Now that Kovalev looks finished, just how good was he?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by lufcrazy, Aug 5, 2018.

?

How do we remember the career of Kovalev

  1. A great (top ten divisional history) fighter

    26 vote(s)
    31.7%
  2. A not great (outside of top ten divisional history) fighter

    56 vote(s)
    68.3%
  1. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    Nah.
     
    KiwiMan and OvidsExile like this.
  2. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    This argument doesn't make sense. I suggest you read the opening post again and come back with a better reply.
     
  3. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    It isn't an excuse that helps him tbh. As I said, if this is it for him and he's finished his resume doesn't scream out top ten lock to me. His performances in the ring were good but the best we have is a close fight with Ward.
     
    OvidsExile likes this.
  4. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    What bandwagon?

    I'm asking if a guy is good enough to be considered top ten.

    When an elite fighter comes to the end of his best days these are usual questions to ask.
     
    OvidsExile likes this.
  5. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    I only rank on the eye test.
     
  6. Odins beard

    Odins beard Fentanyl is one hell of a drug.... Full Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2014
    Messages:
    20,458
    Likes Received:
    12,588
    It's a thread about Kovalev NOT GGG.....leave your jealousy at the door kid.
     
  7. OvidsExile

    OvidsExile At a minimum, a huckleberry over your persimmon. Full Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2012
    Messages:
    35,020
    Likes Received:
    37,642
    ?
     
  8. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
    Messages:
    12,108
    Likes Received:
    5,698
    Hill should be in there.. Hill is underrated. He had how many title defenses?
     
  9. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2012
    Messages:
    60,195
    Likes Received:
    80,267
    Kovalev at his best was a beast imho. He's clearly slid in his last few fights. Even in the Chilemba fight he looked iffy, but many including me, put it down to Chilemba being as awkward as hell. Hindsight, eh?
     
    lewis gassed and Rock0052 like this.
  10. Birmingham

    Birmingham Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2017
    Messages:
    9,075
    Likes Received:
    6,786
    Very good champion, and long range boxing master, terrible dedication the last few years
     
    lewis gassed and BCS8 like this.
  11. slender4

    slender4 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2006
    Messages:
    8,959
    Likes Received:
    2,031
    Had a good career, didn't train hard, and just plain got old...

    That's that.
     
  12. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    The eye test is how good they look against good opponents. I'm not sure Kovalev has looked good enough against enough good opponents.
     
  13. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    Messages:
    80,662
    Likes Received:
    21,272
    He spent about 8 years as the best LHW in the world but the division was terribly weak and he never fought the best of his peers. He did eventually unify but then lost soon after. Plus he got out boxed in his prime by a faded ex welterweight which takes a lot of sting out of him as a h2h force.

    He might be one of the LHW greats but I don't think I'd favour him to do any better than Kovalev against a field of his peers.

    Tbh for me it's between Conteh and Kovalev for 10th spot.
     
  14. KiwiMan

    KiwiMan Boxing Junkie Full Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2016
    Messages:
    11,400
    Likes Received:
    14,586
    Poll is too black-and-white, there needs to be some in-between options.

    Kovalev won't top 10 all-time due to his resume, but he may well still make the HoF. On eye-test at his absolute peak, he could also be in the discussion for a top 10 spot in terms of H2H ability.
     
    Birmingham likes this.
  15. tinman

    tinman Loyal Member Full Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2015
    Messages:
    36,106
    Likes Received:
    28,736
    Well the best JMM could do was close fights with Pacquiao and stoppage victory against an over the hill Manny. Plus prime losses to Norwood and John. And that has given him ATG status to many.

    So what about Kovalev? An unofficial victory over Ward and wins over Cleverly and Pascal should not be overlooked because of an age 35 stoppage loss.