Two of the best power jabs that division ever saw. I'm going to take a motivated, non-Vodka version of Kova. He beat Ward, which is a level higher than anyone DM beat.
I like Dariusz to slowly get inside Kovalev's reach, force him out of his comfort zone and break him down in the later rounds.
Me too. The accuracy of Michalczewski is a huge problem for Kovalev. The second half of the fight would see him just trying to make it to the finish line.
Interesting one. Kovalev is better technically, while Michalczewski is that little bit fitter and more durable. Kovalev is vulnerable to the body, but Michalczewski had virtually zero inside game and might struggle to make that count in his favour. Both have heavy, accurate jabs, but I think I'd take Michalczewski's over Sergey's. Michalczewski outjabbed a very good technician in Virgil Hill for the full twelve, which is no mean feat. On the other hand, while he still arguably won the fight by virtue of the knockdown and his heavier shots, Kovalev's jab was second-best to Ward's in their first encounter. Michalczeski was also very well-drilled and consistent in what he did, generally coming on strong in the late rounds (he was doing the same when he eventually lost to Gonzalez, but that time he just left himself too much to do having lost so many of the early rounds). Gun to my head, I'll take Kovalev to win a hard-fought, possibly mildly unpopular decision after overcoming some very hairy moments late on. But it's not a fight I'd be willing to bet on.
Great analysis! I see the fight going the same way although I kind of feel like the more durable Michalczewski could wear down Kovalev late and squeeze out a decision or possibly a late stopage. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting money on this one but would love to see it. Michalczewski was a very durable guy and always came to fight in tip top shape. It's a shame he never fought Maske or Jones jr. He is probably just one more signature win from being a hall of famer even though he beat some really good fighters.
The Kovelav of 2013-2016 beats Michalczewski by late KO and Michalczewski beats the 2017-present Kovelav by late KO.
Great responses. I can certainly see a case for DM, and DM definitely had better longevity (cause he wasnt a drunk). However, I think Kov peaked higher. I'd take the 2013-2014 Kov by late stoppage.
The other thing with the Gonzalez fight is that Dariusz landed over 60% of his punches. And threw a lot. You sure do not see too many 60% guys losing a decision.
I saw a pretty different fight. I could see a draw, perhaps, and Dariusz retaining his title that way, but I couldn't really see him winning it. Overall I think Gonzalez winning a close one felt about right. Michalczewski gave away a lot of the early rounds. His output was very low in those rounds I didn't give him anything in the first four. Gonzalez's gameplan wouldn't have worked against the Dariusz of a few years before, because towards the end he did look in danger of getting walked down and he relied on moving all night long. But against a slightly faded Michalczewski his legs just about held up. He just caught Michalczewski coming in and outworked him as Michalczewski looked as if he'd manoeuvred Gonzalez in to a good position, but was too slow to pull the trigger and get off like he used to be able to. No shame in the loss for Dariusz as he was clearly slowing down by this point, and Gonzalez was no mug. But I do think he was legitimately beaten. Maybe I should take another look at it as we're poles apart in how we saw those first four rounds (unless my memory is playing tricks on me).
Kov krush. Whilst Dariuz appears to have better longevity, if you scratch the surface theres very few good wins in it and its obvious he was making the most of carrying an unrecognised title of the 90s. Had DM had to defend a legit title with good oposition all the time, he'd not have lasted long. DM could have chosen the legit path too by keeping Hill's belts but he seemed more interested in carrying on a fake reign. In the end he made a total of ZERO recognised defences his whole title career, which would be appalling if he hadnt added Hill Rochhi and Griff. IN the end they proved he had some decent world title credentials, but not enough to last up to a unifying elite like Kovie. Plus -Darius would not be able to sustain Kov's title reign.
If you break it down, Kovalev's workrate and power would prevail here. Daruisz was not very busy, did not have the best chin and is not know as a body puncher where Kovalev is vulnerable. Dariusz is a decent fighter when at his best.However his wins of Griffin and Hill are a littled overrated as both were not at their best when they fought him.
Actually I think leeonzer Barber was a real real nice win. Better than anything I've seen from Kovalev. Actually that is a real good fight--Barber and Kovalev.
