kovalev vs qawi?

TBF this thread is from 2015

 

Qawi breaks down Kovalev and brutalizes him to a stoppage, similar to Ward but in much more one sided and cleaner style.

 

In this fight, Qawi would have no choice but to be the come forward pressure fighter. Kovalev is getting to the point of being badly under rated as a boxer. He was even in boxing with Ward, who never lost and was a very tough guy to out point.

 

My issues with Kovalev (and while not a fan of any modern boxers in particular he is among my favorites to watch), are his punch variety and stamina. I would really like to see him go to the body more and his left hook is slow wide predictably one dimensional. Both of these issues are the reason why I didn’t (and likely the judges) have him winning Ward I. He had to tools, the power and the work rate. But he was slowed by body shots, hadn’t invested in his own body work, and as he slowed down his jab (among the best I have seen, and think among modern guys he and GGG have the strongest jabs around) was no longer able to dominate the fight. He also has a nice right but as he slowed down it became increasingly easy for Ward to time and counter. Against a naturally larger (larger than Ward) stronger and more varied puncher in Qawi I don’t think he would have a problem coming forward. I think he would over the final 4 rounds, but for the first 6 I think Kovalev would try to apply the pressure.

I think it is a good fight, but I think Qawi wins a 12 rd decision...hard to pick modern guys over 15, but I think Kovalev gets stopped in that scenario

 

I like Qawi by decision or late stoppage.

 

Kovalev isn't durable enough to last 12 with Qawi.

 

Dwight mid rounds stoppage.

 

Being deceptive and slick and tough to hit is a relative rarity for a super-aggressive pressure fighter as Qawi was. He was a rare breed. I can't fathom him having any issues with a ponderous, unimaginative, one-dimensional opponent like Kovalev.