he adapted well, but he didnt dominate every round and still lost atleast 3 of the last 7. ward started very slow, round 5 was the first round he won, imo. people will automatically think kovalev was losing rounds because he didnt capitalize on the knockdown and wasnt beating on ward. But kovalev was winning rounds by landing jabs and right hands. ward didnt nullify the jab at all. wards offence got better mid-late rounds, but it wasnt great. thats where i think the judges got it wrong.
There were many even round in an even fight, rounds that could go either way. Ward was declared the winner, but since Ward had tough rounds in the beginning I was a bit surprised that he got the nod. Even if the fight was declared a draw or if Kovalev won it would be fair I would say. Let's hope that the second fight is even better than the first one and that the winner lefts no doubts this time
I think ward will start quicker, and kovalev will hurt him more. so it will be a better all round fight.
Easy to say from the safety of the net come to the H and say it. Better yet come to the Prince Gym here in Houston and say it.