Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

This will be a dirtier and a bit more competitive version of Kov/Bhop.

 

Kovalev by brutal KO in round 9!

 

While Ward is a bit more technically sound, Kovalev will leverage the power difference to tip the scales. Meaning while Ward is attempting to feint, Kovalev will actually be throwing real dangerous punches. Yes, that leaves Kovalev open but I don't think Ward will be able to physically hurt him. The first hard punch that Ward tastes will probably have him shell up, just like Hopkins.

 

its true that wards punches can be fast sharp and hurtful, but usually he is point scoring, landing leather and he has very good timing but hes not every punch he throws is hurtful, i cant see him luring kovalev into anything big.

 

The forum is split down the middle in this one. How many times does that happen for a big fight?!
30/30/1 at the monent

 

You sound so... angry. I'd be more scared to meet you than any boxer I can think of.

 

Hate to admit it but I think Ward by controversial decision.

Kovalevs power is more a result of great technique than pure strength. All his best shots come from range and he is usually very good at keeping his opponent exactly where he wants them, against Ward this will be a much more difficult proposition.

Whilst i'd love to see Ward humbled, i just have this horrible feeling that he'll smother and pot shot his way to a controversial decision, i just cant see Kovalev winning on points unless he can keep Ward at arms length, and i think Ward will either be out of range and/or jumping in with single shots and holding until the ref splits them.

Call me cynical but......

Venue, Ref and all three judges are American, in a Title fight against a Russian ?

 

I always like guys who can fight at all ranges and Ward has Kovalev beat at two of them mainly outside and inside. I also feel that Ward isn't an easy guy to land clean on frequently he will do enough to limit if not take away Kovalev's right hand. Kovalev's lack of inside fighting ability and his inability to fight effectively backing up will cost him in this fight. I don't think Ward will allow Kovalev to get into a rhythm Ward will rough up frustrate and smother Kovalev on the inside all the while still scoring and on the outside use his jab and superior speed to control Kovalev. Ward is very mentally tough and is criminally underrated in that department the guy simply doesn't know how to lose.

On to Kovalev a popular misconception about Kovalev, that I have even made in the past, is that he's simply a puncher and that isn't true he's a boxer who can punch he's very calculating in the ring and picks his shots wisely with an elite level jab. If Kovalev can establish his jab and set up his right hand routinely and keep Ward at the end of his punches it will be a long or early night for Ward.

At the end of the day if I see Ward jumping on Kovalev early just like Porter did to Thurman literally from the opening bell which had Thurman shocked taking him out of any kind of rhythm and took him quite awhile to recover from. The main difference between Ward and Porter though is Ward doesn't smother his work on the inside like Porter does and he doesn't fight dumb like Porter does as well along with being much more skilled. He can land his shots and make you miss while there while still frustrating you and tiring you out. I saw him do this many times against Froch on the inside. Lastly I see Ward just being the more complete fighter of the two he can fight at more ranges and has better defense combined with his speed should see him to a close UD win over The Krusher in what I hope is a great fight.

 

Kovalev isn't stopping anyone, especially not someone like SOG

 

Ward by comfortable UD or possibly late stoppage.

Kovalev is in for a schooling..