by David P. Greisman

Sam Garcia (Ward): “I’m going to go with the hometown guy. Andre Ward, it’s difficult to pick against him, because he and Virgil Hunter work so well together, and he’s so smart. He seems to always have a game plan. They’re always in sync with each other. Whatever Virgil sees on the outside, it seems like Andre Ward can execute it inside the ropes, so I’m going to go with him just based on intelligence and knowing how to handle just about every kind of style.

“He really knows how to neutralize any kind of strengths that his opponents have. I understand that Chad Dawson is a long and tall fighter. It’s going to cause some interesting moments, I think. I’m going to say, in an intense boxing match, I’m going to go with Andre Ward by a competitive but convincing unanimous decision.”

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (no pick): “You know what, I’m good friends with both of those guys, because I used to train Chad and I became real good friends with Andre, so I’m going to have to leave that one alone. I think very highly of both guys. Let me say this: The boxing world should thank both of those guys to be fighting each other at the top of their skill level. It’s good for boxing.”

Ronnie Shields (Ward): “I think Andre Ward is going to win. I think Andre Ward … he’s fought probably the best 168-pounders in the world. He’s really confident right now with what he’s doing. Chad Dawson is one of the best fighters in the world. I just think going down to 168 pounds is going to hurt him a little bit. So I think Andre Ward is going to be stronger at 168 than Chad Dawson coming down. But with the skills that Andre Ward has, I just don’t see Chad Dawson capitalizing on anything. So I would say Andre Ward by close, unanimous decision.”

Henry Ramirez (Ward): “Ward by decision. Ward will try and impose his style on Dawson to box really good at times, and I just cant see Ward being denied.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com