nobody is the same after facing Kovalev, ward has faced him twice in a row. So he's softened him up for that beast Beterbiev. If Ward faced Beterbiev, Gvozdyk, Bivol in a row next.. he'd definitely be taking at least one loss that's for sure.
Well, Ward is True Grit man. Nails. However, i am disappointed in his skill level which was certainly chalked up more than it is. He was comprehensively outboxed by Kovalev in both fights until the point where Kov inexplicably tired out after 5rds. Bieterbiev isn't going to get tired. He's younger, faster , stronger than Kov. Not sure if he's more skilled? I highly doubt Andre can make 168lbs again. If he can he should go.
This is the fight I want to see. Ward is very slippery in close range, but can Beterbiev bypass this completely by just ragdolling Ward into a KO punch? Beterbiev is a bigger puncher than Kovalev, IMO.
Cool. Beterbiev In Canada or Russia With a Russian or Canadian ref And 3 Russian or Canadian judges And CoWard has to agree to use RUSADA or CANSADA Surely you don't want your boy to be rolling with loaded dice and have every advantage for all of his fights, right? You are real fans, right? Fairs fair, right? Oh my bad I forgot who I was talking to
I know it seems like certain people are always (sometimes prematurely) looking to elevate the next guy, but Artur Beterbiev would definitely be a hard fight for Andre Ward. I've always believed Beterbiev had the style to give Kovalev massive problems (well before the first Ward fight was even a possibility) as well. Could envision him knocking Kovalev clean out, despite that being a competitive match-up on paper. Kovalev has yet to face anybody in the Pro ranks with Beterbiev's kind of artillery. Unfortunately, Artur's recent managerial problems -- and setbacks when it comes to injuries and inactivity -- might keep him from ever reaching his full potential at LHW. He began his Pro career late, which also compounds all of this. Ward could beat him, sure... but it wouldn't be easy.
Great post Serge I really wanna hear the CoWard fans beat the drum for this one Under those conditions Or what about Kov vs CoWard III In Russia With a Russian ref And 3 Russian judges Both use RUSADA And Semion Mogilevich oversees proceedings (Google him) How you all with that one, CoWard fake fans? You cool with that? Let's see you beat the drum for either of those Under those exact conditions And if CoWard says no (which he will, hence why real fans affectionately refer to him as CoWard) I wanna see you nail him back on his crucifix and give him hell
Beterbiev is a horrible style matchup for Ward. He's NOT the sort of guy that you want to fight inside, where Ward is best at. Artur will win.
Beterbiev is more one dimensional than Kovalev. He's far too slow and predictable for Ward to have much trouble. I'd also wager he has serious stamina issues as all them roids down the years have to take their toll. He's also been shown to not have strong whiskers. Another one of those right hands by Ward and it could be night night for him too. Bivol and Gvozdyk give Warg great fights, not Mr steroid abusing caveman.
Ward's fight plan should revolve around footwork and angles. He definitely has the skill to give Beterbiev serious fits in there, but it's still a dangerous fight. Beterbiev cuts off the ring well and I believe he is a bit stronger on the inside than Kovalev. He also throws explosive short hooks and uppercuts with both hands in close quarters, which is something he and Kovalev do not have in common.
I think he is a LOT stronger than Kovalev on the inside but you make a good point that maybe I am underestimating Ward's ability to make this tough on Beterbiev as well. Ward has good defense and is able to time guys just right for potshots.