The Tarver who derailed RJJ against the Kovalev who Krushed Cleverley would have been one hell of a fight. I would just about edge it to Tarver and by a late, maybe come from behind stoppage. Tarver was big for a Light Heavy, extremely tough, brash and very confident in his ability regardless of who he was fighting. Krushers power would be a problem it would take a few rounds to solve but, I just feel that Tarver has better ring smarts and enough power to trouble and stop a tiring Kovalev.
I really like this fight and actually I put the both at the same kind of level of greatness. I think Tarver has more heart, better timing and will outpoint Kovalev or stop him. Then again Kovalev in the first fight with Ward was a beast so who knows.
I think Kovalev actually wins both at their very best. People forget how good Kovalev because Ward kicked his ass.
The way Tarver handled Clinton Woods at age 40 makes me think he'd beat Kovalev. I wouldn't bet on it though.
tarver would be too flat footed and easy to hit for kovalev, unless he can take his power i dont see tarver winning this fight. i see this fight going the same way the pascal did. tarver landing a few good shots here and there, but kovalevs output and power would be too much for him
he'd be too flat footed to avoid kovalevs punches. and no he doesnt have good to great footwork. his footwork was decent, yall are really overrating tarver now.
You couldn't be more wrong about him being flat footed and easy to hit. He was 158-8 as an amateur and won gold at the world's plus Bronze in 96'. Domestically he was known as a brutal counter puncher in the amauter ranks with world class footwork. I won't rehash what he accomplished in the pro's but will reiterate that he had over 200 fights total pro and am at the highest level and was NEVER stopped or KOed in a career that saw him fight well into his 40's. His footwork and defensive ability was exceptional. It's ok if you think Kovalev would win but you are flat out wrong when it comes to Tarver's capabilities.
Kovalev Decision, although tarver is a talented and tough fighter, hes quite passive. Kovalev is a great jabber and works hard, throws a lot, more than the magic man.
Kovalev power isn't his best asset. Kovalevs jab and ability to control distance is what his arsenal was based around.
I said this a couple years back but with hindsight, Kovalev's losses, how he lost and knowing more of what we know about Kovalev's "deficiencies", I think Tarver beats him by stoppage.
