I expect this would be comparable to Kovalev vs Ward 1. With Bivol being better, but Ward being allowed to spoil and grab and having the judges on his side too, so he'll edge it.
In Ward's whole career he only beat 6 world champions. He's not Mayweather. He clearly lost the first fight to Kovalev. Rematch was terrible officiating too. Ward is so over rated it's beggers belief. Bivol wins this easily. Ward only retired in his best years because he knew he couldn't stay on top at light heavyweight.
Bivol better upgrade his protective cup if this time machine matchup ever takes place. Ward is a low blow specialist. Bivol by easy UD but judges score it a split, still in his favor. He’s got better footwork, better punch resistance and has a great gas tank. Ward lost to KOv in the first one and needed to cheat to beat the alcoholic disinterested version of Kov in the second. Bivol has the strength, punching power and agility to avoid Ward’s usual wrestling match.
The actual fight would unfold in the same manner, regardless of where it was fought. But the scores would not. Bivol would win between eight and ten rounds, while getting fouled two or three times. In Canada or Europe, with neutral judges, and appropriate point deductions, Bivol's score would be between 116 and 118; Ward's between 108 and 114. In vegas, the scores would 115-114, 115-114, 114-114 , a Majority decision for Ward.
Ward beats Bivol,like Ward or not he always found a way to win and is without doubt a top operator. Ok Bivol out pointed Canelo comfortably but Ward would have likely bust Canelo up and stopped him.
Kovalev's best win in his prime was Nathan Cleverly who got beaten by Fonfara. He was down against the likes of Caparello and was exposed against Chilemba. Kovalev wasn't able to knock out an ancient Hopkins who got knocked out of the ring and retired against Smith Jr. Agnew barely survived against Bivol after he got knocked down in round 1, in a fight that lasted 4 rounds while Kovalev needed 7 rounds. AND STILL: Kovalev BEAT Ward, knocked him down, got robbed, despite never being this elite fighter the fans made him. Bivol on the other hand has beaten the P4P #1, an experienced veteran and future ATG, after only 20 fights and he made it look easy. Now imagine what he would do to Ward.
Really Ward stop Canelo what planet do you lot live on. Only thing going for Ward is the judges favouritised him as much as they do Canelo now. I actually think Canelo could beat Ward.
“What planet do you lot live on” omfg Same one as you,same one as everybody else on here but there not that high on themselves that they are so condescending to other posters. Sorry oh great one !
Hard one to judge to be fair, Ward did beat some very good fighters, and did it with a little in hand most of the time. Bivol did beat Alvarez very comfortably, but style makes fights and Ward is a naturally bigger and stronger fighter than Alvarez and would cause problems in the pocket as he did against nearly everyone he ever fought. It would be easier to judge this fight in the future after we see what Bivol does next as it’s still not clear if it was just a bigger stronger, robust fighter with good boxing ability just having too much physical advantages. If he beats Beterbiev or another top natural light heavyweight soon, then it would be much easier for me to determine.
Ward clinches him and hits his ball to victory I joke, Ward isn't fighting that dude at his own weight.
Ward wins this fight, he’s just the better more complete fighter. He would bully Bivol, push him back, and stay in his chest all night long. Bivol can’t fight without space, Ward can.
