But after Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell were deposed last month by European foes in first-round matches, Andre Ward is the last American hope.

The USA's only Olympic gold medalist (2004) in the last 13 years, Ward is avoiding the nationalistic overtones as the final first-round bout takes place Saturday when he meets Kessler, from Denmark, in his hometown of Oakland in a super middleweight title bout (Showtime, 10 p.m. ET/PT).

A flap over Kessler's unhappiness with two American judges and an American referee was avoided Thursday when the California State Athletic Commission assigned a Swedish judge to the fight. Contracts for Super Six bouts require no more than one judge from each fighter's home territory, and a judge and referee from "neutral territory."

Kessler (42-1, 32 KOs) is making the third defense in his second reign with the WBA belt. He has knocked out his last three opponents since losing to Joe Calzaghe for the lineal and undisputed championship in 2007. The Welshman vacated the throne soon after to move up in weight while Kessler reclaimed the vacant belt seven months later.

Kessler is favored to win this round-robin tournament, where the top four fighters advance to the second round on a points system. It ends in 2011.

Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch won their first-round bouts in Europe last month, both defeating American fighters. Abraham is first with three points, however, earning an extra point for a KO.

Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) is relatively inexperienced compared to the 6-1 power puncher from Copenhagen. But this is just Kessler's second fight in the USA. The only other time was nine years ago. He's only fought three times outside of Denmark.

"On paper, he's toughest. He has the most experience. A lot of people measure him up to Joe Calzaghe," Ward says. "He is the heir apparent given Calzaghe is retired. He is the man.

"How is it going to be? I don't know."

Kessler has had more quality opponents such as Librado Andrade and Anthony Mundine. But Ward, 25, is technically sound and believes he can exploit Kessler's biggest weakness.

"He's very skillful. He's a typical European fighter with some extra flair. He has above-average speed. He brings it," Ward says. "But his foot movement is predictable. He looks like he was taught hands first, but his feet are mediocre."

Enlarge By Jeff Chiu, AP Though inexperienced, Andre Ward says he can exploit his opponent's weakness.