Kovalev vs Ward

Its pretty low in terms of historical significance imo, Ward isn't even the second rated 175 pounder,if it had been Kovalev v Stevenson I would be more engaged.Hope its a good fight,I see a controversial decision and I can't make a pick really.

 

Its pretty 50/50
Kov lacks a left hook upstairs
Ward seems to lack power but is good on the inside.
Tough call but since im Ukrainian/ Russian lol ill pic Kov in a close one.

 

As I don't think it is historically significant,I'm at a loss to compare it. The number one rated lhvy is fighting the number five rated light heavy. I'd expect that to have been duplicated quite a few times over the years,wouldnt you?
When it is over, the number one and number two light heavies still will not have fought each other,so it's an interesting fight ,but small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.

 

I think there's historical significance in that they are both generally p4p ranked and undefeated. Yes, Ward hasn't done much at LHW (but more than Duran, Hearns and Leonard had done combined at MW before facing Hagler), but him not being a natural LHW is a big part of the appeal.

Arguello-Pryor, Gomez-Sanchez, Hagler-Duran/Hearns/Leonard were all big match-ups despite one in all those match-up having done little or nothing at the weight. Why all of a sudden view this in a different light?

 

I like the fight...Historical significance? They are two of the best fighters today. You could say the winner will be considered the P4P for a bit...I see a tactical fight...For Ward to have success he will need to somewhat take away that sledge hammer jab...I think he will by going insude. Ward is a great technician.
Ward W12

 

Actually there is a fight that jumps out at me that I liken this fight to. Let me first say that I believe Ward is far more talented than Kovalev, but its Kovalev's pure physicality that has had him barnstorming the division and that is what Ward will have to contend with. A fighter that really doesn't care if you can pop him with a jab, because he's simply going to tear through your defenses like an animal just to batter you along the ropes. Does this ring a bell at all? Try Duran-Buchanan.

 

You asked for its historical significance I don't see any,I didn't see any in Pryor v Arguello,Gomez vSanchez,Hagler v Duran ,or Hagler v Hearns either.Just good fights.

 

I'm not the TS, but fair enough.

About historical significance - fights with historical significance could be defined primarily such like Jeffries-Johnson, Louis-Schmeling II, FOTC etc IMO. And isn't up there of course.

But I also see it as more than just the nr 1 LHW meeting nr 3. I think it's the best match-up done for quite a while.

 

Number 5 actually ,according to Ring magazine December issue.Great matchup, but not as interesting for me as Kovalev v Stevenson for the undisputed title would have been ,and I'll make a prediction ,it won't be that exciting a fight.Whereas two bombers like Kova & Adonis probably would have been.
ps What is TS?

 

Thread starter.

 

Andre Ward seems extremely overrated to me.
I can't see anything in his record (especially recent years) or in his performances to justify the esteem he is given.
Any sort of win over Kovalev will go some way to justify it though.
And it's entirely possible.

 

i agree with this. he, ward, would have to land a shocking type ko punch to justify his hype. it's the only way he can win.