This content is protected FTR, I've always hated it when Kov wears those big stupid pillow-sized white gloves.
Usually Kovalev does it when a very important fight is planned next, in order to not injure his hands. He did the same in the Chilemba fight, for example — Sergey already knew he would fight Ward next. And this is an interesting point, by the way. Canelo might be at a bigger risk than he thinks he is...
Kovalev has clearly shown his vulnerabilities, yarde is clearly no Ward. I will say I have thought about him making out of the round versus Ward, how would the next couple of rounds unfolded? Not completely sure are we. I’d have to lean towards Ward continuing his positive trajectory. Props to Kova for teaching the young boy a lesson in stamina....as ironic as that may sound. SK is hard to dislike in that ring, he’s always dangerous and pleasantly inconsistent.
The eye test of Kovalev's performance wasnt good. He looked visibly slower in there, didnt have the explosiveness that he usually has. Physically he looked drained and lethargic, and he got by based on a better boxing brain and an excellent jab. I think Bivol, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev run a train on him. Its clear he cannot fight at a pace and his weakness is to the body. The best thing for Kovalev is the cash out pay day against Canelo and then to retire. This is a young mans game and he has been living the life outside of the ring and it shows.
People are more critical of Kovalev because of his age, and his poor lifestyle. You can see both are affecting him. Those other 3 have their faults but are not leaving themselves open to criticism. Seeing many boxers careers rise and fall. We know what happens to elite boxers who get old, fight on for too long and dont live the life inside the ring.
