Expert Sports Picks: HBO Boxing will feature light-heavyweight contenders Andre Ward and Sullivan Barrera from Oakland, California in a 12-round affair. Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera Odds have Ward as a -800 boxing odds favorite with 70% of boxing predictions on Ward moneyline. Ward, 28-0, 15 KO’s, will be fighting in front his home crowd in Oakland against the dangerous Barrera, 17-0, 12 KO’s. In Ward’s first bout at light-heavyweight he looked ordinary in a decision win over fringe contender Paul Smith. The Cuban bomber Barrera is coming off a stoppage win over fringe contender Karo Murat. Can the little known Barrera knock off one the sports’s pound-for-pound best in just his 18th pro scrap? ESPN2 News breaks down this scintillating light-heavyweight bout. Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera Odds have Barrera as a +500 moneyline underdog (Bet $100 to win $500) at BOVADA.LV
Andre Ward – Boxer: The solidly built 6’0″ Boxer/Counterpuncher can do it all inside the squared circle. Ward is equally adept boxing at range, counterpunching, or working inside with great skill and timing. Ward is similar to Floyd Mayweather Jr. both stylistically and intellectually with the ability to make adjustments during the fight. Ward is an elusive target with a multi-layered defense containing fast feet, deft head-movement, perfect blocks and a lightning quick jab. Tested against boxing’s best “Son Of God” has proven that he can handle any boxing style. On the downside, Ward’s physical soundness is a question mark. With a history of knee and shoulder problems it is a mystery how much the 32-year old has left. Ward has been on the canvas several times in his career and is not a natural light-heavyweight. Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera Odds have Ward -800 Moneyline at BOVADA.LV
Sullivan Barrera – Boxer: The 6’2″ puncher is long-limbed and powerful with some of the heaviest hands in the sport. Barrera, 34, can box a little but his bread and butter is his devastating punching power. Barrera’s right hand smash to the ribcage is one of the best punches in the sport. Barrera has fast hands and throws blitzing offensive salvos that put foes on the retreat. Barrera has a stiff and active jab that he uses to control range and set up combos. With over 300 amateur fights, Barrera is extremely relaxed and has excellent ring vision. Sullivan is a durable light-heavyweight and has fought as high as cruiserweight. On the downside, Barrera has good but not great defense and is relatively untested. Despite possessing excellent athleticism Barrera’s footspeed leaves something to be desired and he must be set to unload his furious bombs. Barrera’s best win was over B- level opponent Karo Murat. Barrera’s most notable amateur win was an annihilation of former light-heavyweight champ Chad Dawson. Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera Odds Over/Under is at 10.5 Rounds with the Over at -230 moneyline
Complete Ward vs Barrera Odds at BOVADA.LV
Ward by KO: +200
Ward by decision: -170
Barrera by KO: +750
Barrera by decision: +1100
Draw: +2200
Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera Head-To-Head Boxing Picks
Ward/Barrera
Height/Reach: 7/9
Strength/Size: 7/8
Power: 7/9
Hand Speed/Accuracy: 9/7
Stamina: 9/8
Defense: 9/7
Chin: 7/8
Agility: 8/6
Jab: 9/7
Bodypunching/In-Fight: 9/8
Boxing Ability: 9/7
Intelligence: Ward +1
Confidence/Focus: –
Cuts/Injury/Age/Inactivity: Barrera +2
Judges Scoring: Ward +1
Trainer: –
ESPN2 News Boxing Odds: Ward -200
