:scaredas: Better believe it. Although i'm rooting for Kovalev. I think Ward is going to reiterate what the word boxing means come November
This fight is all wrong for Ward. You don't outbox Kovalev, if you try you get knocked out. Kovalev has actually been matched up against slick boxers regularly throughout his career on purpose because the featherfisted out boxing style is perfect for Kovalevs blitzkrieg style.
Ward likes to smother you and get in your chest, while shooting off good punches on the inside. Not sure what Kovas reaction will be to that, and imo he's outgunned in an inside fight. Imo they're pretty even in terms of skills at far range, with obviously the power edge going to Kovalev. It really depends on who's able to stay composed and use their strengths to their advantage. Kovalev has to try to keep Ward from making it such a physical fight for him to come out on top, and Ward has to stay in his chest and make it rough and tough for him to prevail. It's the best fight of 2016!
Hopkins likes the jab n grab himself and Kovalev had no problems at all with keeping him where he wanted him. Sergei is also physically imposing which is going to make it hard for Ward to try and rough house him. That said, yes, it is a good fight. If Ward beats Sergei I'll stop all my laughing at his tune ups and give him huge credit because imho Kovalev is The Man at 175.
We have to take into consideration that the 2014 version of Hopkins really isn't Comparable to the Hopkins of 2006. Had Kovalev fought that Version of Hopkins, I'm not sure anybody will be saying Kovalev had no problems at all. Imo the version of Hopkins that fought Tarver would beat both Kovalev and Ward. But, back onto the subject at hand, there's no way I can think in my mind that because 50 year old Hopkins couldn't implement that type of strategy and be successful at it, that a younger, fresher and seasoned vet like Ward couldn't pull it off. I think Ward can and will pull it off.
Ward doesn't impose his style on anyone... He's a spoiler who fights in accordance to the style he's matched against unless he is several levels above his competition.