Kovalev is an advanced fighter with sick power and a legit mean streak. I think he can destabilize Ward, and if he hurts Ward, he won't let him off the hook.
If you look at the kinds of punches that Kovalev hurts guys with, you'll see why he's such a dangerous opponent for anyone, including Ward. It's all kinds of punches from different angles. For example, there's Kovalev's power jab. I really like the way he goes after opponents with a jab that's like a power punch. It's like he straightens a left hook or hookercut into a jab that buckles guys' legs and knocks them down.
Guys a nightmare for anyone. Much as i call Adonis a coward for not wanting to face him - can you blame him? Only guy i see beating him is "Mayweather Krusher" GGG
On the one hand you have to like Ward's boxing ability and speed, on the other you have to respect Kovalev's solid schooling and fighting changing power. I think just about the only thing you can definitively say is that if Kovalev hurt Ward he's probably end the fight, but that's an if. Frankly it is a very hard fight to call.
Kovalev is better than Froch. 1) He is faster than Froch. Kovalev's punches are faster and straighter. 2) He moves around the ring at a much faster pace. One of the problems fighters like Froch & Kessler have is that they move too slow to catch up to Ward. Kovalev is fast on his feet and he's really good at cutting off the ring. 3) He punches harder than Froch. Kovalev's throws punches like a fluid boxer, but hits likes a ton of bricks. Kovalev is probably one of the most complete offensive fighters in boxing. He's faster than people give him credit for. He can move around the ring very quickly and throws powerful punches in combination. Nobody has an easy night with a guy like Kovalev. I favor Ward in the fight, but not by much. It's a 55/45 fight in favor of Ward.
Lmao the #2 P4P fighter with olympic pedigree and a counter punching style is gonna lose to a one-dimensional slugger with one world class win. The hypetrain is now entering incredibly ludicrous speed.