Around the Net: Andre Ward vs Sakio Bika Pre-Fight Edition

Super Six leader Andre Ward returns to the ring tomorrow night in Oakland against Sakio Bika in what should be an interesting 168lb match-up.  With Ward already assured a spot in the tournament semi-finals, the result of the contest will not count towards the standings, though the American's belt (the WBA if you're concerned) will be on the line.

Ward will enter as the heavy favorite, and rightfully so, though he likely won't be able to bully Bika the way he has his two previous foes.  Though lacking in technical proficiency, the Aussie based challenger is a fierce come forward competitor and should be more than a match for Ward's rough tactics.  On the scoresheet however, it's tough to see Bika landing cleanly at a frequent enough rate to earn many rounds against the versatile hometown fighter.

Let's take a look around the net at some of the pre-fight buzz for the super-middleweight clash...

Bad Left Hook Fight Preview: Andre Ward v. Sakio Bika - Bad Left Hook

Ward is either No. 1 or No. 2 at 168 pounds, depending on who you ask, and has emerged as the hottest young American fighter in the game today. Bika is still a top ten guy in the division and while he hasn't been successful yet in his chances against the top fighters he's faced, you never leave a fight with Sakio Bika not knowing you've been in a fight. Bika's reputation is that of a rough, tough opponent for anyone, and he is a live dog in this one.

Safe Side of the Ropes - Punch-Out!! Carl Froch vs Arthur Abraham Preview & Prediction

On the same evening in Oakland, hometown hero Andre Ward should have too much all round game for bruiser Sakio Bika. The African warrior is unlikely to be stopped and he can give Ward far more problems than he’s expected to, perhaps scoring a knockdown or inflicting enough damage to count as a scare. Ken Hershman and his team will be praying that the tournament favourite comes through unscathed. The competition couldn’t cope with another original getting injured.

Ward is an out of sight favourite at 1/9, with Bika out at 7/1. Ward on points is around evens.

The Queensbury Rules - Most Super Of The Six: Previews And Predictions For Carl Froch Vs. Arthur Abraham And Andre Ward Vs. Sakio Bika

Perhaps I'm overestimating Ward, but his flexibility is such that I have a terrible time imagining anyone beating him at 168, let alone Bika. Even worse for Bika, today at a news conference Hunter said that Ward beat Kessler, Green and Edison Miranda on "one leg," and that he's now finally recovered from that old basketball injury to his knee. Basically, for Bika to win, he has to find a way reignite those old worries about whether Ward can take a punch, and I doubt Bika can connect that much on Ward to find out. Ward's team said they'll be gunning for the knockout, but I doubt he has enough power to do it. The call here is Ward by rough unanimous decision, maybe with a point or two deducted from Bika along the way. And it's a tribute to Ward, incidentally, that he took an opponent of this caliber and potential-fluky-injury-producing when a spot in the semi-finals was already sealed.

Boxing Scene - Andre Ward – Respecting The Game of Boxing

"Sometimes that’s my mentality initially, but we always seem to get it together quickly in a situation like that," said Ward when asked how he’ll put his instincts aside in favor of his gameplan should Bika crack him. "Your first instinct is to respond if you get hit with a good shot, and it’s ego and pride, but in a situation like this, with what’s at stake, you can’t get caught up like that. That won’t be a problem Saturday night. I’m gonna get my respect, but at the same time, I’m gonna fight when I want to fight, and fight when Bika doesn’t want to fight, and basically take control of the situation."

Control, it’s what Ward always wants in the ring, and he has done the work necessary to get it. He admits that baseball was his first athletic love, but at the same time, he says, "I was rough in terms of liking to get my hands dirty in whatever sport I played." So when his father Frank began telling of his days as a 15-0 amateur boxer, Ward was hooked.

Andre Ward is 'hungry' to defend his title, regardless of his opponent - ESPN

As focused a fighter as there is in boxing, Ward couldn't care less that this fight is against a different opponent than he expected.

"It's been a year since I won my world title, and I'm focused and locked in on defending my title," Ward said. "That's all me and my team has ever focused on: Not just becoming a champion but being a defending champion and striving for great challenges, like Sakio Bika. I've prepared myself for a fight like this years in advance. I'm prepared for Sakio and I know he's prepared for me. And I know we're going to put on a great show on Saturday."

FightNews.com - Bika: On The Road Again

If Bika goes the distance, it will be the first time he’s done so since June 2007, when he faced Bute. He’s fought a total of six rounds in his last four fights, but he says he’s ready to double that number in this fight.

"I am prepared for 12 rounds and if I break him down and win on points, I will be very happy," he said.

Ward was effective fighting inside against Allan Green and keeping more distance against Mikkel Kessler, but Bika, 31, is not concerned by Ward’s versatility.

"I don’t know how he can handle me on the inside or on the outside," said Bika, 31. "I can handle Andre Ward on the inside and the outside."

NY Daily News - A motivated Andre Ward should have little problem with Sakio Bika in title defense on Showtime

The only thing that can sidetrack Ward in this fight is a lack of motivation. This is his second title defense, so he probably hasn't slipped into that complacent mode yet. Ward said there is no need to fear that happening.

"I'm just as hungry as any opponent I'm fighting. I'm just as desperate as any opponent I'm fighting. I take this game very, very seriously," he said. "Having a championship and defending it means the world to me. I'm sure Sakio thinks this is a huge opportunity for him but this is a huge opportunity for Andre Ward as well."

Sporting Life - BIKA BACK TO SCUPPER SUPER SIX?

"I think I'm one of the best fighters in the world at this weight. Since 2006 I've challenged everyone but no-one wants to fight me. I was disappointed I wasn't selected (for Super Six) but happy to have this opportunity."

Part of the reason he is regularly swerved may have been evident in his fight with Mendy. Bika decked Mendy with a left hand, but then smashed home a right uppercut when the Frenchman was on his knees.

"I was excited," was Bika's excuse. "I never saw that his knees were on the ground. I'm really upset. I wanted to be in the big fights but now, obviously, I'm taking a step backwards."