Andre Ward entertained the Saturday night Showtime viewers, along with a pro-Ward packed house Oakland, California clientele in attendance, with a step-up performance over durable and tested Edison Miranda that had the joint jumping from start to finish. 

The Ward Game plan had the Colombian clouter baffled from the opening bell as he dazzled Miranda with unorthodox righty-lefty switches along with superior speed - the icing on the cake was the ability to remain focused over twelve stanzas after being cut over left eye in the opening round. 

Kudos as well, went to Miranda in this, his 36th kept appointment, who answered the Ward salvos with exchanges of his own in a surprising barn-burner of relative new kid on the block vs. tried and tested veteran.  

For those that missed this one, the judges scoring of Ward 119-109, 119-109, 116-112 was on the mark, but only told half the story of a tough, hard fought affair, that saw Miranda with the puncher’s chance from start to finis. 

My unofficial numbers was in agreement with those that count; Ward 119-109 in points and 11-1 in rounds. 

Post Scripts:

• Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) ~ age 25 - as WBC mandatory the former Olympian gold-medalist is looking ahead to title challenge with current s/middle champion Carl Froch (24-0, 20 KOs). If not, the 168 field is stocked with names - and Ward is now one of them. Biggest question answered IMHO is the Ward chin - it held up on them few times Miranda found it with his celebrated right hand. Toss in heart and condition, Ward can now be stamped a legit contender.

• Edison Miranda ( 32-4, 28 KOs) ~age 28 - impressive resume` entered with two losses to middleweight champion Arthur Abraham along with loss to Kelly Pavlik - not pampered, this Colombian now living in Puerto Rico. Good news, he retains credibility if opportunity once again knocks on the proverbial door. Bad news, while entertaining, he remains a lifer in one-dimensional department. 

Referee report card: Jon Schorle worked main event - no longer the rookie that impressed in letting minor infractions pass, and letting fighters work things out. Has grown self-important once being promoted, now we get Jon-Jon in role of watch my style. Too much close and personal today. Excessive slapping and grabbing earns Jon-Jon a ring apron slot with paper & pencil come next assignment. David Mendoza never had a chance in co-feature - undefeated jr. lightweight John Molina going to 17-0, 13 KOs with round two stoppage over burned out veteran Frank Archuleta of 25-7-1, 14 KOs infamy Mendoza had puzzled look on his face when Frankie beats the count, but ignores Mendoza, and walks to his corner in surrender . 

Commentator Dept: I’ll go easy on these two chumps: Both Farhood and partner Charles were out of line with nasty comments directed at Edison Miranda over pre-fight quotes. One would think by now “far-out” & smiling Nicky boy” would know the pre-fight buildup dialogue is choreographed by the promotion folks.