 by Troy J. Hines 11/19/09 Be-bop-bop-be-ditty-be-bop-BISH! The crash of a stick against a cymbal or a right hand against the mandible has a symbiotic relationship. It is hard for me not to think about Jazz when I see a legend in the making like Andre Ward engage in pugilism. In either discipline, rhythm, timing, and power come together to stimulate at least two of the five senses for the prize fighting audience--audio and visual perfection. The similarities between boxing and percussion have always been obvious to me. These parallels become clearer when I witness the development of a rare breed of fighter—a champion. There is a reason that the 25 year-old 2004 Olympic Gold medalist, is the only boxer to be prospected by Michael Jordan (Jordan Brand) since the departure of Roy Jones, Jr. Although boxing has become, for many, a sport on the periphery, fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Andre Ward keep the larger concerns interested in their progress. Currently wearing the badge of the “undefeated”, with 8 of his last 10 fights ending in TKO, Andre Ward has the chance to make himself a “star” with a win against the current WBA Super Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler.Kessler, also known as “The Viking Warrior”, will be paddling his “oar” in deep waters once he arrives at the Oracle Arena in “Ward Town”—Oakland. To his credit, The Dane tout’s a record of 42-1 and a knock out percentage of 74%. To say the least, Kessler is a household name amongst the “sports constituency” in Europe, and is as polished as textbook pugilists come. Although Kessler will be the best opponent Ward has faced in his young career, this will arguably be the second best opponent Kessler has faced, the first being the legend Joe Calzaghe. The punch output, hand speed, and agility of “The Pride of Wales” confused the Viking when they met in 2007. For the same reasons, Ward will move to 21-0, while gracefully adding another loss to the Dane’s record.In my opinion, Kessler is as good as he’ll ever be, while S.O.G. is still improving. The question is, is he good enough to defeat Kessler? I believe that answer to be yes. As long as Ward stays off of the ropes, doesn’t move straight backwards, and evades the Dane’s powerful right hand, he should win a decision in his hometown. It is my opinion, that Andre Ward has the raw talent, instincts, and adaptability to defeat any fighter in his division. Ward reminds me of an “offensive”, more graceful version of Bernard Hopkins, with the ability to fight orthodox or southpaw. These qualities alone should prove to be hard to overcome for Kessler, as Ward will not stand in one place without head movement like Librado Andrade did when he faced the Dane in Copenhagen.I sincerely believe we will witness art in the ring on Saturday, November 21, at the Oracle. The art I am referring to can be easily convoluted for Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers famous tune “Theme of Hard Champion”. The symbiotic relationship between Blakey’s deliberate strikes against snare’s and high-hats may echo the strikes we will witness as body blows and head shots provide violent entertainment . But let us not forget what makes the rhythm of jazz and boxing, so great. The moments, within the moments, when there is nothing but silence. Even if that silence lasts for a “hundredth” of a second. The moment before the cymbal crashes, the punch lands, or the round ends. The anticipation. The deliverance. The defining fight of what could be great champion. The moment before the winner is announced. Sublime. Add Comment |
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