 134.5 lbs.
Antonio DeMarco: 134.25 lbs.
Prediction: PAIN AND BLOOD! That’s my call for this one. We have two punchers who are short on defense and long on power. Because DeMarco throws straighter, more accurate punches and is better defensively, I see landing more often and enough to secure a late stoppage.
Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson and Antonio DeMarco vs. John Molina airs Saturday September 8 at 9:45 p.m. ET on HBO Championship Boxing.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 