I believe Ward is the only person that beats Kovalev. He would have to make it and "extremely" ugly fight to do so. I don't see Ward getting hit with the shots that everyone has gotten hit with. Ward has superior footwork and on the inside is an animal. Ward (with the exception of thudding power), is pretty much the complete package.
Ward gets knocked out, and he knows it. The fight is on the table, so was the Stevenson fight. He wants no part. I already said, that hugging shit won't work, trying to "make it ugly" against Kova is akin to a death sentence. Kovalev will shrug him off and beat him up, too big strong and aggressive. Ward's movement isn't going to do anything, Kovalev is too good at cutting off the ring. His supposed inside game will be rendered ineffective against a bigger, more aggressive opponent. He has no power to speak of, Kovalev will laugh at his punches. Anyhow, Ward turned diva after 2011, he doesn't want any part of a real fight, he's in cherrypicking mode.
Ward has shown just as many looks as Kovalev (actually more) in the ring. There is no certainty that Kovalev will be able to outmuscle Ward on the inside either. Ward has shown the ability to outmuscle "everyone" he's gone in against so far. So it is just as likely he may be able to do the same to Kovalev. He may very well elect to attempt to fight from the outside and I have seen nothing in Kovalev to suggest he will be able stifle Wards movement on the outside. And no one Kovalev has fought yet (except Nard) has wheels that are near Wards so him cutting off the ring against a guy that can be very mobile, well the jury is out on that still.
Look at the size of him man, he made Hopkins look like a little boy and pushed Pascal (bigger than Ward imo) around the ring like a teletubby. That holding shit is not going to fly with Kovalev. Take a closer look, Kovalev's footwork is very fast, he easily cuts off the ring. Ward isn't the greatest mover on the outside anyway, Kessler had him cut off early in the fight which is when Ward switched to an inside attack. Ward can't hang with Kova point-blank. I'd love for the fight to be made next but Ward's on that Mayweather cherrypick time living off fantasy rep.
this isn't a fight ward will enjoy. he hasn't much to keep the stronger bigger man from breaking his body up. you can only be so slick
not sure sergei can crush ward, andre spoils too well. not sure its a fight ward would relish, though I don't think he would cowardzaghe out of it.
Kovalev would bash the hell out of him. He has the strength to break out of Wards holding and go right at him. Ward is all "punch landed, give me a hug" over and over. Kovalev would never stand for that bull****
I would say he beats ward by decision. he will be so outgunned and will be put on defensive all night. I think ward is too crafty to get stopped but then again this is kovalev.