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Browns Browns Archive Preview: UFC 106 & Ward/Kessler
Written by Scott Swerbinsky

Scott Swerbinsky
Today is a big day for my cousin Scott and his company Pound4Pound Apparel. One of their top fighters, Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, takes on Mikkel Kessler in the first round of the Super Six Super Middleweight boxing tournament. Kessler is 42-1, one of the best fighters in the sport, and a favorite to win the tournament. In his latest, my cousin checks in to preview the fight and also fill us in on UFC 106 ... which is also tonight.

Today is the day. It's Andre Ward's time. He will face his biggest test of his career tonight and when it's all said and done he will be the Super Middleweight champion and the front runner in the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Mikkel Kessler is standing in the way of Andre Ward's lifelong dream and just happens to be one of the best fighters in the world as well as the guy that most experts picked to win the Super Six. He is 42-1 with that only blemish against Joe Calzaghe.  He has all the tools and it's hard to find any flaws in his game.

Since the loss to Calzaghe in November of 2007, Kessler has only fought three times, and they were against nobodies.  I think he's going to have some ring rust due to inactivity. Not exactly a good thing when you are going to be in with a younger faster hungry Andre Ward.

Ward has fought seven times in that same time span as Kessler. All win keeping his record perfect at 20-0. The biggest name on Ward's resume is Edison Miranda who he dominated. While Ward doesn't possess one punch knockout power, he does have excellent defense, fights from all angels, great footwork, and pretty quick hands. The only question mark is his chin. He has never been hit flush because of how smart he is and the solid defense he possesses.

Home ring advantage is going to be huge this evening. The fight takes place in Ward's hometown of Oakland, California. There will be over 12,000 fans screaming "S.O.G.", Andre's Son of God nickname. We are also hoping to see a boat load of Andre Ward signature Pound 4 Pound Apparel shirts in the stands supporting the fighter.

Kessler has the experience edge and the title. Ward has the hunger and desire to be champion. He also has the tools and he is going to put all of them on display on his way to winning that world title. I expect a tight close fight between two of the best fighters in the 168 pound weight class.

Andre Ward is going to be the Super Middleweight Champion for years to come, and it all starts tonight. It's his time.

There just happens to be a UFC event tonight also. Once again mixed martial arts is taking a back seat to boxing for yours truly. While I do love the UFC 106 card, it will be getting DVRed.

My favorite fighter is back in the octagon and there are several other solid matchups, let's take a look at the highlights.

Tito Ortiz vs Forest Griffin

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is back. This fight is a rematch of a solid fight that took place a few years back. Tito won a close decision that many thought he lost. Forest gets a chance at redemption in a battle of two of the most popular fighters in UFC history.

Josh Koscheck vs Anthony Johnson

Fight of the year candidate in a matchup of two of the best fighters in the 170 pound weight class. Johnson is considered a future champion while Koscheck can't get over the hump against elite competition. There is a lot more on the line for Johnson in this one. Koscheck is tough as nails and I expect a excellent fast paced battle.

Marcus Davis vs Ben Saunders

This fight will be aired on SpikeTV before the pay per view. It has potential to be fight of the night and a show stealer. It will get the appetite wet for the main fights on pay per view. I would make sure to tune into this one. It has the makings of a fireworks display, two guys who love to bang and trade big shots.

Full fight card:

Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz

Anthony Johnson vs. Josh Koscheck

Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah

Luiz Cane vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Paulo Thiago vs. Jacob Volkmann

Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders

Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt

Brian Foster vs. Brock Larson

Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno

Jason Dent vs. George Sotiropoulos

Another great day to be a fight fan. Ohio State beating up Michigan will get the day started and it will be highlighted by Pound 4 Pound Apparel's Andre Ward becoming champion. UFC 106 will be the icing on the cake in what should be a tremendous Saturday. 

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